I want to take the family camping... where do I start? Any UK site suggestions?

[MessyMummy15]

Hey,
Maybe some of you can help!!
Used to go camping with mates as a teenagers but haven't gone since. Recently found out that OH has never been camping so am pretty keen on digging out the ol' tent and dragging OH and my two Young boys away for a week camping...

But where do I start?
Type in camping uk in google and your bombarded with a million different things.

I basically want a campsite where you can pay pitch fees and cook your food on a fire etc but that also has toilets/ wash facilities and also like a community feel to it. So maybe activities for the kids etc.

Does such a thing exist? Can anyone suggest any sites or companies that might be the kind of thing I'm after? I'm in London if that helps?

Many thanks

I've not seen one with organised activities for kids, but loads have playgrounds and fields to play games in.

UKcampsite.co.uk has lots of ways to filter and we've really appreciated the reviews on there and found a brilliant campsite. You can search to include campfires and playgrounds so you should find something to match what you're after.

We BBQ rather than campfire (as lots more sites allow BBQs) and we have a little portable one we take with us.

I would start by choosing the area you want to go to. There are a million camp sites so you’ll have to narrow it down a bit. Choose a place to go and then search in that area. Some but not all will allow open fires. You’ll have to to check their websites or call and ask. Nearly all will have proper facilities.

We camp regularly but usually more off the grid places as I prefer not to have all the playgrounds and children’s activities. But we went to a place called Warcombe Farm in Woolacombe (North Devon) a couple years ago and it was lovely. It would fit exactly what you are looking for. And that part of Devon is gorgeous with plenty to do in the area, Woolacombe beach, the Big Sheep farm park, diggerland is not far, etc

We went to the Starry Skies festival a couple of times when the kids were younger and loved it. It is expensive for camping but so much to do.

Ive heard really good things about Wowo in Sussex if you’re down that way . Lots of family based things and they allow campfires :) hth

Do you have dogs? If not there's a lovely campsite near Wells in Somerset called Greenacres.
It's a dog free family site, they have showers/toilet block, an undercover dishwashing section (giant kitchen sinks basically!), fridges and a little family room with books/games etc. They also have a little play area for the kids, and through the holidays events for the kids, nature walks and a stall every morning with local farm goods. Ooh and bike hire!
The pitches are all jumbo size so room for a big tent and car (we've also pitched a gazebo between), and tents are only pitched around the outer edge of the field so the middle gives a massive space for kids to play.
We did our first camping trip as a family there 9 years ago, and have been twice more since (probably this year too, 3 and 4 year olds have never been).

If you want to go quite a long way from home, the Hideaway at Baxby in North Yorkshire is gorgeous.
Fire pit at every pitch, hobbit houses or pods if you don't fancy a tent and sleeping on the floor, and a lovely toilet/shower block.
Lots to do nearby too.