Discover Glan Morfa Campsite: Affordable Family Camping In Coastal Wales | Campfire Magazine

Campfire Magazine

Where – Glan Morfa Campsite. Llanengan, Pwllheli LL53 7LG (please note campsite with same name close by) MAP LOCATION

Site Contact Number – Tel; 01758 712965
4.7 star review on google.

Date of Visit – 24th May 2024

So it’s bank holiday weekend and who decided to leave booking a campsite to the last minute? That would be me then. However, after making contact with over 50 campsites and having a mild panic attack, I stumbled on this beauty of the site.

There was no website or email address. But having looked at a few pictures and being reassured by their Google reviews and frankly, quite desperate at this point I gave them a call.

After speaking to the delightful owner Medi, I was relieved to book 4 nights with an electric hook up. There was no confirmation sent and no deposit taken. This laid back low tech vibe set the tone for the rest of our stay.

Old school camping in an absolutely beautiful location with a couple who were quite frankly adorable and could not do enough for you.

During our 4.5 hr journey I started to worry, not having any written confirmation of our booking nor having given a deposits I feared we would turn up and not be expected. To calm my nerves, I gave them a quick call and was reassured that they were still expecting us. We arrived in the sunshine which is always a bonus when you’re putting up a tent, especially when you have children and dog in tow.

The site was not that obvious from the road however, this was not an issue for us with my combination of amazing map reading skills, and of course Google Maps. The reception was easy to find and located within the owners house. We were given a very warm welcome. I arrived armed with money to pay but I was told just to settle up before we leave. Trust a very rare occurrence these days, I just hope no one exploits it.

We were given a tour of the facilities on route to our pitch – shower block, toilets, washing up, taps, bins and waste facilities. As expected it was basic but adequate especially as we were only paying £25 a night for the electric pitch in high season for a family of 4 and a dog.

We went on to have a wonderful 4 days exploring the beautiful coastal paths. Our local beach was a 10 min walk it was wild and rocky and a hit with the surfers aptly named Hells Mouth Beach. The waves were so big the noise could be heard at the site.

Abersoch was a 10min drive or I would imagine a lovely walk you could do within the hour – teens in tow we drove. However, we did get them out walking everyday so I can’t complain. Abersoch is a large popular village with beautiful beaches, internationally recognised sailing waters and an abundance of Range Rovers.

With beach huts selling for £250,000 it had a very different feel to the other places in the area. We visited twice with its range of beaches, up market dining and lively evening social scene. Unless you eat in the restaurants which were pricey and always busy or frequented the chippy – which was fabulous, food options are limited. However just 10-15 mins away you have Pthwelli with its big supermarket, and town where I would feel confident you could purchase anything and at a good price. We grabbed takeaway pizzas on our way home one night and took the opportunity to stock up on a few bits whilst there.

Another highlight was our day at Aberdaron this enchanting village is small but perfectly formed with a river running through a beautiful beach, plenty of places to eat and a small supermarket. The girls found a gift shop we all got a lovely bracelet each and an icecream shop to die for. We walked the coast path to see Bardsey island, which I was told after our visit was a magical place and well worth a boat to explore it. A definite must when we return again. Return again we would to the area and to the site although maybe not with the kids.

During our stay, we visited the stunning Aberdaron Beach, a highlight of our trip. This enchanting village beach offers more than just beautiful views; it’s a haven for diverse wildlife. Here are some fascinating details we discovered during our visit:

Marine Life and Wildlife at Aberdaron Beach:

Dolphins and Porpoises: The waters around Aberdaron are home to playful dolphins and porpoises.
Seals: We were lucky to see some seals basking on the rocks. These curious animals are often spotted along the coast, adding to the beach’s charm.
Birdlife: The beach and surrounding areas are a birdwatcher’s paradise. We saw various seabirds, including puffins and razorbills, which nest on the nearby cliffs.
Crabs and Other Marine Creatures: The rock pools at low tide were teeming with life, from crabs to small fish. Exploring these pools was an adventure in itself.

Historical and Natural Significance:

Bardsey Island: Visible from Aberdaron Beach, Bardsey Island is steeped in history and natural beauty. Known as the ‘Island of 20,000 Saints,’ it’s a significant pilgrimage site with a rich heritage.
Conservation Efforts: The local maritime service is dedicated to preserving this pristine environment. Educational signs around the beach highlight the importance of protecting marine life and supporting sustainable tourism.

Positives

Varied area beautiful coves, walks and villages. Plenty of walk’s available from the site.
Great pub 5 min walk. The Sun Inn very popular we needed to book.
Old school camping and hospitality
Old school prices
Plenty of hot water for washing up and in the toilet block.

Negatives

Toilets were not liked by my girls who were constantly on the look out for spiders they were tired and dusty but did the job. The showers were better and consisted of 2 separate unisex showers were cleaner and more modern and worked off a 50p coin exchange. I had plenty of time for a shower and hair wash with one 50p but my 15 year old was gone for hours and managed to use 5!
Not much to do when the weather is bad. We were fortunate to have great weather but that’s the joys of holidays in the uk.
No 4G which in my mind is a bonus but for my hubby and Teens did lead to frustration but the reception at the site was better then in some of the areas we visited.
Booking system or lack of may be a concern for some but the phone was fine snd always easy to get hold of.