Anyone live in, or know, North Wales holiday places?

[ColinM50]

Hired a motorhome a few months ago for a few days and went to the south coast Brighton, Hastings, Bexhill etc and was quite disappointed. Our initial idea was we'd go to say Bexhill, park up on the beach front car park, have a walk along the beach with the dog, a cup of tea and move on to the next place. So a few days touring the area and exploring,

But it didn't work out like that.

Apparently everywhere is scared stiff of gypsies/travellers invading their car parks that they've ALL installed steel bars two metres high on all car park entrances so you can't get a motorhome or caravan in the car park. Which sort of spoilt the whole idea. The only places we could park was Tesco or Asda, not the most attractive locations for a holiday I'm sure you'll agree.

We're willing to give it one more go before we give up the idea of buying a motorhome so plan to try North Wales. Never been there before (typical soft southern shandy drinkers eh?) but would appreciate it if we could find out if it's the same there.

So for example places like Colwyn Bay or Rhyl or Amlwych, Llangoed, Cemas Bay, Caernarfon, etc, can we park on the sea front in a motorhome or do they have the same height restrictions too?

Any info would be much appreciated.

[mgroadster]

Don't Bother with the likes of Rhyl. My wife and I went there for a day when we lived not far away....It's a terrible run down place, and we even felt uncomfortable leaving the car in a side road off the Prom....Drive on by!
Most resorts are wise to Campers looking for "freebies" instead of the recognised sites and block the entrances with height restrictions.
If you are going in season, You will also be up against parking restrictions at any time (even in a layby) where they put signs saying....No overnight parking. SO, stop being a tight wad, put yer hand in your pocket and go to a site at night.

[ColinM50]

It's not a question of being a tightwad MG, it's a question of where to park while we have a walk round or lunch or something. Do you expect tourists to park way out of town at some inaccessible by public transport campsite to visit and explore (and spend money in) your town?

I'm quite happy to pay for parking, just trying to establish if there's any I can access with a motorhome.

[JQ]

If you want somewhere nice to stay then try www.shellisland.co.uk. The views are amazing and everything is available onsite - bar, restaurant, supermarket, camping shop and a beautiful beach. It's not 5* but it does what is says on the tin. We stayed there with the kids about 3 weeks ago and loved it. It's not too far from Harlech.

Caveat - I'd imagine it's very popular during school holidays, so it may be over-run with kids during those times.

[kiteless]

Try this place:

http://www.aberdaronlink.co.uk/

Unutterably pretty. Very remote.

[Arnold The Bat]

ColinM50 said:

It's not a question of being a tightwad MG, it's a question of where to park while we have a walk round or lunch or something. Do you expect tourists to park way out of town at some inaccessible by public transport campsite to visit and explore (and spend money in) your town?

I'm quite happy to pay for parking, just trying to establish if there's any I can access with a motorhome.

Criccieth has plenty of easily accessible parking on the seafront.
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=Criccieth,+LL52,+U...

Borth y gest is also quite nice with some good beaches, again good parking.
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=Criccieth,+LL52,+U...

At Blackrock you used to be able to park on the beach but I'm not sure if that's still the case but there are plenty of caravan parks which give access straight onto the beach.
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=Criccieth,+LL52,+U...

I can also second Shell Island but in the school holidays it is absolutely crazy on there so maybe best avoided and also be aware that at high tide it gets cut off from the main land. We used to have lots of fun watching people trying to negotiate the flooded causeway in their cars.

[Wings]

I spent most of last summer touring in Dorset, Devon and Cornwall, had no problems in using local car parks, or sea fronts for parking.

This year i intend touring North Wales, mainly the Isle of Anglesea and Snowdonia. Searches via google of web sites such as the camping and caravanning club will help with planning one's holiday.

http://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/