logo
'Out of this world' Eryri campsite with 'fairytale' waterfall named amongst UK's best

'Out of this world' Eryri campsite with 'fairytale' waterfall named amongst UK's best

An idyllic Gwynedd campsite in an 'out of this world' location has been named among Britain's best. Perched by a river, close to a waterfall, the wooded site in Eryri National Park is said by guests to have a 'fairytale 'quality.
Nantcol Waterfalls was included in a list of 150 outstanding sites operated by Campsites.co.uk, which has more than 3,200 locations on its books. Nineteen other campsites in North Wales were featured, highlighting the quality of the region's staycation offer.
Nantcol Waterfalls campsite is nestled among the stunning Rhinog mountains yet is just two miles from Shell Island and its sandy beaches near Llanbedr - this week named the best in Wales in the annual Times and Sunday Times Best UK Beaches guide.
Running through the site is Afon Nantcol – handy for a paddle, swim or even a spot of fishing. The waterfall after which it gets its name is 100 metres away. As well as tent pitches, the site has glamping pods with TV, underfloor heating and WiFi and firepits for hire.
Last year the campsite was named the UK's number one and guests clearly agree, giving it a 4.89 star rating. One said: 'Only noise you can hear are the birds, river and odd sheep. It really is a peace of paradise, we didn't want to come home."
Another added: 'We've officially found our happy place. The site is so well maintained, sustainable, and focused on preserving the beauty of nature.'
Nantcol Waterfalls has optional electric grass pitches for tents and tourers, plus waterside bell tents and luxury glamping pods. New this year is a wood-fired sauna and motorhome hire.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

The 20 campsites in North Wales named on list of UK's best
The 20 campsites in North Wales named on list of UK's best

North Wales Live

time21 hours ago

  • North Wales Live

The 20 campsites in North Wales named on list of UK's best

Twenty campsites in North Wales have been named on a list of the best camping locations in the UK. The annual list highlights the very best camping, glamping, and touring sites across the UK, celebrating those who offer their campers a reliably great holiday. From holiday parks on the beach, to eco camping and luxury glamping, these hand-picked sites are a combination of award winners and other sites who have continually gained excellent reviews and delivered a first class holiday in the great outdoors. Martin Smith, the founder of said: "I'm really pleased to launch our list of Outstanding Sites for 2025. Every one of these sites is a trusted favourite with our audience and a great choice for your break this summer.". Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Here are the 20 North Wales sites on the UK list: Gwynedd Plas Gwyn Caravan and Camping Park, Llanrug, Caernarfon Twll Y Clawdd Touring and Camping Park, Llanrug, Caernarfon Tros Y Waen Holiday Park, Pentir, Bangor Llys Derwen Caravan and Campsite, Llanrug, Caernarfon Cae Lal, Bangor Nyth Robin, Aberdyfi Nantcol Waterfalls in Llanbedr Anglesey Ty Cochyn Caravan and Campsite, Holyhead Ael y Garnedd, Star, Gaerwen Bryn Ednyfed Caravan Site, Holyhead Ysgubor Fadog Caravan Site, Brynteg Pods Pwll Coch, Amlwch Presaddfed - Druids' Rest, Holyhead Conwy Bron y Wendon Holiday Park, Llanddulas Bryn Ffanigl Ganol Caravan and Camping Park, Abergele Three Streams Glamping, Llanfairfechan Tan Y Bryn Touring, Llandudno Trwyn yr Wylfa Camping Site, Penmaenmawr Denbighshire Gaerhyfryd Caravan Site, Corwen Abbey Farm Caravan and Glamping, Rhuddlan

I found the perfect Welsh coast walk with secluded swim spot and food right on the beach
I found the perfect Welsh coast walk with secluded swim spot and food right on the beach

Wales Online

timea day ago

  • Wales Online

I found the perfect Welsh coast walk with secluded swim spot and food right on the beach

I found the perfect Welsh coast walk with secluded swim spot and food right on the beach Combine beaches, woodlands, and a pancake stop on this straightforward coastal hike The 180-mile Pembrokeshire Coastal Path is a well-established National Trail within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park (Image: Shared Content Unit ) There's no better way to embrace the great outdoors than lacing up your hiking boots and heading for the Welsh coast. With the salty breeze in your hair, the crash of waves and dreamy sea views stretching to the horizon, walking along the bracing Welsh coastline invigorates the senses. Wales has an extraordinary 870-mile-long coast path – the first in the world to trace an entire nation's shoreline. The famous trail bursts with dramatic headlands, hidden coves, ancient ruins, and wildlife. While walking its full length is a bucket-list challenge you don't need to be an ultra-hiker to enjoy its best bits. ‌ Throughout the long-distance route countless short walks and circular trails offer epic coastal scenery without requiring a full expedition. One of my favourite treks, which I recently discovered, is in Pembrokeshire. It features sandy shores, secluded bays, and a pancake and waffle hut right on the beach. ‌ The 5.1-km out-and-back walk is from Saundersfoot Beach to Monkstone Point and features some inclines through a wooded area as you trace the shore. You can follow the coast's path signs or download the trail on the AllTrails app. It starts at the coastal village of Saundersfoot. Considered a "compact version of Tenby" the swish seaside town has a sandy beach that has just been crowned among the best in the UK in The Times' annual Best UK Beaches guide and is described as a beach that "rewards explorers". The 17th edition of the list was compiled by chief travel writer Chris Haslam, who visited and inspected 756 beaches across the UK. Chris' selection was based on an exhaustive 11-point inspection checklist. Article continues below The criteria encompassed water quality, cleanliness, accessibility, car parking facilities, lifeguard presence, hygiene standards at toilets and showers, and dog-friendliness. Outside of the acclaimed beach the town and surrounding area have plenty of things to see and do including a coastal trail, proper pubs, independent shops, and cafes. If you want to experience the scenic shoreline, though, the best thing to do is lace up your hiking boots and hit the coast path. ‌ Saundersfoot Beach to Monkstone Point hike The walk starts on the beach (Image: St Brides Spa Hotel ) From Saundersfoot Beach head towards the harbour. This marine hub, completed in 1834, primarily served Pembrokeshire's burgeoning coal industry. The harbour facilitated coal exports, significantly contributing to the local economy. In recent years Saundersfoot Harbour has undergone significant redevelopment to modernise its facilities, establish new business ventures, and promote local heritage through the Welcome and Heritage Centre. ‌ From the harbour follow the B1436 and you'll soon reach the award-winning clifftop St Bride's Hotel and Spa, where you can gaze over Saundersfoot Bay from their jaw-dropping infinity swimming pool and elevated rooms. This privately-owned hotel is a few minutes from the beach allowing guests to enjoy ocean therapy before indulging in the many spa treatments. I highly recommend this swish coastal bolthole if you want to stay longer in Saundersfoot. You'll continue along the Glen Road from the hotel until you reach the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, which you'll follow through the peaceful Glen Woods as it ascends over the craggy shoreline. ‌ Part of the walk goes through beautiful woodlands (Image: Portia Jones ) As you climb higher you'll see the sandy Glen Beach. This woodland and cliff-backed beach has two main access points: Saundersfoot Harbour at low tide and Glen Woods when the tide is in. Visit early, during the off-season, and you'll have a secluded spot where you can swim in clear waters or enjoy a picnic with sweeping coastal views. ‌ Keep going and you'll soon pass Swallow Tree Gardens behind you – a small holiday park situated yards from the beach and sheltered by pinewoods. The perfect spot for a breather (Image: Portia Jones ) Follow the coast path and soon reach Monkstone Point – a secluded rocky headland with golden sands and naturally-formed pools. You can spend a good few hours here swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the unusual rock formations. ‌ To return to Saundersfoot follow the coast path back the way you came and look for a pancake hut on the beach and a mobile sauna overlooking the shore. Have pancakes on the beach On Saundersfoot's golden sands you'll find Crêp Da (Image: Portia Jones ) Hungry after your hike? On Saundersfoot's golden sands you'll find Crêp Da, a cutesy pop-up pancake van run by Courtney and Anouk. This compact green van sells a delectable selection of freshly-made pancakes and waffles along with iced coffee, hot chocolate, and hot drinks. ‌ Their fresh-off-the-griddle crepes and golden waffles come piled high with your pick of sweet gooey goodness. Expect melty Nutella and strawberries, maple syrup with sliced banana, or simple sugar and lemon. Craving something extra? There are also plenty of drool-worthy specials like Smarties-studded waffles, Twix-packed crepes, and Bounty-topped beauties. Each one is as outrageously delicious as it is Instagrammable. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here . There are also plenty of drool-worthy specials (Image: Portia Jones ) ‌ Hwyl Outdoor Sauna If you need a moment to unwind after hiking and feasting on pancakes why not book a sauna session with a sea view? You can enjoy wellness by the water at Hwyl Outdoor Sauna – a mobile wood-fired sauna overlooking the award-winning blue-flagged beach. This sustainability-focused sauna sources its wood locally and has the cleanest-burning sauna fire available, keeping its carbon footprint low. Who doesn't love a steamy sesh with eco credentials? ‌ A treat awaits (Image: @sillbillsocial ) Bookable for 25-minute and 50-minute sessions, enjoy the invigorating experience of deep healing and mindfulness using the heat of the sauna and the bracing cold of the sea. You can book slots for a shared sauna or a private session to rent the whole six-person sauna just for yourself and your friends and family for a steam and epic sea view. ‌ Pint with a view The perfect finale (Image: harbwrbarandkitchen/Facebook ) Round off your trip to Saundersfoot with a lovely pint with a view. Pull up a chair at Harbwr Bar & Kitchen, perfectly perched on Saundersfoot Harbour, and settle in for a laid-back pub sesh with some lovely Welsh brews. This stylish seaside spot is the swish sister venue of Tenby's award-winning Harbwr Brewery, which is pouring the good stuff straight from the source. Article continues below If you're more into your spirits don't miss the Harbwr Dry Gin, crafted in west Wales and distilled with actual beer. It's crisp, coastal, and perfect with tonic and a slice of citrus.

See which Powys campsites are ranked among the UK's best
See which Powys campsites are ranked among the UK's best

Powys County Times

time3 days ago

  • Powys County Times

See which Powys campsites are ranked among the UK's best

Several Powys caravan and camping sites were featured on a list of the top 150 sites across the UK. The website has compiled a list of the 150 best camping, glamping and touring sites across the UK for 2025, in a combined list of award winners and highly rated sites that the website says offer a 'consistently excellent experience'. Six Powys campsites were featured in the list, spread across the county and ranging from family run campsites to pitch tents on to luxurious cabins. Here are the Powys sites that made the list and what the website had to say about them. Cwmdu Campsite, Crickhowell As well as being featured in the 2025 Outstanding sites list, this campsite in the Brecon Beacons was named as the Best Campsite in Mid Wales by in the website's 2024 Camping and Glamping Awards. Describing the site, it said: 'Cwmdu Campsite, the perfect camping location in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park, with walks into the Beacons and Black Mountains on the doorstep. 'You will have a pub and cafe within a ten minute walk, and be just five minutes from the picturesque market town of Crickhowell and Greenman Festival, with Abergavenny 15 minutes away. Dogs are also welcome and fire pits are encouraged.' Lakeside Caravan Park, Llangorse said: 'Lakeside Caravan Park offers an ideal escape to the great outdoors with wonderful countryside views and Llangorse Lake just next door. 'Grass and hardstanding pitches welcome tents and tourers, with the option of an electric hook up too. Enjoy a treat from the onsite shop or cafe, with boat hire, fishing and watersports available too.' Gwerniago Camping Site, Pennal Moving to a different Mid Wales mountain range, this site is in the south of Snowdonia and finished runner up in the website's Best Mid Wales Campsite at the 2024 awards. The website said: 'Gwerniago Camping Site offers a rural getaway with views over the Dovey Estuary and countryside. 'Tents and tourers are both welcome, with a selection of grass pitches and fully serviced hardstanding. Both family and dog friendly, guests can enjoy peace and quiet with access to a wide range of walking routes.' Bryndu Caravan and Camping, Llandefalle Heading back to the Brecon area, described this site by saying: 'Bryndu Caravan and Camping is a quiet family run caravan and camping site in Mid Wales, ten minutes from the Brecon Beacons. 'There are spacious grass and hard standing pitches with optional electric hook ups and a handy water point on every pitch. Enjoy onsite spa treatments and top facilities.' Spring Rock Fishery and Caravan Park, Llandegely An adult-only campsite found near Llandrindod Wells, this site was recognised as a runner-up in the website's awards for the best adult-only campsite in Wales category at the 2024 awards. It said: 'Spring Rock is a secluded and scenic adult-only site offering a relaxing getaway near the Elan Valley. 'The site offers electric hardstanding motorhomes and touring caravan pitches, along with a cosy glamping pod and a luxury lodge for couples. 'Set under the Llandegley Rocks, overlooking a pleasure fishing lake, and within easy reach of great walking spots and waterfalls, this is a great spot for those looking to enjoy the outdoors.' Cwmllwyd Getaways, Carno This site offers luxury glamping cabins, including one made from a converted railway carriage. In its description the website said: 'Cwmllwyd Getaways offers luxurious cabins and a converted railway carriage surrounded by breath-taking valley views. 'Each accommodation offers a cosy interior complete with all the necessary amenities, as well as a decking area with seating and a hot tub. 'This tranquil location is the perfect escape for those looking to switch off from their daily routines and recharge their batteries.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store