Cool Camping Wales: A Hand Picked Selection of Exceptional Campsites and Camping Experiences

Around three years ago my partner and I decided to go camping in Wales, revisiting a site he had stayed at many years ago. It turns out that we were cool even then, but didn't know it. After many enjoyable visits we began to consider the possibility of going to ... other sites. But where to start? A few tentative searches on the internet and a leaf through the Rough Guide confirmed our suspicions. We were cowards. What we wanted was for someone to nudge us in the ribs and point us towards campsites with stunning views, friendly owners and like-minded souls. And tell us what we could do if it rained. And give us a sneak preview of the place whilst not spoiling too much.

Well, Cool Camping does just that. The first few pages allow you to select your campsites by location or by category ("Cool for campfires", "Beach within reach" and so on) or you can just flick through and choose whichever takes your fancy! As well as facts about the campsites themselves, each entry contains information about the surrounding area, and our Cool Camping doubles up as a guidebook for places we aren't even staying in.

Since we purchased Cool Camping Wales (along with its England and Scotland companions) we wouldn't be without it when choosing our next destination and have stayed in some delightful sites in Pembrokeshire and Cornwall. The only problem is, once you've been there you might want to buy up all the existing copies of Cool Camping so no-one else finds out about them!

Good, but a bit self-indulgent (4/6 people found this helpful)

This book describes forty selected camp sites spread fairly evenly across Wales. Although only forty are described in detail, each chapter does have a footnote 'if it's full', suggesting other suitable sites in the area. Why do I go against the grain and only give it three stars? I think the writer has been a bit self-indulgent in writing it, and you'd be a bit self-indulgent to buy it. It tries to be a camping guidebook, an evangelist's call to a particular style of camping, and also a tourist picture book of Wales all in one, and I don't think it quite achieves these goals. (Though to be fair, it does issue a disclaimer that it does not set out to be an exhaustive directory of camp sites in Wales.) I think that there are too many photographs, some of which are rather repetetive, and neither decorative nor informative, so would have been better left out. Those are my beefs out of the way; now for what I enjoyed. Some of the photos are very good, and would have made a lovely picture book with a bit of severe editing. The descriptions of the camp sites are informative and, though I've only seen a few of the sites for myself, appear to be accurate and honest. They give a much better idea of what a site is really like than the bunches of stars and symbols we get in most camping guides. There are also informative sections about the scenic and other attractions in the vicinity of each site. Living in Wales myself, I always like to see its beauties trumpeted, and this book does a good job of that. So get this book (and decent waterproofs and wellies) and come to Wales.

Very cool! (13/13 people found this helpful)

After many years of Eurocamp holidays in France when our children were younger, we started to think about getting our own tent and heading off to more interesting places here in the UK as well as abroad. We have definitely had our fill of 'holiday camp' sites in France.

I would have to say that the Cool Camping books were what finally tipped us over the edge into getting fully equipped and heading off into the wilds. Talk about inspiration! These books are fantastic (we have the Wales and England books - both of which are great). We selected a great site on Pembrokeshire coast on the basis of Cool Camping's recommendation, and had a wonderful short break at the end of the school holidays.

What we love most about the books is the slightly bohemian, 'green' quirkiness of it all - from small 2-Teepee sites and classic Airflow motorhomes, through to sites at the most beautiful locations in Britain, all with a raw rustic edge that makes getting away from it all in a tent so invigorating compared to any other sort of holiday.

Get inspired - get Cool Camping!

Just what I've been wating for! (20/20 people found this helpful)

A couple of years back after hours spent driving around to find a campsite, I finally had to admit defeat and plump for the one with rows and rows of caravans -my worst nightmare! Now there is Cool Camping. Finally a resource for like-minded campers who want something a little bit special. Incredibly informative with beautiful pictures that give a taster of the sites. I love it that much I have bought the guides to Scotland & England too.

Cool Camping Wales: A Hand Picked Selection of Exceptional Campsites and Camping Experiences

Jonathan Knight

Reader Reviews:

Psssst, don't tell anyone! (4/4 people found this helpful)

Good, but a bit self-indulgent (4/6 people found this helpful)

Very cool! (13/13 people found this helpful)

Just what I've been wating for! (20/20 people found this helpful)

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