Mumsnet Talk

For our first time with kids we went to Newberry Valley in Devon. It's not 'cool', and it is expensive, but it did make life a bit easier. It's also quite near a beach, nice village etc. They've got bookable pitches (if you're on your own I'd ask to be near the loos). The toilet/bathroom block has clean family bathrooms- and they have a BATH (you pay extra for the bath). The floors are heated, washing up area is great and indoors. Our first time was a cold, rainy half term, and having good facilities just made all the differences- we still enjoyed ourselves. My husband said it's his favourite site due to the facilities...I'm a bit more happy with roughing it a bit, but I'd say for first time with kids, it's great and could ensure that they are not put off. 'Cool' laid back places such as the one very near to the Doone Valley site (we wished we'd gone there instead!) are sometimes overcrowded, dirty and you may end up pitched on the side of a hill if you don't get there early enough (speaking from experience)!!!

The only place that would get me near a tent

We liked Doone Valley Campsite in North Devon - is very near one of the Cool campsites but quieter, as isn't "Cool". We have booked a whole field for our group as it means we can let the dogs off their leads. You need ear plugs though as the sheep can be quite noisy!

Is down in the valley; there is a river for the kids to play in; lovely walks and absolutely no mobile phone reception whatsoever!

Http://www.eaglepointcampsite.com

You have to be very lucky to see the dolphins, but they do seem to be spotted down there quite a lot. They have some great photos up on the wall of them when you check in. You can also do a night time canoe trip to see the phosphorescence on Bantry Bay which I always fancied if I could fit in a canoe

It's also quite pricey, but worth it really. Cape Clear camping is heaven too, went there and stayed in a yurt for my 40th, but that was glamping rather than camping, and very far away from England!

I like the sound of Ballylickey, Glasto. Is it almost guaranteed to see Whales and Dolphins or do you have to be very lucky?

Britchcombe Farm is a very basic campsite on edge of Oxfordshire, where you pitch where you like and have open fires, and amazing walks along the Ridgeway to the White Horse at Uffington. Not for those that want plush loo blocks though.

Maybe try ukcampsite.co.uk - good reviews and less trendy than cool camping so you're more likely to get a pitch.

I would love a campfire. But it would just me camping with a 5yo and a 2yo so I'm not sure it's such a good idea!

Nantcol in North Wales was lovely. We were only there for a couple of days & I avoided showering so I can't speak for the quality of those but it was ever so quiet & they let you have proper fires. There's a handy little shop on site & a man comes round with bags of logs each day. I'd make it our annual holiday destination if it wasn't such a long way!

Nw Scotland was the driest part if the uk this year, we had lots if lovely trips up there. Bit far from Berkshire though. France is nice!

Berkshire far from any spe special sites I think

What part of the country?

Where are you?

Well if you won't play nice and share I will have to google cool camping

Same here Po!

And it put its prices up to Glamping rates.

I'm not telling as my favourite campsite is full enough after cool camping highlighted it!

Ballylickey, west cork. It is absolute heaven, you can dolphin and whale watch from your tent, it's in the most beautiful place on earth, all the kids go feral together exploring rock pools and tiring themselves out while the adults sit drinking wine and watching the sunset. If you are there in the sunshine (and west cork can be surprisingly sunny even when It's lashing down in Cork city) there is no better place.

ooh watches with interst

First time camping this year!

Which sites have you found that you really like? And why?