poachedegg Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 (edited) Me & OH were having a discussion today, and part of my things to do whilst I am 40 (I haven't got long left! ), that I haven't done before, is to give camping a try.........however rather than go out and buy all the gubbins for a weekend, just thought I'd ask whether such a thing as a ready made campsite exists, ie tent and equipment provided etc? I know these exist in France, however as we would like our first foray to be just a weekend, would need to be in the UK. Thanks. Edited July 5, 2009 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 chelsea is going soon, I can't recall the name though, something like 'rent a tent' try a google Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 found it http://www.freewebs.com/holestationcampsite/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 here's some more http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/articles/view.asp?id=257 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 Thanks Poet Yes we are going to stay on the "superpitch" at Hole Station soon. It looks very nice (but rustic) with its own camp fire and camp kitchen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poachedegg Posted July 5, 2009 Author Share Posted July 5, 2009 Thanks Will take a look.Also found some sites on Keycamp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drew and Alan Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 Hi! yeah they exist in France (dont know about the UK situation) but here the campsites are very good and well worth it if you do get to France! We have our own tent but have watched other campers just turn up on the camp sites on a bus with their suitcases and just unpack ! no tent constructing or anything! And 40 isnt too old for camping!!!!! Alan and I started camping for the first time last year when Alan was 50 and despite him being dubious about the whole lack of comfort thing, he now loves camping and we would go again this minute if we could! to start with we bought the cheapest tent we could find, put it in the car and just went and with no set route, we traveled around our region for a few weeks !! best holiday! you'll have so many happy memories from camping! happy camping! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 I love my own tent, but if I wanted a ready pitched tent, these would be worth a try: http://www.featherdown.co.uk/ http://www.humblebeefarm.co.uk/wigwams.html http://www.trellyn.co.uk/index.html OK, so some are not strictly tents, but pretty near to! We did stay at Humblebee (in our own tent). Lovely, if a bit busy at peak times. If you google teepees or yurts there are quite a few! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poachedegg Posted July 5, 2009 Author Share Posted July 5, 2009 Well we've booked for 3 nights at Hole Station at the end of July - just me, OH and DD (7) - ES (18) is chicken and dog sitting and DS2 (15) is away at Lourdes. Below is what we get, so as complete camping virgins - any tips on what else to take would be much appreciated. Sleeping accommodation for up to six including air mattresses, in a four person tent with two bedrooms and a boarded central compartment, plus a two/three person tent (Great for kids who want their own tent) A dining/socialising shelter which contains a dining table and chairs, tea lights, a cupboard containing pots, pans, cutlery and implements, glasses and mugs, a gas cooker with stand and gas, a cool box with plentiful supplies of cool blocks, a water container, a kettle, a washing up kit and a really neat toast making device. The dining/socialising shelter is fully boarded. A fire pit of course, a fireside bench and occasional chairs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 food and drink sleeping bags insect repellant torch first aid kit clothes wash bag with toiletries books camera toys/games mobile phone hair dryer (if there's somewhere to plug it in) towels pillows Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poachedegg Posted July 5, 2009 Author Share Posted July 5, 2009 food and drinksleeping bags insect repellant torch first aid kit clothes wash bag with toiletries books camera toys/games mobile phone hair dryer (if there's somewhere to plug it in) towels pillows Thanks for that - do you know it wouldn't have occured to me to take pillows! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 it always amazes me how much 'stuff' we need when we go camping Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 Oh wow, that looks fabulous! You will have a great time! I recommend blankets (for sleeping under and for wrapping round shoulders while sitting under the stars), and wellies! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drew and Alan Posted July 6, 2009 Share Posted July 6, 2009 a radio and some washing line / string and pegs so u can hang your washing / towels out on! We take a mini bottle of handwash laundry detergent too. just string it up between two trees or bushes but before you do, have a look around and check other campers have put a line up as some sites we have been on didnt allow washing lines!?!! and and and!! toilet rolls! as not all campsites have them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen & co. Posted July 6, 2009 Share Posted July 6, 2009 and and and!! toilet rolls! as not all campsites have them Many times we have had to call the children back to stuff loo roll into their pockets when staying on French campsites Karen x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickvic Posted July 6, 2009 Share Posted July 6, 2009 Since looking at this thread we will be booking up at Hole Station over the summer too Don't forget to report back and say what you think! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules. Posted July 6, 2009 Share Posted July 6, 2009 Poached, you are joining us campers at last! I had this thread going last year, it refers to the "take your own tent " variety of camping but its useful to refer to, & I need it to refresh myself for a few weeks time when we go back to the same place viewtopic.php?f=7&t=29162&hilit=camping Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted July 7, 2009 Share Posted July 7, 2009 flip flops are good for wearing down to shower block/toilets, umbrella (if you take it you wont need it ). Ice packs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickweed Posted July 7, 2009 Share Posted July 7, 2009 Keep your box of matches for lighting the camping stove in an air tight container. Matches absorb damp air and are useless. We keep them in a small plastic sandwich bag tightly fastened. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poachedegg Posted July 7, 2009 Author Share Posted July 7, 2009 Poached, you are joining us campers at last! hmmm....could be the first and last attempt! Thanks for link, will take a look. Flip flops and matches ideas noted - thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minky Posted July 7, 2009 Share Posted July 7, 2009 As keeping ratty old camper vans on the road is my OH's obsession we don't tend to take the under canvas option very often, but this would be my choice! http://www.cosyundercanvas.co.uk/?gclid=CPK9_fGmw5sCFUYA4wod-zPEDw Even includes feathered friends Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 Since looking at this thread we will be booking up at Hole Station over the summer too Don't forget to report back and say what you think! Wow, perhaps I should e mail the owner and get commission for all his new bookings! We are going on the 24th of July so will let you know. Did you book the superpitch the same as us? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickvic Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 No - but we're looking at that for next year! I think we're going around mid August. Will wait til DH is home and book. I've never really been camping but I like the idea of having it all there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 I have been camping before and I am not a fan to be honest. (I love my cosy caravan!) But this site looks lovely, and without all the efforts and arguments putting up tents! OH also likes the idea of us all sitting around the campfire. Greg the owner told me the "superpitch" books up quickly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poachedegg Posted July 8, 2009 Author Share Posted July 8, 2009 Since looking at this thread we will be booking up at Hole Station over the summer too Don't forget to report back and say what you think! Wow, perhaps I should e mail the owner and get commission for all his new bookings! We are going on the 24th of July so will let you know. Did you book the superpitch the same as us? How long are you there for - we arrive on the 27th? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
