A Guide for Motorhome and Campers – Life on the Road in Epic North Wales

Motorcaravaning undoubtedly peaked during the UK’s lockdown. It reignited our love affair with holidaying within the UK and the endless possibilities for life on the open road.

It’s essential that motor caravanners follow certain rules and etiquette if they are to realise maximise their holiday enjoyment potential, whilst the tourism industry helps drive and retain this reinvigorated interest.

It’s important to understand that every UK council applies its own restrictions within its own authority, which is often different. Snowdonia and North Wales offer brilliant opportunities to park up in designated spots whilst the area benefits from many amazing campsites with many local attractions also offering overnight motorhome stays.

Gwynedd County Council is piloting its first AIRE scheme with six public areas designated for overnight parking for a self-contained motorcaravan (no camping allowed). There is no requirement to book in advance and a maximum stay of 48 hours is allowed with the use of water and waste points. Gwynedd Council has also shared locations for places such as car parks, public and community toilets, recycling centres, libraries and leisure centres.

It is hoped that the use of AIRES in North Wales will take some of the pressure off the region’s camping and motorhome sites. For those looking to stay at a more traditional site, however, that welcomes motor vehicles, North Wales is home to some of the finest in the UK:

Plas Gwyn Caravan & Camping is a  friendly, family-run campsite near Caernarfon, the perfect place to stay for exploring the mountain ranges and coast of North West Wales. Fancy falling asleep to the sound of running water, this campsite sits next to the Nantcol Waterfalls this Campsite & Glamping and combines nature and modern facilities at their very best.

Winner of the AA Best Glamping Site for 2020, Llanfair Hall provides award-winning, flexible and quirky five-star glamping and cottage accommodation near Llanfairpwllgwyngyll on Anglesey whilst Waenfechan’s Glamping pods & Campsite lie between the mountains of Snowdonia and the Conwy estuary, close to both Llandudno and Conwy.

Whatever your choice, follow these basic rules and get the most from your stay:

• Be respectful and keep noise at a minimum
• Don’t put out any outside furniture or awnings up
• Don’t block access to fields or park in overtaking places
• Park away from buildings and don’t block anyone’s view
• Take away all litter and waste
• Pay any necessary charges
• Understand and acknowledge local by-laws
• Always ask the landowner’s permission before pitching up
• Pre-book your stays at your chosen Campsite to avoid disappointment

Other helpful information to make your journey along the Snowdonia360 a safe one:

999
When you call 999, an operator will ask you which emergency service you require.

Ysbyty Gwynedd Hospital, Penrhosgarnedd, Bangor,  LL57 2PW
01248 384384 (only use 999 in an emergency)

NHS Direct Wales
0845 4647

Out-of-hours GP service
0300 123 5566

111
The 111 telephone service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and you can use it for urgent health advice on what services to access or how to manage an illness or condition and to access urgent primary care out of hours (where that service is available in your area).

what3words
Every second counts in an emergency – time wasted trying to explain where you are could endanger lives. If you’re visiting North Wales ensure you know the address of where you’re staying. Use the #what3words app to pinpoint your location when you call so we can help you quickly.