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Category: Plan your adventure

Category: Plan your adventure

by CamWBPlan your adventure

Campervan Hiking Holidays in North Wales

Campervan Hiking Holidays in North Wales

Wander Beyond’s base in Chester is ideally placed for picking up a VW campervan rental and heading into North Wales for a hiking holiday.

What could be better than parking at the start of a circular trail, knowing that at the end of a long hike there’ll be a cup of tea and place to relax waiting? 

Sound good? Here are a few ideas for a North Wales hiking holiday:

Best hiking trails in Snowdonia National Park

Gwydir Castle, Llanrwst, Conwy – in the Conwy Valley on the edge of the National Park, this route will take you via the Tudor castle and its former estate on an 8.5km moderate amble. 

Yr Eifl, Llyn Peninsular, Gwynedd – this stunning 7km circular walk boasts epic views of the Llyn, with plenty of Welsh history to discover along the way.

Snowdon, Gwynedd – nothing beats the classic hike up the country’s highest peak. It will take about five hours and can be challenging at times, but there are easier routes – such as those better suited to families (see below). 

Hiking with kids in Snowdonia National Park 

Aber Falls, Gwynedd – just over four miles long, this route passes beautiful waterfalls and magical fairylike forest. Wellies are a must for stream paddling/traversing! 

Llanbedr Woods, Gwynedd – nature loving children will be in their element on a walk through these woodlands, home to a huge variety of insects, birds and forest-dwelling creatures. 

Coed y Brenin – a favourite Snowdonia National Park trail with families the 3.5 mile route goes deep into the forest, past waterfalls, verdant riversides and torrents crashing over rocks.  

Snowdon – if heading up the main mountain is on the cards with kids, taking the Snowdon Mountain Train up to the summit so they only have to walk down is one option. Or the Rhyd-Ddu path is gentler for older children who can manage the ascent. 

Snowdonia campervan campsites for hikers

Llyn Gwynant Campsite – perfect as a base for Snowdon, you can walk up Wales’ highest mountain right from the campsite itself. 

Beddgelert Campsite – this idyllic campsite in the pretty village of Beddgelert is ideal for all; dog-friendly, with facilities for children and even its own stop on the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway. 

Bryn Gloch Caravan & Camping Park – an award-winning site in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park. A definite bonus is the very spacious pitches. 

Useful links for Snowdonia hiking

Planning a hiking trip to North Wales? Here are a few Wander Beyond recommendations:

For planning hikes:

For equipment: 

Boots rubbing or forgotten to pack something? Crib Goch Outdoor World has everything needed for hiking and more. Based in Llanberis, it’s an easy stop-off when hiking the Snowdonia trails. 

For places to stay:

For a pit stop:

  • A pot of tea and slice of bara brith is a ‘must do’ at the famous Tu Hwnt i’r Bont in Llanrwst. 
  • Stop in Cemlyn Harlech for a brew with a view!
  • A post-hike Sunday dinner at Ty Gwyn makes for a suitable reward in a charming 16th century building. 
  • Tasty fare for the whole family is on the menu at The Groes Inn. 
  • The award-winning Mawddach is a real crowd pleaser too. 

Give us a call at Wander Beyond for a bespoke VW campervan rental quote for your hiking adventure into North Wales. 

by CamWBPlan your adventure

Campervans for Festivals and Events

Campervans for Festivals and Events

There’s nothing quite like the great British tradition of summer festivals, where likeminded revellers come together to dance, drink, laugh and live life to the full.

While we might be renowned in this country for our penchant for al fresco festivities, we’re also famous for our stoic attitude to the weather during festival season, seeing the party through to the end regardless of mud, rain and storms!
For festival-goers who seek a more comfortable experience however, opting for a campervan over a tent offers additional luxuries without forgoing the outdoor experience. Here are just a few reasons a VW campervan is perfect for festival or event accommodation, and what’s on this summer’s schedule to inspire a trip:

No setting up

It’s easily the worst bit of going to a British summer festival, having to park miles away from the campsite then trudge with all the necessary tent, bedding, cool boxes, clothes and a hundred other things to find a spot that’s not too close (but not too far away) from all the facilities!
Thankfully a campervan makes that part of the festival experience redundant. You’ll get directed to your parking spot and once there you won’t need to do a thing… except maybe open a cold beer and decide which band you’re going to watch first.

No taking down

Then when you’re exhausted from partying too hard and just want to get home to a bath, there isn’t the dreaded taking down of the tent once the music’s stopped. Simply stick the keys in the ignition and head back to Wander Beyond to drop off the van and pick up your own vehicle – which we can put in our secure, indoor premises.

You have the power

No need to queue up at a food van for an expensive bacon butty after a night of over-indulgence, as each Wander Beyond campervan has a cooker, gas and all the necessary equipment to make a homemade fry-up. The running water means a hot cuppa will start the day right, and the fridge will keep drinks cool so there’s no need to pay extortionate festival prices.
In practical terms, having your own power not only means those added luxuries, but also the convenience of being able to charge your phone, and keep essentials such a medication or baby milk at the right temperature.

Five festivals in a campervan

If upgrading your festival or event experience with a VW campervan rental sounds good, here are a few Wander Beyond suggestions to whet your appetite; all within a few hours’ drive of Chester:
1. Rewind
All the 80’s icons come to Capesthorne Hall in Macclesfield for a party in the sun… as long as it’s not Wet Wet Wet!
2. Kendal Calling
Head north to the beautiful Lake District, where the likes of The Stereophonics and Bill Bailey will be performing on stage.
3. Lake District Summer Music
This classical music festival sees pop-up performances throughout the southern Lakes, leaving you free to pitch up at a site of your choice.
4. Gloworm
Parents of younger children will love this family festival in Nottinghamshire, featuring workshops, performances and the chance to meet CBeebies celebrities!
5. Camp Good Life
Super close to Wander Beyond, this Hawarden festival takes place in early autumn when there’s often an Indian Summer. Think harvest vibes, with apples, campfires and feasting.

Have a browse of our VW campervan rental fleet, then give us a call on 07581 220 912 for a tailor-made quote.

by CamWBPlan your adventure

Family Campervan Adventure

Family Campervan Adventure

Campervans and kids go together like hot chocolate and marshmallows!

What could be better than a family holiday packed with adventure, time outdoors, campfire suppers and cuddled up evenings under the stars? A campervan holiday with kids is all about making memories.

What’s more, opting for a campervan rental over a tent will provide extra comfort and additional luxuries (like snacks available on tap!) to ensure parents get a break too, as well as a feeling of freedom and spontaneity synonymous with campervan life. Unlike other holidays, there’s the added sense of creating a wholesome environment for younger members of the family, away from screens and into nature, giving space to reconnect and truly switch off. 

Wander Beyond is located close to Chester on the border with north Wales, meaning there is so much in the way of family adventure to be had on its doorstep. Here are a few ideas to inspire a north-west campervan holiday with kids:

Head north to The Lakes

Less than two hours drive from Chester is Beatrix Potter country. With its wealth of National Trust sites and parks to explore it’s a wonderful destination for a family campervan holiday in the UK. 

Check out okgolakes for hiking trails suitable for families; make a stop for forest fun at Treetop Trek; and cool off in one of the region’s many lidos or picturesque wild swimming spots. 

Venture west for beaches

A few hours west from Chester along the North Wales Expressway sees some of the country’s finest beaches to pick from. Anglesey has Rhosneigr, Newborough, Trearddur Bay and Red Wharf Bay, then there’s trendy Abersoch and the idyllic Morfa Nefyn on the Llyn Peninsular. Peaceful Harlech beach further south has miles of golden sand and the town’s historic castle for playing knights and dragons. 

Campervan island life

Take the scenic route south-west from Wander Beyond to Shell Island; the biggest campsite in the UK. Kids love to run down the sand dunes, collect the island’s famous shells and go crabbing in the quay. For a more secluded spot, nearby Nantcol Waterfalls is like something out of children’s fairytale and the campsite has excellent facilities to boot.  

Explore the National Park

As well as the obvious walk or train up to the top of Snowdon, the wider Snowdonia National Park offers great attractions for visiting families. If you have National Trust membership then Bodnant Gardens is a must-see, particularly when the famous laburnum arch is in bloom. Spark children’s imagination with a visit to Fairy Glen, a mythical spot close to Betws-y-Coed on the Conwy River, or a wander around Beddgelert in the heart of the park where you can retell the story of Gelert, faithful hound of Prince Llewelyn the Great.

Feel the thrill! 

For families who like their holidays with a hefty dose of adrenaline, ZipWorld is a must-visit. The various sites comprise the world’s fastest seated zipline, a woodland playground of treetop adventures, the fastest zipline in the world and even an underground trampoline park! 

Then there’s North Wales’ notorious manmade surfing wave at Adventure Parc Snowdonia where a host of other attractions have been added to this family-friendly site. Have a surf lesson with an expert instructor, ascend the climbing wall or burn off some energy on the pump track. 

Of course that’s just a taste of the family-friendly attractions for a campervan holiday in North Wales and the North West. As experienced campervan travellers with kids, Wander Beyond can offer tips and suggestions of campsites, itineraries and other must-see spots depending on the time of year you’re venturing out and the ages and likes of your children. So do give Wander Beyond VW campervan rental a call on 07581 220 912 for a tailormade quote and a chat all things campervan life. 

by CamWBActivities, Plan your adventure

Snowdonia 360

Snowdonia 360 in a Campervan

For the perfect itinerary for a North Wales campervan holiday, look no further than the Snowdonia 360; a varied and fascinating journey through the region’s finest outdoor experiences.

Known as North Wales’ very own Route 66, this journey through Snowdonia, Anglesey, Llyn Peninsular and the country’s northern coastal road, is a fantastic pre-planned route for couples and families alike. 

What’s more, the emphasis is on nature and the outdoors, perfect for a UK campervan holiday, with numerous beauty stops to see en route, and plenty of choice when it comes to sites to pull over in for an overnight stay. 

So why experience Snowdonia 360? Here’s a few of the reasons it’s such a superb route:

Take the high road

As a journey the Snowdonia 360 is easy to follow and ready to go: simply download it here or pay a small charge for a physical copy of the map to be mailed out to you. The map has been really well designed to not only include the route, but also the must-see spots along the way, such as castles and family-friendly attractions. 

Popular eateries are also clearly marked, as well as North Wales camp sites, surfing and swimming spots, and even the best places for watching the region’s natural wildlife including dolphins, seals and birds. 

Fun for families

Aside from the many natural wonders for children to enjoy, including beaches, waterfalls and forests, there’s a great variety of family-friendly attractions on the Snowdonia 360 too; something to keep in mind for wetter days when the coast isn’t calling. The Welsh Mountain Zoo and Anglesey Sea Zoo are just the ticket for animal lovers, or kids can burn off some energy at Greenwood Family Park and Gypsy Wood Family Park. Or if a day in the warm and dry is needed then The Fun Centre is the place to visit. 

Romantic spots for two 

Whether it’s a wander around the grounds, afternoon tea with an estuary view, a spa treatment for two or a fine dining experience in the castle; Portmeirion is a magical place to visit on your 360 tour. 

The iconic Great Orme Tramway is another romantic stop-off on the Snowdonia 360. First opened in 1902, it is now the UK’s only funicular tramway that journeys along public roads. Travelling a mile through the Great Orme Country Park to the stunning summit, a trip on the tramway is a unique experience. 

For a local lunch or dinner, the three Dylan’s restaurants champion Welsh produce, making them a superb way to get a taste for the region. Think Menai mussels washed down with a sparkling wine from the Conwy Valley. 

 Campsites on route 

Campervan travellers to North Wales are spoilt for choice when it comes to places to stop for the night and hook up, so depending on the length of time spent traversing the Snowdonia 360, there are ample campsites to pick from on the route. Here are a few ideas:

Hendre Mynach – pet friendly and close to Barmouth Beach, this is a great option for families thanks to its play park and baby room. 

Nantcol Waterfalls – really throws you into nature with its riverside setting amid trees at the foot of mountains – just stunning. 

Plas Gwyn – a great base for exploring North Wales, the Llanrug setting is centrally located for some of Snowdonia 360’s finest attractions. 

Ty Croes – one of the many draws of this Anglesey campsite is its proximity to famous Newborough with its sand dunes and red squirrels. 

Waenfechan – this pretty campsite near Conwy offers guests free Wifi and views of the Snowdonia mountain range. 

Chester is the gateway to the Snowdonia 360, which makes it ideal for picking up your VW campervan rental from just outside the Roman city at Wander Beyond HQ. Give Wander Beyond VW campervan rental a call for availability and a bespoke quote on 07581 220912.

by CamWBPlan your adventure

Family Camping Adventures

Family Camping Adventures

Gone are the days of packing your wet tent away in the wind if the weather turns whilst your away. Instead close the door to your cosy camper, put the kettle on and make your self a nice brew before driving home without the stress of throwing everything in the back of your car boot. 

Family camping adventures are meant to fun after all. Get straight into having fun with your family as soon as you arrive at your campsite without having to figure out who has lost the instructions to your tent again.

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