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The Hawarden Farm Shop Campsite

93%
·
· Hawarden, Wales
7 acres
24 units
11 Glamping
3 Motorhome/tent
10 Tent
Camping next to an award-winning farm shop on the historic Hawarden Estate in North Wales

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.

Activities
Biking
Fishing
Hiking
Swimming
Natural features
Forest
Lake
Field
Farm
Available pitches
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Location
Hawarden, Wales, United KingdomTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by The Hawarden Farm Shop Campsite H.Joined in March 2021
93%
28 Ratings · 22 reviews
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Mark U.recommends
June 5, 2023
Camping Pitch for Your Own Tent
What a place!
What a FANTASTIC site. This was my first ever camping trip (with my 4 year old and 8 year old). The team couldn't have made it any easier and the site was wonderful and friendly and safe for the children to play and make friends. The food at the farm shop was wonderful and we will definitely return. Huge thanks Mark, Grace and Hugo x
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Lesley S.recommends
May 31, 2023
Campervan/Caravan Pitch
Wonderful family campsite!
Lovely little campsite, plenty of space and small number of pitches, which is exactly what I like! Great welcome on arrival from staff in Farm Shop. There are lots of quirky places all over, from the Wildcat Woods with beanbags, the great space st the Hideaway and all the play areas for the children, especially the tree swing. Wonderful to see children having so much fun. I loved it so much that I picked up my little grandson and went back for another night. Had lots of fun in the games room! My only criticism, and it's a small one, is that the showers and toilets are quite far from the top of the camping field. Will definitely be back xx
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Simon C.recommends
May 28, 2023
Campervan/Caravan Pitch
Loved it ! Chilled out atmosphere . Great fresh pastries for breakfast. We will be going back.
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Rachel T.doesn't recommend
September 7, 2022
Camping Pitch for Your Own Tent
Great camp, terrible showers...
A very mixed experience and we won't be returning. The campsite itself is lovely and great for kids, the deli and cafe are delicious but disappointingly they closed early as they were winding down when we visited (last week of the school hols....). Pitches are spacious and in good condition, toilets by the BYOB are good and cleaned regularly while we were there. Now for the downside, out of 6 showers, 3 were out of order, 1 was so hot it burnt my daughter and 1 was freezing cold. I assume the final one was good as it was always utilized in the 3 days we were there. One working shower is simply not good enough. Even more bad news though, on our second night the gates were locked and although we were given the code for the combination lock we were given no instructions on how on earth the enormous, heavy, gates opened. So, after battling with the gate for half an hour (no answer on the campsite phone number) and contemplating climbing the wall with my 6 year old we were forced to give up and drive home. Luckily we were relatively local (45 mins away) but this was still heartbreaking, embarrassing and disappointing. We then had to return the next day to take down our camp. I didn't have the energy to complain to the kids working in the deli / cafe but we simply won't be returning next year and would highly recommend that you check they've sorted out the shower and gate issue before booking.
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Manuel M.recommends
August 27, 2022
Bell Tent on a Raised Platform
The place is well kept, all very clean and great facilities. The farm shop restaurant great. Food was really good. The only thing is the kids menu. I think it is a bit too elaborated. Same as adult menu but in small portions. I would say this should be more children directed.
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Louise H.recommends
August 17, 2022
Bell Tent on a Raised Platform
Loved the bell tent. Very spacious and great to just turn up and relax without putting up tent! The only thing I would say is the camp beds provided are not that comfy so some extra padding or perhaps lie on a duvet to provide a softer base. But apart from that we loved the spot. Grabbing a couple of days away last minute it was just the ticket!
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Paul S.recommends
August 28, 2021
Campervan/Caravan Pitch
Things I liked was the food, although expensive , Quirky areas to eat and drink , Drinks we’re very expensive even take out . Portaloos were disgusting , no one had checked or cleaned for a long time compared with the other toilets near the woods ,they were lovely and clean .As a motorhome owner we were told not to use any cooking ovens , gas or otherwise ?????? Why ?if it had rained we would never have got the van off the field , very long grass on a hill .Disappointed the track for cycles were locked . Had to take children on a busy road .. All in all we enjoyed our stay but pointing out a few things for you to improve .
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Jemma ?.recommends
August 28, 2021
Campervan/Caravan Pitch
The campsite was lovely, the campervan bit was brill. Good facilities, the food is amazing in the cafe. Everyone was friendly, setting couldn't be nicer. Some negatives: for £45 a night, a portaloo is pretty dire, and at the very least it should get cleaned regularly. The other loos, at the back of the BYOB bar were amazing, so hopefully this will be sorted pretty sharpish. The showers were decent once you worked them out but on the second day I tried 3 and they were freezing, the next was so hot it nearly took the skin off me, and only the last was useable. The staff in the farm shop/ cafe had no idea about any of the camping needs or facilities. This just needs to be included in basic training so they can answer questions. Once these niggles are dealt with, it'll be one of the best sites in the country, I think!
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Laura B.recommends
August 25, 2021
Camping Pitch for Your Own Tent
The team were super helpful prior to our arrival. The site was clean and safe. Staff were really friendly. The quirkiness of the tin shed, toilets (proper toilets 😀), showers and bring your own bar really made the experience so much better! Felt completely happy letting our daughter run around the site knowing she was safe. Can’t wait to visit again!
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Bex T.recommends
August 25, 2021
Bell Tent
A great new site with fab farm shop, cafe (best breakfast ever I think!) with small bar and a delicious pizza van on site. Tents well spaced, lots of space for kids to play including a small playground and a couple of great covered areas for rainy days. There were a few teething issues with it being a new site but the staff were all great and thankful for feedback to help them improve. Would definitely return.
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Lorna T.
August 20, 2021
Been camping many times but this time felt we were misled by the advertising. Bell tents too small for 4 people ; portaloos in an appalling state; showers inadequate and almost scalded my daughter on one occasion; no facilities for a morning wash or cleaning teeth; farm shop small and lacked the range of foods I expected; standard of food in the restaurant dependent on who was cooking - on two occasions the food was cold and led to upset tummies- service very slow even with only two tables with customers and staff stood at the tills talking for over 25 minutes before taking our orders; no manager available to speak to.Very disappointed with an over rated, over priced ‘glamping’ experience for my family who had been through a very difficult time recently and in need of a holiday 😕
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Jessica W.recommends
August 18, 2021
Camping Pitch for Your Own Tent
We really enjoyed our 4 night stay here. The toilets and shower facilities were clean and not overcrowded. Our kids aged 9 and 10 years old loved roaming around the woods. It's all fenced off so completely safe. The wooden playground was good entertainment too. We had breakfast one day at the Farm Shop which was delicious, would recommend ordering adult meals if your kids are big eaters. Watch out fo the ice-cream man who cycles around. Lovely idea, but 8 pounds for 2 ice-creams seemed a bit much. There is a Tescos 5 mins away to buy supplies from. We had a lovely day out at Bewilderwood which was about 30mins drive away. Great for all ages, but especially between 0-12 years old. The pitches are well spread out, so very covid secure. There are trolleys and wheelbarrows provided to help get your camping kit from the car park to the tents, which is not far at all. One night there was live music in the bar which was a good option, but started a bit late for us so we didn't stay long. Overall would highly recommend, but remember to bring most of your supplies so you don't get fleeced by overpriced items at camp's shop. We had a campfire on our last night in one of the fire pits and roasted marshmallows. It was a good place for other campers to congregate and for kids to meet each other and play.
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Kristin S.recommends
July 28, 2021
Bell Tent on a Raised Platform
First time glamping and it was perfectly calm and close to nature. The facilities are very clean and suited to the area (wooden and metal structures). Everything from gentle socialising to quiet alone-time is well thought through. The farm shop and restaurant is upmarket so prices are thereby, but also they are high quality and have a good range.
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James S.recommends
July 28, 2021
Camping Pitch for Your Own Tent
What a find! Great food and really nice ethos and setup. We had our own tent but the bell tents looked great. The 'bar' and bbq area was a great focal point as was the communal fire pit (free logs!) that brought folk together rather than all staying in your own little spot - which you could do if you wanted of course. We ate in the farm shop cafe and in their pub in the village and food was excellent at both. Great wild swimming spots to be found on River Dee at Ecclestone as well. Only grumble would be more toilets and access to a tap nearer tents. Would also be helpful to have the washing up facilities near the bbq area as well as up near main buildings. Facilities and games under cover were a plus. We made friends, the kids made friends and we got away from it all even though only an hour up the road. Now to try their cottages up at Glen Dye in Scotland - very insta friendly! We will be back.
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Samantha M.recommends
July 27, 2021
Campervan/Caravan Pitch
We had a wonderful stay at Hawarden. The campsite was spacious, the farm shop was lovely and the bakery sold the most wonderful bread. We were in a campervan and had so much space we were able to play ball games and picnic without worrying about encroching on other guests. The nearby pub served delicious food and the kids were kept entertained with table tennis and a great wooden play area. The only thing that needs to improve is the provision of toilets - compostable would suit this lovely site well. Thank you, a great little getaway.
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Robynne M.
July 23, 2021
Bell Tent on a Raised Platform
We had a nice stay back at the campsite back in June, in one of the raised bell tents. The site is lovely. It’s set back from a main road but no passing traffic noise. The farm shop and cafe on site are great. My only criticism which did spoil the stay, was the toilets. There were 3 toilets and 1 urinal in the block, servicing well over 50 guests at maximum capacity. They are compost toilets and whilst I understand the reasoning for this toilet choice, it wasn’t a nice experience and a traditional campsite toilet block would be a better option. Of the 3 toilets (not including urinal), 2 were ‘out of commission’, to put it nicely, leaving only 1 useable toilet for guests. In addition to the unusable toilets, they only had alcohol handgel at the toilet block so guests had to walk to the farm shop at the other side of the site to wash hands properly. We told the manager on checkout that we weren’t impressed with the toilets in comparison to the rest of the site. She said they would look into this.
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Tim R.recommends
July 23, 2021
Camping Pitch for Your Own Tent
Beautiful site with great facilities, the team in the farm shop are just lovely and Craig who looked after us for the majority of our time there was awesome. Couldn't recommend this place more.
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Kelly M.recommends
July 19, 2021
Bell Tent on a Raised Platform
Beautiful campsite and facilities, we had a lovely short break recently. There is so much to explore and some lovely spaces for the children to play. The farm shop is great too with some lovely treats. We will definitely be back
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Rob S.recommends
June 7, 2021
Campervan/Caravan Pitch
Although just down the road from us, we love the whole ethos of the Hawarden Farm Shop Campsite, from its quirkiness, to the exceptional restaurant, to the amazing walks and the lovely staff. We have re-booked to go later in the summer, and hope that next year we'll visit the Good Life Experience again! Thanks to all the helpful team, you are 'mazing!
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Ben K.recommends
June 7, 2021
Camping Pitch for Your Own Tent
Lovely little camp site for a family escape. The staff were all extremely friendly and very helpful which made the experience that much more enjoyable. The communal facilities are great and kept the kids entertained in numerous occasions. I was very impressed with the on-site BBQs and campfire - we will be returning.
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Sandra A.recommends
June 4, 2021
Bell Tent
The place is amazing and the communal areas lovely, tidy and clean. Camp beds are awful if you go with a toddler who wants cuddles at night, but it is said in the description what type of beds are, I just didn't read it properly. Overall, very nice experience!
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Fiona P.recommends
June 2, 2021
Campervan/Caravan Pitch
The communal facilities are amazing, activities available an added bonus. Staff as much of an asset as the facilties very friendly and helpful.
From the host
Ten minutes from Chester, and a stone’s throw from Snowdonia and some of Britain’s best beaches. Set in rolling Welsh countryside, on the doorstep of one of Britain’s best farm shops, restaurants and bars. Bring your own tent or camper van, or stay in one of our pre-pitched bell tents with amazing views of Hawarden Old Castle. This spacious 6.5 acre campsite has just 24 pitches. Come for wildness, beauty, fun and solitude. In addition, we run regular craft and adventure activities, as well as events at the Farm Shop, music evenings and more. On certain days, Hawarden Old Castle and our lake will be open exclusively for campsite guests. Showers and loos, outdoor cooking stations, a communal campfire, WiFi, and so much more...
Nearby attractions

Tours of Hawarden Old Castle (usually only available very occasionally) and wild swimming sessions in the lake are available once a week for campers and glampers (ask on site for details). There’s plenty of exploring to be had around Hawarden Park too with a handful of circular walking routes around the village. You can also walk from the campsite to Gladstone Library (01244 532350) to take a look at Britain's only Prime Ministerial Library. Some of North Wales’ most beautiful beaches are a 35-minute drive away like Rhyl, Prestatyn and Point of Ayr. A 20-minute drive from Hawarden will take you to the city of Chester, where you can walk the city walls, visit the magnificent cathedral or nose around the shops in the multi-storied, half-timbered buildings that give the place it's charming character. Just outside of the city there's also Chester Zoo (01244 380280), one of the most visited attractions in the entire UK.

Food and drink

Apart from the lovely local food offered at Hawarden Farm Shop and cafe, in Hawarden village you’ll find the 200-year old Glynne Arms (01244 569988). It’s definitely worth taking a 20-minute drive (or bus) to Chester to check out some of the fantastic city restaurants, squirreled away in the ancient buildings. Artichoke (01244 329229), a bistro overlooking the canal, or gastro heaven the Sticky Walnut (0800 160 1811) are both great bets. For fresh and authentic tapas, test out Porta (01244 401178) and for a fine dining experience book ahead to eat at the award-winning Joseph Benjamin (01244 344 295).

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