History of Shell Island tidal campsite and why (most) campers love it so much

North Wales Live

4 days ago

The land where Shell Island campsite now lies was once a farm that incredibly dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086. Its place in the history books does not end there although the next significant mention is likely more legend than historical fact.
The current custodians report an intriguing tale of King Charles I reportedly hiding at the nearby Elizabethan mansion Cors Y Gedol Hall in the 1640s before attempting to flee to France, possibly departing from Shell Island's shores through a secret tunnel. This is probably not one to research too heavily unless you want to destroy the legend.
Despite its name the site is not actually an island and is instead a peninsula located near the village of Llanbedr. Its main route is cut off at high tide on certain days each month - creating that island feel.
In fact the area was not even a peninsula until the intervention of part of the nobility in the 19th Century. The current estuary was formed following a diversion of the Afon Artro by the Earl of Winchilsea in 1819 to improve access to the wharf at Pensarn which was the shipment point for slate from Llanfair and Llanbedr.
Prior to this the Artro entered the sea to the south of Shell Island, or Mochras to give it its Welsh name.
Its English name stems from the abundance and variety of seashells found on its beaches. And it was these beaches that started to attract visitors in the second half of the 19th Century.
This was driven by the opening of the Cambrian Coast Line that was constructed between 1855 and 1869, opening up the seaside to the new industrial workers.
It was then the arrival of the Workman family in 1958 that started to create the site it is today. They bought 450 acres of land and created what is now one of Europe's biggest campsites. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now
Over the years, Shell Island's historic structures have been thoughtfully repurposed. The restaurant, snack bar, and tavern, developed between 1976 and 1977, were once a hay barn, stables, and a cow shed, respectively.
Even the toilet block has a storied past, having served as a homing station for the RAF Station at Llanbedr during wartime.
For many families it now requires at least one annual visit while every year a new generation is introduced to its charms.
Those who fall for the place adore it as shown by the five star reviews on Tripadvisor.
One recent review called it "beach heaven" and described the surroundings - with Eryri as a backdrop - as a true feast for the eyes".
They added: "A simply wonderful, divine place."
Another camper said: What an experience to set up camp in this expansive site right on the sand dunes! Spectacular views, lots of space and the beach right there!"
Another said it was "Wales at its beautiful best" but feared telling people how good it was. They said: "I would thoroughly recommend but don't tell everyone as I want to go back!"
"Camping paradise" was the title of another review. It added: "Fantastic location, great staff and value for money. Nowhere better for a sundowner on the beach and often dolphins in the morning passing by. On the UK coast so can be windy and the usual weather but only adds to the charm. Many visits with the kids as children and now as adults. Love it."
But it's not for everyone with particular complaints over large groups.
One negative review said: "Massive groups of loud, not very nice people. The site has really gone down hill since Covid, they say they don't let groups on but people just book separately and meet up when they arrive. There are far better camp sites out there."
Another said: "Considering they say there are 400+ acres it seemed very crowded, if you want a sea view you're going to be within touching distance of your neighbour.
"Definitely not a quite relaxing holiday, more like a festival field, we were booked in for three nights but left after 1, the views are beautiful but it's spoilt by it being overcrowded and some of the people there are maybe not to everyone's taste shall we say."
These are certainly in the minority though - with around 750 of just over 1,000 reviews rating it good or excellent. It is easy to see why.