The Hawarden Farm Shop Campsite

Having created an other-worldy cabin site in Scotland and, more recently, a festival in their own back yard, Caroline and Charlie have plenty of experience to put towards creating an atmospheric campsite. Powered by their sustainable values and a passion for providing a really warm welcome, The Hawarden Farm Shop Campsite builds on the work they’ve put in to building the Camp Good Life festival.

The site offers bell tents and pitches located in two wild meadows with views of Hawarden Old Castle, an original motte-and-bailey that was built in the 14th century. While the pitches are close to the Hawarden Estate Farm Shop, it doesn’t feel intrusive. The location is actually very handy for those who ‘don’t do' campsite cooking, as sleepyheads can toddle to the shop for breakfast, where the bakery turns out fresh delights daily, crafted from locally milled flour.

Whether you choose to pitch your own or take one of the pre-pitched bell tents, the communal campfire is the place to head to if you fancy making a few friends. There's little division here between regular campers and those in bell tents as what's on offer in the pre-pitched tents still qualifies very much as camping. Don't expect fluffy duvets and a place to plug in a hairdryer, Hawarden Farm bell tents are off grid and furnished only with camp beds for a real camping experience that's accessible to those who don't have all the gear — or don't want the hassle of a lengthy set up. The three bell tents on platforms are a step up, literally and metaphorically, with an off-ground fire bowl and a table and chairs provided too but, inside, are similarly simple.

At one end of the camping field, you'll find proper flushing toilets and, at the other, hot showers and a washing-up station. And if the thought of washing up is all too much, just head a few steps further to the farm shop which will cater for a lot of your eating needs, or take a stroll into the village to the local pub. The 200-year-old Glynne Arms, also owned by the Hawarden Estate, serves up delicious seasonal dishes accompanied with the best in craft ales, beers and European wines. The idea, here, is that you stay within Hawarden and enjoy the delights of the estate which also include wild swimming sessions in the lake, exclusive tours of the castle and secret hideouts in the woods. There are occasionally other events organised by the farm shop too so take a peek at the Hawarden Estate website before you travel to see what's on during your stay. If you do feel the need to venture further, you can drive 35 minutes to the beaches around Point of Ayr Lighthouse, 20 minutes to Moel Famau and the Clwydian Range or an hour to Snowdonia, which all make the campsite a great stop for post climb decompression as well as general family fun.