Enjoy a Family Activity Holiday at Shell Island in Wales

The promise of a warm summer means looking intoon the beach - especially in the first half of the year,
outdoor activity holidays in the UK this year is now awhen they are particularly abundant - and catching
viable option, and one potential destination for suchcrabs with nothing more than a bucket and a crabbing
breaks is Shell Island in Wales. One of Europe's biggestline. For nature lovers, a number of different species of
campsites and the largest in the UK, Shell Islandbird can be spotted in the area, including catchers,
occupies a prime position on the coast of Snowdonia,redshanks, grebes, cormorants, herons, lapwings,
making for some spectacular countryside views.plovers, snipes and curlews.
On a clear day, you should be able to spot NorthOther winged creatures that you might see during your
Cardigan Bay and the LLyn Peninsula, as well asstay include skylarks, swans, kingfishers, merlins,
Snowdon to the north.buzzards, kestrels and sparrow hawks. If you're a fan
Cader Idris and the Cambrian Mountains lie to theof fishing, you can join the local fishermen as they
south, while you should also be able to see Harlechdangle bait in hope of landing bass, plaice and flounder
Castle and the Rhinogs mountain range.- as well as mackerel on rare occasions - at the north
Shell Island was originally a farm way back in the 11thpoint of Shell Island.
century, according to the Domesday Book.You can also wait until the crowds depart the bathing
The arrival of the railway in the 19th century meantbeaches and fish for Dogfish, skate, thornback rays
that it could be transformed into a holiday destination,and the odd stingray as dusk approaches. If you have
although it only became the campsite you see today ina boat, you can take it to the campsite and sail off to
the 1950s, when the Workman family acquired thenearby locations such as Portmadoc, Barmouth,
450-acre piece of land.Aberdovey, Abersoch and Pwllheli.
Some 300 acres is available for families to camp on,With Shell Island being situated in such a great location
with the rest of the site being occupied by variousfor the attractions of the Welsh countryside and
beaches and a range of facilities. There are threemountain territory, you might want to take in some of
bathing beaches available at Shell Island - a main onethe nearby sights on the way home once your stay at
and two smaller locations that are only available tothe campsite ends.
campers when the tide is out. Other offerings include aYou can visit Harlech Castle to the north if you're going
pub, a snack bar, a restaurant, a supermarket, a giftthat way - this 13th century structure makes for an
store and a leisure outlet that sells those campingimpressive site and is well worth a visit if you want to
essentials you might have forgotten or mislaid.learn more about Welsh history. Alternatively, you
If you don't fancy pitching a tent, you can book acould head south from Shell Island towards Cardigan
chalet or flat located onsite, although there aren't manyBay and enjoy the scenery here. The town of
of these and, in any case, it could be argued thatCardigan itself could be a great place to stay for a
sleeping out under the stars is one of the best waysnight or two while you explore the surrounding
of enjoying the gorgeous Welsh countryside.countryside.
The campsite has a policy of only admitting familiesWhatever you choose to do on your family holiday on
and couples, so you don't have to worry about havingthe Welsh coast, you're sure to come away with
your holiday being ruined by noisy revellers! So whatsome unforgettable memories. With so much for both
can you and your family do while camping in this partadults and children to see and do at Shell Island and
of Wales?beyond, it could be the perfect destination for a
Shell Island offers a number of different activities forsummer holiday this year.
kids and adults alike. Children will enjoy collecting shells