Camping in North Wales is making a comeback this year, according to our bookings experts. Here’s why!
When someone mentions ‘camping in North Wales’, it might bring back memories of school trips in days gone by, or tagging on reluctantly as a teenager to rainy family holidays.
But according to our holiday booking experts here at Lyons Holiday Parks, camping in North Wales is on the rise again this year – and could be the next ‘hottest’ trend in yet another year of the ‘staycation.’
The UK tourism and travel market changed drastically following the pandemic, with campsites across the UK seeing a huge surge in camping, touring, and motorhome bookings. Last year, a record-breaking number of happy campers visited Lyons St Mary’s Touring Park in Gronant as fears surrounding foreign travel ensued.
But why exactly is camping in North Wales on the rise again? In this post, we dig into the reasons behind swapping all-inclusive hotel breaks for air beds and gas cookers…
1. More choice
“The sheer number of campsites out there now is higher than it’s ever been before, and the market is saturated with options to meet everyone’s demands. Gone are the days when camping consisted of pitching a tent in a field and hoping for the best – camping is now seen as the new ‘cool’, which in turn, means campsite operators are working to match the demand,” says Michelle McKelvie, group holiday sales manager for the fifth-generation business.
2. Blast from the past
We’ve all been camping as kids, and often revisiting locations or activities we used to do in our youth can be refreshing and nostalgic. But since the pandemic, studies show that Brits are keener than ever to take up new hobbies or try things they haven’t done in years – just, because! There’s been a shift in the psyche about things that bring joy to us, and going back to the most basic type of ‘getaway time’ allows people to escape, reflect, and enjoy themselves.
3. Immersed in nature
Appreciating wildlife, being immersed in nature, and getting lost in the great outdoors is something the whole nation has taken up in the past two years. Camping in North Wales is the ultimate ‘natural retreat,’ with plenty of destination locations from waterfalls to woodlands, coast to countryside. Michelle said: “The popularity of Lyons Pendyffryn Hall located in Dwygyfylchi has surged in the past 24 months, and we attribute this to our fantastic location. Looking at our data, the majority of our demographic for this park is walkers, hikers, cyclists, and even watersport enthusiasts. This falls in line with our geographical pulls such as being located in Snowdonia National Park, in the foothills of Penmaenmawr, minutes away from Abergwyngregyn Falls and the North Wales coastline.”
4. Autonomy and satisfaction
For some, the thought of putting a tent up in the great outdoors isn’t their idea of a lovely getaway. But there are actually studies that indicate how participating in outdoor recreational activities can lead to a huge sense of satisfaction and pleasure. Think of how smug you feel when you pitch your tent, set up your cosy bedroom, get the fire lit and settle down for the night – it’s a thing, and many outdoor lovers chase this sensation. It can ignite a primal instinct that makes us feel more alive than in a hotel room.
5. Spend a penny, not a pound (no, we don’t mean in the bushes!)
One of the major attractions of camping in North Wales is the affordability, with prices starting from as low as £10 per night at campsites such as Lyons St Mary’s Touring Park near Holywell. Getting a good deal on a break is always a win, and the low cost of camping attracts more people who want to get away of a weekend, week after week, rather than spending lots on one big summer holiday.
6. More social
Forget your all-inclusive, 18-29 cruises in Ibiza – we dub camping as the most social form of a break! When you’re sitting outside your tent cooking, reading playing cards or just relaxing, you’re effectively in your own space but you feel more a part of a community than tucked away in a hotel room. Michelle added: “Camping in North Wales is a great option for larger groups, whether that’s a group of friends or a large family, as it encourages interaction in certain activities like cooking or playing ball games.”
7. Explore more
“Over the past two years, more and more campsites and touring parks have popped up which means people don’t have to travel far to get a good deal. Here in North Wales, we’ve found the majority of campers are from the North-West, especially across the border, and that’s just the beauty of having such a beautiful region so close to England. People like how close Wales is, but it’s far enough away and different to feel like a ‘holiday’ to most.”
Using the tent as a ‘base’ is also what most campers do, and use the lack of luxury to explore more of the area they’re visiting. “If it’s raining, people go and try some nearby activities, or enjoy some local delicacies at cafes, pubs, and bars. When it’s sunny, guests want to visit the beach or go for a walk, and this provides the guest with a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction rather than just sitting by a pool all day drinking beer.”
8. Pet-friendly
“Pet-friendly holidays have skyrocketed since the pandemic, with more people realising that they can take their dog away on holiday with them. Camping can appeal to every member of the family, even four-legged ones, which can save the stress and heartache (as well as the money!) of forking out on kennels or dog-sitters. With camping, you’re already immersed in nature and enjoying the great outdoors so it just makes sense to bring your dog along with you,” Michelle explained.
9. Less commitment
Booking a camping trip can be seen as less stressful, and less of a commitment, than booking a huge holiday through a travel supplier or large organisation, said Michelle. “You can either call the campsite a few days before or book online in just a few clicks for normally a small deposit. The relaxed nature of camping encourages spontaneity, and you’re able to just decide on Wednesday if you want to pack the car and head out to the great outdoors for a couple of nights on the weekend.”
10. Eco-friendly
The role we play in maintaining our natural environment has never been so paramount, with many people worldwide feeling reluctant to travel due to the emissions of cargo planes, ships, and trains. Michelle said: “Camping not only encourages travel by foot or by bike but enhances our connection with the natural world and spending a night in nature does make us feel more responsible for our environment. With the boom in sustainability, movements comes a boom in more ‘eco-friendly’ stays, where people take more responsibility for their footprints and rubbish, and the more we see of that, the better.”
Where can you go camping in North Wales?
Try Lyons Pendyffryn Hall in Dwygyfylchi, nestled between the coast and country in the foothills of Snowdonia, or Lyons St Mary’s Touring Park in Gronant, located right next to a nature reserve, fishing lake, and only a five-minute drive from the seaside tourist towns of Rhyl and Prestatyn. Call us on 01745 855326 to book your camping from only £10 per night now!
