Shell Island, on the coast of Gwynedd in Wales, dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086 and has been a popular campsite for more than 60 years
Despite its name, Shell Island is not an island but a peninsula near the village of Llanbed in Wales. Its main route is cut off at high tide on certain days each month, giving it an island feel.
The land where Shell Island campsite now stands has a rich history, dating back to the Domesday Book of 1086. The site’s historical significance doesn’t end there, with tales 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.
Interestingly, the area wasn’t even a peninsula until the 19th Century when the Earl of Winchilsea diverted the Afon Artro in 1819 to improve access to the wharf at Pensarn, which was the shipment point for slate from Llanfair and Llanbedr.
Before this, the Artro entered the sea to the south of Shell Island, or Mochras as it’s known in Welsh. The English name, Shell Island, comes from the abundance and variety of seashells found on its beaches. These beaches began attracting visitors in the second half of the 19th Century.
The Cambrian Coast Line, constructed between 1855 and 1869, opened up the seaside to the new industrial workers, driving the development of the area.
In 1958, the Workman family arrived and began to shape the site into what it is today. They purchased 450 acres of land and established what is now one of Europe’s largest campsites.
Over time, Shell Island’s historic structures have been carefully 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 an interesting history, having served as a homing station for the RAF Station at Llanbedr during wartime.
For many families, a visit to this place has become an annual tradition, with each year introducing a new generation to its allure. Those who fall in love with the place can’t help but sing its praises, as evidenced by the five-star reviews on Tripadvisor.
One recent review dubbed 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 praised it as: “Wales at its beautiful best” but was hesitant about spreading the word, adding: “I would thoroughly recommend but don’t tell everyone as I want to go back!
However, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, with some visitors expressing dissatisfaction over large groups.
One disgruntled camper wrote: “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 complained: “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.”
However these complaints are certainly in the minority – with around 750 of just over 1,000 reviews rating it good or excellent, and it’s easy to see why.
The Workman family said: “Whether you’re planning a day visit or an extended stay, Shell Island promises a personal slice of paradise for every visitor.