Nore Valley Park

Bennettsbridge, County Kilkenny, Ireland

www.norevalleypark.com

The working farm, in which this 60 pitch family orientated camp site is set, provides the main focus of the park and is understandably one of the main draws for those customers who return year after year.

All camp guests have free access to the farm and are actively encouraged to help with small farm tasks and feeding the animals, which of course appeals enormously to children of all ages. There is a wide range of activities on offer – mainly of the outdoors fun variety and include straw play areas, go-karts and a giant chess set. Some of the activities attract a small extra charge.

Nore Valley Park are proud holders of an impressive set of tourism industry accolades bestowed through the ‘Failte Ireland Awards’ scheme which include ‘Best Family Friendly Site’, ‘Best 3 Star Park’, ‘Environmentally Friendly Award’ and an ‘Ambience Award’.

Facilities: Toilets and showers, electric hook-up, children’s play area and straw play area, giant chess, pool room, sand-pit with diggers, crazy golf, go-karts, trailer rides, animal feeding, 3D maze, small shop, home baked bread/scones/pizza/quiches and continental breakfast available

Open: Beginning of March to end of November

Cost: Per night charges – caravan pitch €12/motor-home pitch €11, adults €4, children over two €4, electric €4

Hidden Valley Holiday Park

Rathdrum, County Wicklow, Ireland

www.irelandholidaypark.com

Located at the edge of the Wicklows Mountains National Park, the Hidden Valley is surrounded by a wealth of attractions of both the natural, historical and modern man-made variety. However, without even stepping off the site there is so much to occupy holiday makers that many won’t feel the need to tear themselves away and explore further afield.

There is lots and lots of entertainment, both organised and otherwise, laid on for children and adults of all ages but it is rather more of the earthy variety than that often associated with holiday parks. Many of the activities centre around the Avonmore River which flows through the park and a private lake. The river has its own sandy beach and is gently flowing and shallow enough to make it safe and fun for swimming and beautiful enough for generally lazing about.

Kayaks and rowing boats can be hired from the site, while for something a little less serene but rather more fun try one of the bumper boats (think dodgems on water) complete with water blasters.

If you fancy something a little less wet then go exploring on one of the walking trails which lead directly from the park where wildlife and bird-life abounds.

If, as a parent, you dread the words ‘I’m bored’ then rest assured this will not be an issue here. If, on the other hand you have no kids in tow then this is a site which will equally appeal. In fact, there truly is something for everyone here.

Facilities: Electric hook-up, choice of hard standing and grass pitches, super pitches available with individual water supply and waste disposal, toilets and showers, laundry room, camp kitchen with dish wash and cooking facilities, kids’ outdoor adventure fun park, café serving hot drinks and cakes, fishing, kayak and row boat hire, bumper boats, football coaching and organised matches, cinema nights, family bingo, kids’ disco, walking trails, kayak lessons and certification, camp-fires allowed at river

Open: 16TH March to 30TH September and October bank holiday

Cost: Per night charges – pitch+unit per night – from €10, each adult €6, each child (aged 2 – 15) €4, electric €4

Lough Key Forest and Adventure Park

Boyle, County Roscommon

www.loughkey.ie

Lough Key is not so much a camp site as its own little kingdom complete with such things as a fairy bridge, follies, souterrain, lake, viewing tower, a network of 19^th century servants’ tunnels and gardens. That is because it is part of a vast estate of parkland, forest and woodland and home to an activity centre – the type of place which children’s dreams are made of.

The natural world, wildlife and walking trails amid beautiful scenery sit cheek by jowl with 21^st century entertainment options giving campers and caravanners easy access to the best of both worlds. Action packed and exciting or laid back and lazy – you choose.

One of the highly unusual features of Lough Key is its Swedish boda borg, a 2 storey, 47 room building which alone could keep every member of your party occupied for the holiday duration. If you remember the TV show the ‘Crystal Maze’ then you might be able to picture the concept.

Boredom will not be an issue here – but trying to fit everything in before the holiday draws to a close might be.

Facilities: Electric hook-up, toilets and showers, launderette, recreation room, outdoor play area, lakeside café, shop, gift shop, forest and park walking trails, tree canopy walk, observation tower, adventure play kingdom, boda borg, 19^th century servants tunnels, bog gardens

Open: March to November

Cost: Per night charges – €22 per pitch, €5 per adult, €5 per child, €3 electric

Wave Crest Caravan Park

Caherdaniel, County Kerry, Ireland

www.wavecrestcamping.com

This is one of those sites which has all the must-have facilities as well as a few extras but still manages to retain that small, friendly and informal camp site feel.

The number one thing going for Wave Crest is its location – bang smack on the shore front but with the advantage of a slightly elevated position meaning that the beaches, coves and mountains which surround this site can be viewed in all their splendour. Basking sharks, the gentle and majestic giants of the ocean, as well as pods of dolphins are regularly seen cruising the waters of the bays and bird-life abounds so nature lovers will be satisfied. It is little wonder then that this site was voted ‘Best Coastal Site’ by the ‘Irish Caravan and Camping Council’ in 2009.

As could perhaps be easily guessed, much of the entertainment here comes in the form of water based activities so boating, sailing, fishing and swimming are all hugely popular while the area around Wave Crest has a host of attractions from every category – historical, cultural, archaeological, sporting and 21^st century family entertainment.

Facilities: Electric hook-up, showers and toilets, dish wash area, laundry, TV room, children’s play area, shop and deli, fishing supplies, café, games room, Internet access

Open: All year

Cost: Per night charges – €19 per pitch, €2 each adult, €2 per child, €4 electric

Acton’s Beachside Caravan and Camping Eco-Park

Claddaghduff, Clifden, Connemara, County Galway

www.actonsbeachsidecamping.com

Acton’s Eco-Park, part of an organic farm, is the ideal camping base if you love the idea of wild camping but don’t want the inconveniences it entails. It’s also the perfect choice if your vision of the perfect holiday involves days spent surrounded by natural beauty, gazing across Atlantic seascapes over a white sand beach and spending starlit nights around a camp fire (which isn’t just allowed here but encouraged).

There are times when it can feel like there is no-one else here which is partly thanks to the way the site owners have set out the pitches amongst sand dunes and machair to make them private and secluded.

As if all this wasn’t enough then rest assured that you can camp here knowing that while you holiday you are helping to do your bit towards conservation and all things eco-friendly. Acton’s is totally committed to operating on a sustainable, green, environmental and ethical basis. Some of it is obvious such as the recycling and electricity supplied through wind power while some things are rather more subtle and behind the scenes.

If playing at the beach or ocean gazing won’t keep you stimulated enough then check out the many things to see and do in the area which range from the low impact such as bird-watching, exploring ancient remains, walking to the tidal island of Omey or scuba diving to high energy and thrill packed options such as surfing.

Facilities: Electric hook-up (supplied by wind power), toilets and showers, laundry, fishing points, dog friendly site (no charge), eco-friendly fire pits for camp fires, fully enforced child protection policy, recycling, shop service, boat mooring, Wi-Fi, scheduled events calendar, free telephone calls to UK and Ireland

Open: All year

Cost: Per night charges – €10 per pitch, €5 each adult, €3 each child, €4/5 eco-tricity

While some of us are looking for sites that offer every modern convenience and amenity, the rest of us are seeking somewhere natural and want to be as far removed as possible from the sounds of jangling slot machines and karaoke performers.

Here we try and include something for everyone so that whether you are looking for party central or wilderness hide-away you should find something to suit.

Here are C4Caravan’s top picks for the best caravan and camp sites in Wales…

Caerfai Bay Caravan and Tent Park

Fford Caerfai, St Davids, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales, SA62 6QT

www.caerfaibay.co.uk

Nature lovers, beach bunnies and all those who enjoy lying back in their camp chair and ocean gazing will love this camp-site. Pembrokeshire is not short of dazzling beach scenery but the location of this site, perched on the cliffs of Caerfai Bay, is about as good as it gets. The beach, where dolphins are often seen cruising past, is a natural playground of rock pools, caves and crystal clear calm waters perfect for snorkelling – all guaranteed to keep the younger family members (and perhaps the not so young) occupied for hours if not the entire holiday.

Although you could laze away every day without stepping outside the camp-site there is plenty to see and do should you manage to tear yourself away. Canoe trips, kayaking, coastal boat cruises, whale and dolphin watching tours, surf lessons and jet boating are just a few of the options open to water and nature lovers while history and culture enthusiasts are equally catered for.

Pembrokeshire is home to more than 50 hill forts and castles which range from the wonderfully preserved to the romantically ruined. Or step back even further in time and check out standing stones, ancient settlement remains, barrows and dolmens – a type of Neolithic burial chamber.

So what do you fancy? Walking, fishing, climbing, rock-pool adventuring, swimming or joining one of the many tours on offer such as learning how to forage for wild food? The problem here won’t be finding enough to do – it will be puzzling out how to fit it all in.

Facilities: Showers and toilets, electric hook-up, dogs allowed (on a lead at all times), telephone, laundry, dish washing area, Internet, disabled toilet and shower, rest area, tourist information, recycling, farm shop (100 yards)

Open: 1^st March to second week in November

Cost: from £11.50 per night for 1 unit and 2 people + £4 per night electric hook-up

Cenarth Falls Holiday Park

Cenarth, Newcastle Emlyn, Ceredigion, Wales, SA38 9JS

www.cenarth-holipark.co.uk

It’s not really surprising that this holiday park boasts an impressive trophy cabinet – a David Bellamy Gold Award, Calor Gas ‘Best Park in Wales, a 5 star rating from ‘Visit Wales’ tourism board and proud holders of ‘Loo of the Year Awards’ held every year since 1994!

From these ratings alone we can deduce that the park is eco-friendly, has exceptional facilities and is spotlessly clean. However, sparkling toilets and shower-rooms are just the tip of the bragging rights iceberg for site owners, the Davies family. This site has all the facilities you would associate with something that has ‘holiday park’ in the title such as swimming pools (indoor and out); a health and country club with Jacuzzi, fitness suite, sauna, restaurant and live entertainment every weekend; children’s playground, games room and the like, but it is all planned out in such a way that you can immerse yourself in this atmosphere or enjoy peace and quiet instead.

The 2 acre field of 29 pitches is set aside from all that is going on and is surrounded by beautiful, unspoiled countryside. Just a short walk away is Cenarth Falls where the salmon leap when the season is right and the picture postcard pretty historical village of Cenarth. The stunning Cardigan Bay coast is just 7 miles away too.

Cenarth Falls Holiday Park is for those who want the best of both worlds – a quality holiday park with exceptional facilities but with a chance to escape easily to peace and solitude when the mood takes them.

Facilities: Toilets and showers; Coracles Health and Country Club with indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, fitness suite, bar and restaurant and live entertainment (pay as you go or discounted membership passes available for park guests); outdoor pool (not heated); children’s playground; games room with pool table and video games machines; Wi-Fi; launderette; dog friendly site; hard standing; electric hook-up.

Open: March to November

Cost: From £16 to £27 per pitch per night for one unit and up to 4 people (includes electric hook-up)

Gwern Gof Isaf Campsite

Capel Curig, Betws-y-Coed, Snowdonia, North Wales, LL24 0EU

www.gwerngofisaf.co.uk

Although much frequented by those hardy outdoor types, Gwern Gof Isaf camp-site is also a firm favourite with those who want to surround themselves with spectacular mountain scenery without necessarily feeling the urge to scale the peaks towering over them. Of course should you feel energetic then there is plenty to occupy you – a wealth of walking and climbing options which range from easy strolls to kamikaze; the National Mountain Centre 2 miles from the site which offers, amongst other things, canoeing, orienteering and abseiling and also mountain biking and pony trekking within a few miles.

The camp-site itself is part of a 750 acre National Trust farm and so special is the location deemed that in 2006 Gwern Gof Isaf camp-site featured in the Independent’s ’50 Best Campsites in the World’ list.

The site can take touring caravans and larger motor-homes but space for these is limited so be sure to call ahead to check availability.

Facilities: Wash-rooms, toilets and hot showers, electric hook-up, chemical toilet disposal, washing up area

Open: All year

Cost: £10 per night per pitch (includes electric) for vans and caravans

Pilbach Holiday Park

Betws Ifan, Rhydlewis, Newcastle Emlyn, Cardiganshire, Wales, SA44 5RT

www.barkersleisure.com/holidayparks/pilbach_holiday_park

This site, set in 15 acres of parkland, is particularly suited to families and those who want a range of modern facilities and entertainment options without over-commercialism. Touring caravans and motor-homes have a choice of three large fields to choose from and there is also a choice of pitches between standard and fully-serviced super-pitches which offer electric, hard-standing, water and instant drainage of grey water.

The company, which also owns sites at Aberaeron (a coastal park) and Aberdwylan, has frequent special holiday offers which include large discounts.

The site is located just three miles from Aberporth – an award winning, safe swimming beach and, listed on the park’s website, are a diverse range of attractions in the immediate and wider area which will suit all pockets, ages and tastes.

Facilities: Showers, toilets, electric hook-up, super pitches available (hard-standing, individual water point and grey waste drainage), heated pool with toddler’s area, bar and restaurant, amusement arcade, all-sports field, play area, laundry facilities, on-site shop, dog friendly site with dog walking field, entertainment (karaoke competitions, bingo and cabaret acts)

Open: All year

Cost: From £17 per pitch per night (£19 super pitch) including electric hook-up

Llyn Gwynant Campsite

Nantgwynant, Snowdonia, Wales, LN55 4NW

www.gwynant.com

(NOTE: The is no electrical hook up on this site)

This is the type of camp-site which although not unusual for tent campers is as rare as hen’s teeth for those who want to pitch a caravan or motor-home. It is true, back to basics holidaying for those who love the outdoors and comes complete with camp-fires and breathtaking scenery.

The metre deep river which runs through the site would probably provide all the opportunity for adult and kids fun that is needed, but there is much more at this action packed natural playground! Rock climbing, abseiling, canoeing, kayaking, lake coasteering (a combination of swimming, climbing, scrambling and cliff jumping), raft building and orienteering…..and the list goes on. Kids can be passed over to the professional instructors leaving parents free to laze away their days by the lakeside or maybe hire a boat from on-site to cruise the river. Of course if they want to they can get stuck in with the kids.

Most of the activities take place from June to September when the site is lively and sometimes full of school groups. Outside of school summer holidays the camp-site is about as quiet and secluded as you are likely to get in the UK. There is only licensing and room for ten caravans/motor-homes at any one time (15 allowed during bank holidays) so do check ahead to avoid disappointment.

Facilities: Hot water showers, toilets, chemical disposal point, dish washing area, freezer for ice packs

Open: Easter to November

Cost: £8 per person per night, children 5 – 15 are £4 per night (under 5s free)