Please can anyone recommend a campsite, we're in the midlands, looking to go south for a few days in August. Help!

[LoveMyGirls]

We've never been camping as a family before, we're taking our dd's (ages 9 and nearly 3)

Do want
somewhere with toilet/ shower facilities
somewhere fairly cheap
places to visit which won't cost a lot of money (don't really want to be at the beach every day)

Maybe
somewhere with a clubhouse with entertainment possibly?
Somewhere with a theme park near by or other days out?
somewhere similar to this would be good but it's a 5 hour drive and we can only go for 4 or 5 nights so ideally don't want to travel for that long with dd's

Does anyone have any ideas? Places you've been and can recommend?

TIA

[TwoToTango]

Never been myself but what about kingsbury water park you would be near to Drayton Manor and Alton Towers?

[TwoToTango]

Also conkers

[TwoToTango]

Sorry, just seen you want to go south - not camp in the Midlands.

What about Warren Farm or Broadway House in Cheddar (would link but can't get page to load atm)

[LoveMyGirls]

I suggested those to dp earlier but he says if we're going somewhere it needs to be somewhere further, we could just go to those for a day and then come home, apparently to get the full camping experience we need to go somewhere far enough away that we can't just come home when it starts to rain Can you tell camping is not my idea? I'm happy to go though, it's for the kids so it's worth it.
Thanks for your suggestions.

[TwoToTango]

Is Dorset far enough?

[LoveMyGirls]

Somerset might be worth looking at, we went to dorset last year with my mum in her caravan and although it's beautiful I think it might be ncie to go somewhere we haven't been.

(we brought a tent today and dp is now laying it out on the living room floor, I think he's excited lol)

Do you go camping a lot TTT? Have you got any handy hints or tips I might need?

[LoveMyGirls]

He's putting the poles together.........I said it's too big for the living room so he's going to put it up in the garden I thought we were doing this for the kids but now I'm thinking its really for him

[phatcat]

You need the Cool Camping - England book. I've just bought it - loads of recommendations for sites and associated places to visit, eat etc.

[TwoToTango]

Do a search - there are loads of threads with some great camping tips.

TBH we are fair weather campers - so as you can imagine we haven't been camping for some time

Have you got an electric hook up - I think its Go Outdoors who are doing one for £30 this weekend.

[Lucycat]

There are Loads of tips on here if you search...
try this thread or this one?

those should keep you busy!

or if you want to be scared - there is always my packing list you have been warned!

[LoveMyGirls]

Thanks for the links and the list! Brilliant!