Big Barn Camping The Greener Camping Club
UK Wales South Wales Carmarthenshire Laugharne
Carmarthen Bay might just be Wales' best-kept secret. While scores of tourists flood the Pembrokeshire Coast out west or scale the mighty peaks of Snowdonia in the north, this lesser-frequented stretch of South Wales promises hidden coves, sandy expanses and wildlife in abundance. The Three Rivers Estuary – one of Carmarthen Bay's two vast river openings – is where the rivers Taf, Tywi, and Gwendraeth converge. Overlooking this jaw-droppingly beautiful coastline lies Laugharne, a tranquil waterside settlement and former home of Dylan Thomas who described it as a 'timeless, mild, beguiling island of a [place]... there is nowhere like it anywhere at all' - a fitting appraisal that could well have applied to Big Barn Camping.
Based on a 36-acre smallholding a short stroll from the centre of Laugharne, Big Barn Camping is, for our money, one of Wales' best-located campsites. Offering family-friendly camping and glamping on a proper working farm, this rural retreat is easily accessible for some of the country's best beaches, famous tourist attractions and the charming seaside villages that make the Welsh coast so special.
Camping here is a peaceful affair, with a spacious paddock reserved for just seven prized pitches. There's no danger of overcrowding (in contrast to some of the other more commercial holiday parks along the coast) and group sizes are controlled. It's largely a tent-centric zone too, with just the odd campervan or retro teardrop caravan permitted meaning all are free to enjoy the unblemished views of the surrounding countryside.
For those looking to leave the tent at home, a trio of cosy pods are also available. These unique designs are a characterful alternative from the identikit versions found on many sites – more like bijou barns that fit seamlessly into the rural setting. Inside, these homely abodes include a dining space that effortlessly converts into a comfy double bed, and an adjacent kitchen shelter comes equipped with everything you could need for cooking up a feast. As for ablutions, eco-friendly composting loos are located in the camping field, while the titular Dutch barn houses showers and washbasins.
With a welcome for well-behaved dogs and campfires encouraged in the firepits, families can enjoy the key components of cracking camping holiday. Whether exploring the woodland on the circular walk, spotting red kites circling overhead, or seeing who can swing highest on the rope swing, kids will simply love it here. It's a proper working farm too with Herdwick sheep, Saddleback pigs, goats and assorted ducks and chickens, meaning little ones can enjoy an authentic slice of rural Welsh life.
Beyond the confines of the farm, an abundance of attractions await. Pendine Sands beach is just 10 minutes drive away while Oakwood Theme Park near Narbeth is around half and hour away if the kids demand rollercoasters. That being said, the lure of Laugharne might not see you stray far. The Dylan Thomas connection makes for a fascinating visit and needless to say the poet's presence looms large over Laugharne (not least with annual literary festival held every spring). Besides the boathouse museum and historic pubs, Laugharne Castle is well worth a visit or you could just plot up with a bag of chips overlooking the estuary and watch for cormorants catching cockles in this most magical of scenes.
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Details
Facilities
The two large tents each have a double bed, single futon sofa beds and are both located in stunning situations with each having private composting toilets. The Pods are furnished with convertible table/double bed and storage. All of the above have fully-equipped kitchen shelters included next to each unit. The Big Barn facilities block includes 3 showers, 3 washbasins, 2 washing-up sinks, and recycling facilities. 3 eco-friendly composting toilets are located within the camping field. Each of the ten camping pitches have a picnic bench along with campfires permitted in the firepits provided.
Suitable For
Tents, trailer tents, teardrop caravans, dogs – yes. Motorhomes – no.Nearby
Laugharne is synonymous with Wales’ most famous writer, Dylan Thomas – visit his iconic writing shed at the Dylan Thomas Boathouse Museum (01994 427420). The town’s magnificent medieval castle also served as a place of inspiration for Thomas who composed in its garden summerhouse. Today, you can enjoy its atmospheric ruins and ornate Victorian gardens. Pendine Sands is one of Wales’ best beaches, boasting a vast expanse of soft sand and stunning views of Carmarthen Bay. The nearby Pendine Museum of Speed (01994 453488) commemorates the beach’s role as the setting for various land-speed record attempts, most notably with ‘Babs’ the vehicle used by Parry Thomas in his fatal 1927 attempt. For outdoor thrills, Morfa Bay Adventure (01994 453588) in Pendine organise everything from coasteering and sea kayaking, to abseiling, archery and sumo wrestling!
Food & Drink
There are plenty of historic pubs in Laugharne, and it’s fair to say Dylan Thomas propped up the bar in most of them! Browns Hotel (01994 427688) is the most famous, with everyone from Jimmy Carter to Mick Jagger enjoying a pint at the poet’s favourite watering hole. They also have a restaurant next door, The New Three Mariners Inn (01994 427426), boasting nautical ephemera and tasty bar snacks. To sample the best of the local produce, The Ferryman Deli (01994 427398) is the place to go. This welcoming spot just down on the main thoroughfare serves up a seasonal menu of homemade dishes and stocks the finest Welsh cheese, pies, tarts, artisan Spanish tapas and craft beer. The Owl and the Pussycat (01994 427742) is a delightful tearoom and restaurant serving everything from cakes and light lunches to hearty main meals like traditional cawl and Welsh black beef stew.
Opening Times
April – October.
Why book with I Love This Campsite?
- Best Price Guarantee, with no fees
- Instant booking confirmation
- Trusted for over 10 years
- A chance to win prizes in our regular competitions
The Owner Says
We are a small eco friendly campsite on a Georgian farm set in 36 acres of beautiful pastures, including ancient woodland with just 10 individual camping pitches, 3 little barn camping pods and 2 beautiful luxurious glamping tents.
The camping paddock is situated next to the big Dutch barn which dates back to the 1950s. The Big Barn is the heart of the campsite and houses all the facilities, hot showers and honesty shop.
Accommodation
11 camping pitches, 3 little Barn Camping pods and 1 bell tent. Check AvailabilityLocation
Contact Big Barn Camping, Lower Cresswell, Bwlchnewydd Road, Laugharne SA33 4QU
Getting There
From Carmarthen.
From the A40 take the A4066 junction towards St Clears, turn right onto the A4066 towards Laugharne. When you enter Cross Inn take a sharp right towards Half Penny Furze and New Mill. Continue for 1 Mile and Big Barn Camping is on your right.
From Haverfordwest/ Tenby
At the St Clears roundabout with Starbucks take the A4066 Tenby Road into St Clears. At the traffic lights turn right. Continue onto Highstreet A4066, turn right onto the A4066 towards Laugharne. When you enter Cross Inn take a sharp right towards Half Penny Furze and New Mill. Continue for 1 Mile and Big Barn Camping is on your right.
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Why book with I Love This Campsite?
- Best Price Guarantee, with no fees
- Instant booking confirmation
- Trusted for over 10 years
- A chance to win prizes in our regular competitions