Camping Novice - which month to start?

[AnnieEdison]

We have recently purchased a tent and accessories and I was wondering when is the earliest we can go camping this year?

We are a family of 4 (DC1 5 yrs & DC2 3 yrs)

Any tips for a family that are very keen but fairly new to this?

[headlesslambrini]

Probably May half term, you could go earlier but it will still be very cold at night. If you want to try it over Easter then I would suggest the back garden!

[12daysofhillbilly]

I would agree with headless. Even May can be chilly at night but manageable. Take hot water bottles and thermals! We went mid April last year for the first time and it was doable but def not for a first time.

[HollyJollyDillydolly]

I would also say May half term. We went just before Easter last year for our first trip but temperatures went down to -1° at night! We ended up coming home during the night - luckily we chose a close campsite for our first camping experience!
We went back the next morning to pack up.

Our second attempt was May, still quite chilly at night but manageable with lots of layers.

[AnnieEdison]

Thanks for all the replies - that is really useful. I think May half term would work well for us. We might not go too far on our first time, just in case!