After seeing a TikTok about a campsite in Ceredigion offering hard standing pitches with a personal hot tub, I was sold.
In need of a relaxing weekend away, we booked to stay at a luxurious alternative to your usual campsites(Image: Indigo Jones)
After what felt like a busy couple of weeks back in April, it was time for a much-needed break. My partner and I had decided to go camping, a cheaper alternative to a weekend break that exactly won’t break the bank. Then my parents kindly offered up their campervan, and we scrapped the idea of a flimsy tent and opted for a much more glamorous long weekend instead.
That’s when I saw a TikTok about Moody Meadows, a campsite in Ceredigion that not only offered up hard standing pitches with lakeside views, but also the option to book a spot with your own personal hot tub. I was sold.
I went on to their website, and with only one hot tub space left it was clearly meant to be. We booked straight away, and suddenly I was packing my bathers and planning on what we could do with our long weekend. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here
Located at Bargoed Farm, near the coastal village of Llwyncelyn, Moody Meadows is just a six minute drive from Aberaeron, and roughly 30 minutes from Aberystwyth and Cardigan. As it was so close to these famous Welsh seaside spots, I decided to make a little itinerary so we could make the most of our weekend away.
We tried the famous honey ice cream from Hive in Aberaeron, drove past the Cofiwch Dryweryn sign, took a walk down Aberystwyth sea front and stopped for dinner at Grain (formally Pizza Tipi) in Cardigan.
Although, despite our exciting plans we didn’t really need to leave the campsite as there was plenty to do just a short walk from our pitch.
(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
As we drove past the big Moody Meadows sign on to the farm, we were surprised at the extent of their on-site facilities.
There was the Moody Cow Bistro perfect for grabbing a bite to eat, a couple of pints or your morning coffee, The Moody Calf Play Barn which combines outdoor and indoor soft-play, The Crazy Cow Trampline Park and a locally sourced Farm Shop.
It also appeared that there were glamping options available, with luxury lodges and their very own Moo-tel! You can read more about our Property Editor Joanne Ridout’s stay at the roadside motel here.
Our pitch included a private hot tub and a view of the lake(Image: Indigo Jones)
After we were checked in, we were escorted to our hardstanding pitch with our very own private hot tub. From Friday to Sunday, this set us back a hefty £166 (or £83 a night) which also included electric hook up for our van, as well as the on-site facilities.
However, their prices start at £20 for regular hardstanding pitches, so don’t let the price put you off when there are cheaper alternatives available too.
When booking I was struggling to justify the price, but then I considered how much would it be to stay in a hotel, a glamping pod or go for a city break abroad, when we have such stunning places to visit in Wales.
The minute we pulled up and I saw the view that we would have from our van in the morning, I knew we had made the right decision. Our pitch overlooked the lake where we saw all sorts of wildlife, and I was already thinking about how I would be reading my book with a coffee in that exact spot.
As promised we had our own hot tub, in its own private canopy with views of the lake. But before we could step in to our little bit of luxury in west Wales, we decided to head for food in the Moody Cow.
The view of the lake from our van(Image: Indigo Jones)
We were advised by friends that it books out quickly, so we made sure we had reservations before arriving. It is safe to say that it was busy, as it looked like people travelled from far and wide to try their famous Welsh burgers- which of course we opted for too.
I had The Moody Smash, which comprised of two homemade smashed beef patties with Monterey Jack cheese and all the trimmings with homemade chips and slaw, and my partner had The Mother Clucker, a southern fried chicken burger with fried halloumi, salad and they also came with homemade chips and slaw.
For both, this cost us £33, which we didn’t think was too bad considering the standard of the food and also the size of the portion. They were both delicious, full of flavour, and very very filling. You can see why people travel to the Moody Cow even if they aren’t staying on site.
It was also great to see the local produce that they had on offer in the bistro, including the Cardigan Brewery pints that we had with our food.
Our food in the Moody Cow was delicious, full of flavour, and very very filling.(Image: Indigo Jones)
The campsite itself was surprisingly quiet considering that they were fully booked that weekend. I was concerned that I would be kept up all night with music and people being loud, but it was honestly really peaceful. Everybody was respectful and it really added to the relaxing nature of the weekend.
Not only did this mean that I could relax in the hot tub whilst overlooking the lake, it meant that I actually had a good night’s sleep. Normally I struggle to sleep on campsites, with children running around and drunk people making a racket, but I was shocked at how serene the site was.
Before we left, we had to call by their on-site farm shop which was stocked full of local produce from independent businesses across Wales. They had alcohol, cheeses, meats, chutneys and even little trinkets. I couldn’t help but grab some little bits to take home with me for a very Welsh cheese and wine night.
Inside the award-winning The Moody Cow restaurant(Image: Jo Ridout, WalesOnline)
On our drive back home, we reflected on our lovely relaxing long weekend away and thought: “Wow, that’s exactly what we needed.”
The ease of everything being on site, and the proximity to some of west Wales’ most beautiful spots meant that we actually had the opportunity to relax. Instead of usually cramming in as much as we could to make the most of weekend we leisurely travelled to the likes of Aberystwyth, Cardigan and Aberaeron, then when we returned we could chill out in our own private hot tub.
Moody Meadows is a luxurious alternative to your usual campsites, and you can almost guarantee to unwind when you upgrade to their hot tubs pitches thanks to the tranquil nature of the site. However, with luxury comes a hefty price.
As a treat you can justify it, but that is why the next time I book will probably be for a special occasion or at least until I’ve put some money aside. Until then, I’ll have to settle for some hot-tub-less pitches for my impromptu weekends away.
