Hard Standing Pitch

As a camper, there are occasions when you arrive at your destination, exit the vehicle and actually need a few minutes to gawp open-mouthed at the views before you pull yourself together and manage to set up camp. This is one of those occasions. Blackthorn Farm, a lovely family run Camping and Touring Site (with self catering accommodation and a bed and breakfast too) is situated in an idyllic spot by Trearddur Bay, on the west coast of Holy Island in North Wales. It is set in 18 acres of outstanding, unspoilt beauty with panoramic views over the Irish Sea, the Snowdonia Mountains and across the Isle of Anglesey.

Trearddur Bay itself has a sheltered and sandy Blue Flag graded beach set into a dramatic rocky coastline. The sweeping curve of sand slopes gently into the sea and the beach gets the sun all day long. It is excellent for sunbathing, swimming, rockpooling and watersports such as sailing and kayaking. Along this stretch there are many other smaller beaches and inlets which you can explore along the coast road leading to the South Stack Lighthouse.

Facilities at Blackthorne Farm are of a high standard, with electric hook-ups, a good shower and toilet block, WiFi, Laundry and a great shop selling essentials - plus they have a cafe where you can get breakfasts and packed lunches should you wish, ideal to take along on a day trip for a picnic.

So, a bit about Holy Island if you’re not familiar with it. It is a small island (only 15 square miles) just to the west of the larger Isle of Anglesey and well connected to it by two roads. It is known as “Holy” because of the large amount of standing stones and burial chambers on the island, dating back as far as 6,000 years ago. One site in particular on Holy Island has uncovered all sorts of exciting archeological treasures; the remains of a Neolithic timber house, an Iron Age roundhouse village and ornamental jewelry from thousands of years ago. Aside from the abundance of ancient sites, Blackthorn Farm is also in a fantastic location to access many excellent beaches - Benllech, Aberffraw and Traeth yr Ora to name a few. There are miles of scenic coastal walks and a host of activities on offer such as swimming, coasteering, mountain hiking, scuba diving and sea and lake fishing. Excellent day trips include the Sea Zoo in Anglesea, Caernarfon Castle, Beaumaris Castle, Llanddwyn Island and the RSPB Nature Reserve.

The sunsets at Blackthorn Farm really are something else, so if you can possibly manage to get all your activities done and get back to your camp before sun down, you will be rewarded!