Shell Island has causeway access and is cut off by tides twice a day. Usually its fields are green and inviting (Image: Shell Island/Facebook)
Despite its name, Shell Island is not an island but a peninsula near the village of Llanbedr. It only feels like an island when its main route is cut off at high tide on certain days each month. The land where Shell Island campsite now stands has a rich history, dating back to its mention in the Domesday Book of 1086.
The site’s historical significance doesn’t end there, with tales of King Charles I allegedly 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, it 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 used for shipping slate from Llanfair and Llanbedr.
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Visitors can only reach the campsite via a causeway at low tide (Image: Sarah Foster)
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. This transformation was sparked by the opening of the Cambrian Coast Line, which was built between 1855 and 1869. The line provided seaside access to Britain’s emerging industrial workforce.
The arrival of the Workman family in 1958 marked the beginning of creating the destination visitors know today. They purchased 450 acres of land and established what has become one of Europe’s largest campsites.
Shell Island’s heritage buildings have been carefully transformed for modern use throughout the decades. The restaurant, snack bar, and tavern, developed between 1976 and 1977, were once hay barns, stables, and cow sheds, respectively.
The vast beach runs for miles down the coast (Image: Sarah Foster)
Even the toilet block boasts an intriguing history, previously functioning as a homing station for the RAF Station at Llanbedr during wartime.
For countless families, it has become an essential annual pilgrimage, and each year, fresh visitors discover its magical appeal.
Those who become enchanted by the location absolutely cherish it, as evidenced by the glowing five-star Tripadvisor testimonials. One recent review dubbed it “beach heaven” and praised 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!”
The picturesque campsite is linked to the mainland by a causeway (Image: Getty)
Another said it was “Wales at its beautiful best” but feared telling people how good it was. They said: “I would thoroughly recommend but don’t tell everyone as I want to go back!”
But it’s not for everyone with particular complaints over large groups. One negative review said: “Massive groups of loud, not very nice people. The site has really gone downhill since Covid, they say they don’t let groups on but people just book separately and meet up when they arrive.”
Another commented: “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.
Shell Island has causeway access and is cut off by tides twice a day. Usually its fields are green and inviting (Image: Shell Island)
“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.”
These complaints are undoubtedly in the minority though – with approximately 750 of just over 1,000 reviews rating it excellent or good. And it is straightforward to understand why.
The Workman family remarked: “Whether you’re planning a day visit or an extended stay, Shell Island promises a personal slice of paradise for every visitor.