A holiday park in north Wales which has just taken home the top gong for Wales at the latest AA awards has holiday makers "shouting and screaming" to grab a spot, with some even offering bribes. Established in 1957, family-run business Islawrffordd campsite was hugely popular ahead of the awards which looked at the UK's top campsites and caravan parks in Britain for 2023.
It is run by the Evans family who decided to turn part of their farm into a camping field at the time. The luxury holiday park was crowned best in Wales at the recent AA Caravan and Camping awards which took place on Wednesday afternoon in a virtual awards ceremony.
Found in Talybont, near Barmouth, family-friendly Islawrffordd offers holidaymakers a broad choice of static caravans as well as providing space for mobile homes and caravans. And it seems that in the last year, as tourism boomed, it was so in demand that visitors were "shouting and screaming to stay" at the now award-winning site.
It was also claimed that the owners have had "visitors offering big brown envelopes of money in the hope they could jump the queue", North Wales Live reports. Now, you may be thinking: 'what's so incredible about this holiday park that makes people act this way?' Well, it not only boasts caravans but an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna and jacuzzi - for an ultimate retreat. It also houses a children's play area, bar, restaurant, coffee shop, luxury shower block, wifi, laundry rooms and games arcade.
And it's not only the jaw-dropping facilities that have people wanting to return time and again. Situated on the coast between Barmouth and Harlech, and within the Snowdonia National Park, its clear views of Cardigan Bay, the Llyn Peninsula and the Snowdonia and Cader Idris mountain ranges make this a hidden holiday park gem. It is ideally located should you want to just relax on the beach or venture off into the open sea or Welsh countryside. There is a private slipway for water sports too and you can take your furry friend along as pets are allowed.
With all of this on offer, you can understand why it attracts so many people year on year. The inspector who attended for the AA Guide said of the site: "private beach, excellent children’s facilities and a smart bistro draw loyal campers.”
Speaking at the virtual awards ceremony, Dylan Evans said: "On behalf of the directors and all the staff here at Islawrffordd we feel so humble, proud and honoured to have received this amazing award. We would like to dedicate this award to all our customers, past and present for their continued support."
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