Emral Gardens - a Little Jewel of a Site

Emral Gardens Touring Park, Bangor-on-Dee, near Wrexham, is beautifully set in the grounds of a former stately home, Emral Hall which was sadly destroyed in the 1930's when the running costs became prohibitive in the post-war years.

This is our sort of site - set deep in the heart of the country. Classified as a "hideaway" site, the 3 minute drive down the single track access road (with passing places) assures you that this is going to be a peaceful place.

Until last year, Emral was a Certificated Site of just 5 pitches. Then permission was granted for a further 15 pitches, making it a 20 pitch site for the 2008 season.

A mixture of seasonal, deluxe and grass pitches for caravans, motorhomes and tents are on offer, most with hook-up and some backing on to an ornamental pond which was originally part of the moat around the Hall. Near the entrance to the site is a delightfully rustic toilet and shower kept scrupulously clean by owner Julie Broad, who is often pottering about the site doing odd jobs and chatting to guests. Nearby is a large log cabin housing reception, information, games, a relaxing area and TV for campers (particularly people in tents), indoor washing up and fridge.

The site is located so far away from the road that the only noises are the birdsong and the occasional hum of the mower keeping the site neat and tidy. The extensive grounds, including a stream and woodland, are a delight to explore and a two mile cross-country walk heads towards Bangor-on-Dee, a delightful little town with shops, pubs, and many circular walks possible.

This is a site for rest and relaxation. Entertainment is provided by the resident peacock, penhen and pea chicks, and guinea fowl who strut their stuff, together with the birds in the runs near the site entrance.

To get the most from this site, a car is useful, however for the two nights we were in residence we were more than happy to soak up the sunshine, stroll round the grounds and take the occasional walk into Bangor-on-Dee.

Run by the same family that own Plassey Leisure Park just 5 miles away, campers can enjoy a choice of two Parks, totally different in character but equally excellent in their own special ways. What more could you ask?