The Paddocks Caravan and Camping

The smell of salt on the breeze here tells you the coast isn't far, even before you spot the first glimpse of Cardigan Bay through the Gwynedd hills.

This is a straightforward site for tenters, caravanners and campervan tourers looking for a no-fuss base in North Wales. You're in proper Snowdonia country — slate villages, serious walking, that particular quality of light that makes you understand why the Welsh have so many words for rain. The mix of pitch types means it suits couples touring the coast road, families ticking off castles, and anyone using the site as a launchpad for the national park rather than a destination in itself.

Facilities are kept simple: showers and toilets onsite, the essentials covered. Check the campfire policy when you arrive if you're planning to cook over flame. The vibe is quiet and functional rather than bells-and-whistles — a place to sleep well after a day out on the mountains or the beach, wake up, and do it all again.