Glamping at Surf Snowdonia
It was still warm, the evening was drawing in, and I could still hear the sound of the waves. I sat on the picnic bench just outside our glamping pod and watched on at the last of the surfers chasing the waves.
We were glamping at Surf Snowdonia in North Wales, the kids were running around and scooting along the path outside the glamping lodges, and we were looking forward to the surf lessons planned for the following day. I love glamping, and there is nothing better than quality time together as a family away from the screens, and enjoying the great outdoors – it is good for the soul, and it definitely makes my soul smile.
Where is Surf Snowdonia?
Surf Snowdonia is in Conwy, in the heart of North Wales. It is a short drive from the A55. Surf Snowdonia Adventure Parc is a world-first inland surf lagoon. It sits just a few metres away from the banks of the River Conwy and the lagoon was built on a derelict industrial site that was once home to an aluminium factory.
Surf Snowdonia is easy to find and the Sat Nav took us direct to the area. On arrival we headed to the ultra modern main reception, where we were given wristbands and directed to the glamping pods. The wrist bands are used to gain access to the security gates to the glamping accommodation, and also to gain access to your glamping pod.
The Glamping Pods Surf Snowdonia
Our glamping pod was on the front row, overlooking the lagoon. It had two single beds and a partitioned double bed at the back. There was ample space in between the single beds where we were amazed that we were able to put up a standard size travel cot. There is a blackout blind fitted to the window of the door and a small window at the back of the lodge above the double bed (This didn’t have a blind, but it’s small and easy to cover if it bothers you). The lodge has lighting and electricity which is a bonus as we have stayed in many pods without this, and outside the pod there is a picnic bench and seating area.
I was surprised how much space the pod had inside, and I am pleased to say that all five of us easily fitted in. The mattress is supplied, and there is a small area for storage and bags at the end of the double bed. Remember to take your own bedding as bedding is not supplied – we packed sleeping bags and sheets and pillows, and the travel cot for our youngest member of the family. The pod was clean, cosy and warm, and the kids absolutely L O V E D it.
Surf Snowdonia Facilities
The washroom facilities are located close to the glamping pods in an amenities block and they are extremely clean.
All of the glamping pods have access to the lagoon side hot tubs and sauna, and although we didn’t access these facilities during our stay as we arrived quite late in the evening and food was the priority…. I think it would be a fab way to end a day out on the waves.
As I mentioned before, we arrived quite late in the evening and the little ones were pretty hungry. So we headed off to explore the Surf Snowdonia facilities and the Surf Side Bar. We had booked a table beforehand as this is advised. Food is served from 5 pm, and there is a choice of hot and cold options. There was a menu for the children and the kids thoroughly enjoyed the pizzas.
Surf Side Cafe
There is also a Surf Side Café offering a selection of sandwiches, salads, soups, panini and cakes, as well as hot and cold drinks and ice creams. Here you will find a lovely clean and stylish seating area inside, and plenty of seating outside offering great views over the lagoon. It’s a great space to sit in the sunshine, pass an hour and watch the surfers out on the lagoon.
Surf Lessons
So the surf lessons were the part that my eldest and Mr Otis and Us were most looking forward to. There are plenty of options for the surf lessons, from beginner to intermediate to advanced. We were up bright and early on the Saturday and headed over to the the main reception where all of the surfers were given their wetsuits and allocated a Surf Snowdonia coloured rash vest – this made each group of surfers clearly visible and identifiable. Children aged 5-7 must have a non-surfing adult in the water with them, so Mr Otis and Us hit the water whilst I sat in the sunshine with our two younger children…and took many an action shot. We booked on to the early morning surf lesson for our seven year old and it was a lovely time, the park was not busy and the group size small. The instructor was calm, patient, friendly and knowledgeable…and our eldest member of our tribe absolutely LOVED the surfing. The surf lesson lasted 90 minutes with an hour in the water and I think that was just perfect, just long enough to keep the little ones’ attention and not too long that they lost concentration, became tired or cold. The Surf Snowdonia team teach the children in appropriate age groups – Little Rippers (age 5-7) and Groms (age 8-13).
As for Mr Otis and Us…. well he equally loved the surfing, so much so he is already talking about returning, I think he thinks he is a surfer in the making……….(I keep telling him that you are never too old to start 🙂 ?!)
We had such an amazing weekend staying @surfsnowdonia – the weather was absolutely glorious ☀️, and I was so impressed with the size of the pods -they were really spacious {with a double bed and two single beds} and not forgetting the pods had electricity 🙌🏻 The surf lessons were fantastic- more to follow soon ….but for now, here is Mr Otis and Us heading off for his surf lesson. 🏄♂️ Have a lovely Monday in the sunshine {wishing we were back sipping wine outside our glamping pod watching the kids run wild} ☀️ . . .#hosted @surfsnowdonia #surfsnowdonia #findyourepic #evolvingwaves #surfinglife #surfing #northwales #surfingday #adventureeveryday #explore #getoutside #outdoorfamily #getoutdoors #neverstandstill #travelmadfam #travel #travelwithkids #glamping #camping #campinglife #snaphappybritmums #trips100 #surfphotography #surfpics
Family Friendly
Crash & Splash Lagoon is an opportunity to test your balance, agility and determination by trying out the over-water challenge. The regular crash and splash session is suitable for age 12+, however for the younger children (5+) you can book onto a family crash and splash session. This was fully booked and we didn’t get chance to try out the challenge…but next time we will definitely book on to this. See website for more details and prices.
Out and About- things to do in Snowdonia
Surf Snowdonia is in Conwy in the heart of North Wales and there are some wonderful things to do nearby including the Snowdonia Railway, Conwy town walls or there are plenty of breathtaking walks around Snowdonia National Park. It was an absolutely beautiful sunny day so after our surf lessons, we headed over to West Bay Beach to dip our toes in the sea, build a sandcastle or two and enjoy an ice cream.
Our Verdict
We had a really memorable weekend glamping at Surf Snowdonia. The glamping pods are spacious and well…just lovely, and it was a great opportunity to try out the surfing in a controlled environment with calm and knowledgeable instructors. Our eldest absolutely loved the surfing, she was beaming throughout the 90 minute lesson. Surf Snowdonia is set in a beautiful area and I would’ve loved to have stayed a little longer and explored more of the area. Oh, and next time I’m handing the camera over to the hubby and trying my hand at surfing on those evolving waves…!
Would we return to Surf Snowdonia? Absolutely!
To find out more and to book – head over to Surf Snowdonia online.
Find out how Mini Travellers enjoyed their weekend at Surf Snowdonia!
Pin for later
I love to hear what you think of my blog, do leave a comment. You can find us over on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.
**Disclosure - we were invited to stay at Surf Snowdonia for the purpose of this review however all thoughts and opinions are my own**
This looks AMAZING!!!!!! I’m VERY jealous!!
Wow, this sounds like a fabulous place for a family visit!! They cater for all ages, and there are places to just sit and watch the water fun! I love the idea of a pod too, and it looks like they ticked all the boxes, with comfort a priority!!!
Sounds like you had an amazing trip. Looks like a fantastic place.
This looks amazing! Such a beautiful place to relax and have fun!
Your pictures are beautiful! It’s great that they have stuff for children of different ages. My son would love to try this out, after his experience on the FlowRider on a cruise ship. So nice that you had great weather for it.
Those pods look fantastic! And you had such wonderful weather! I’d be all over that splash and crash – super fun! Saving this for when my boys are a little bit older.
My older two are new to surfing after a lesson in Cornwall last year, and they are now addicted. I think they would absolutely love this place. I love how the site has found a new much more exciting purpose than the industrial life it used to have! 🙂
It looks fabulous and the perfect spot for kids. I love staying in a glamping pod – all the benefits of camping with none of the hassle!
It sounds like it has something for everyone. I think my OH and oldest would love to have a go at surfing, but I would probably have to hang out in the soft play with the 4 year old.
How can I book for a weekend in one of this pods?
Author
Hi Wendy – if you pop over to https://www.surfsnowdonia.com you can book online!
We loved our time at Surf Snowdonia lovely to see that it’s still as fabulous.
This is such a brilliant concept! Great also that there’s a restaurant for an early dinner and facilities for little ones. Looks like you were very fortunate with the weather, lovely blue skies! Thanks for linking up with #FamilyFriendlyStays
Oh wow, I LOVE the look of this place! Pre-kids I used to surf all the time, so it would be great to introduce mine to it in this lagoon environment with a soft play on hand for the tinker one. I’d Never heard of this place before but will definitely be looking it up! #famikyfriendlystays