A brand new holiday park is coming to Wales.
If you love Centre Parcs style breaks, this could be for you. The development is set to be built on Anglesey, perfect for families to take a break by the coast.
The park will initially offer 492 holiday lodges and cottages, a luxury spa, swimming pool, sports and leisure facilities and waterside restaurants and cafes.
Located in Penrhos Coastal Park, it promises woodlands and nature trails for guests to explore sweeping views of the coast.
But not everyone is impressed by the plans, with locals concerned about the impact on the environment.
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Where is the new holiday park?
The development is being built on Anglesey, an island off the north coast of Wales, near Holyhead, just under 30 minutes from Snowdonia National Park.
The Penrhos site is costing the developer, Seventy Ninth Group, around £250 million, alongside the construction of Cae Glas, a smaller development of 315 lodges which will eventually become an extension of the holiday park.
There will also be a separate part of the build project which includes 320 new family homes that will be privately owned.
But the Penrhos holiday development will sit on 200 acres of the area’s country park, which is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), which campaigners say could impact wildlife.
Managing director of Seventy Ninth Group, Jake Webster, said: ‘We look forward to developing the site into a world-class holiday destination in conjunction with the local community, while ensuring we protect the environment for future generations.
‘Our aim is to give families from the UK and visitors from all over the world a chance to experience what this fantastic area has to offer’.
When can you visit the holiday park?
As of 2024, it was predicted that construction of the park will take five years to complete.
However, the first lodges completed will be available to visitors from summer 2025.
In the meantime, the area is still well worth a visit for a ramble around the countryside. It’s been open for public use and enjoyment for more than 30 years and is a very popular place for tourists.
Why are locals upset?
Outline planning permission for the site was granted in 2016 to build 500 holiday cottages at Penrhos Coastal Park near Holyhead.
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However, local campaigners, Save Penrhos, didn’t support the development, and argued that the planning permission had lapsed and the entire development must be resubmitted for fresh planning consent.
These claims were dismissed. Locals are also keen to preserve the area’s natural beauty and wildlife like red squirrels.
Anglesey council chief executive Dylan Williams said: ‘This is a sensitive site which is visited by residents for recreational and enjoyment purposes.
‘Whilst there are substantial direct and indirect economic benefits, balancing investment with environmental sensitivity will be important.’
Exploring Anglesey
Anglesey is dubbed by the Welsh tourist board as Ynys Môn Amour, or ‘the island of romance’, thanks to the legend that it’s the final resting place of St Dwynwen, the patron saint of lovers, also known as the Welsh St Valentine.
For families, here are some best spots to visit:
1. Newborough Beach: While not officially a nudist spot, Newborough beach in the south-western corner of the island has long been the domain of Welsh naturists.
Used as a film location for Clash Of The Titans, with a swathe of blonde sands and shallow clear waters, it’s the perfect place to drop your kilt and take a romantic, twilight skinny dip. Just check the royal neighbours aren’t watching.
2. South Stack Lighthouse: South Stack Lighthouse on the north-west coast of Holyhead is one of the most stunning lighthouses in Britain. Perched on South Stack rock, it’s a hairy trek down 400 steps and over a tiny iron bridge. You’ll be rewarded by views of dolphins and puffins.
3. Anglesey Coastal Path: The 200km Anglesey coastal path takes 12 days to complete – from the larva rocks of Penrhos beach to the Menai bridge, which stretches across to the mainland. Hunt out the hooded cliff coves and solitary bays for some of the best views on the island.
If you’re feeling even more adventurous you can hire a boat and take a trip around the entire 200km of coastline of Anglesey, taking in the tiny islands and secluded sandy bays, spotting native puffins, razorbills and guillemots along the way.
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