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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

to not want to book a camping holiday for july?

49 replies

smilingismyfavourite · 08/01/2013 23:27

DH annoyed because we have "thousands of pounds of camping equipment" (exaggeration much) doing nothing. I don't care, don't want to spend two weeks in a sodding field entertaining a bored DDs aged 7&8. Don't mind a spur of the moment few days if the weather is nice but I don't want to book now. I want a nice holiday park with a few (not many) entertainments and some things for the kids to do regardless of weather. His idea of a holiday was fine when we were young and child free not so much now. AIBU?

OP posts:

Original poster

smilingismyfavourite · 09/01/2013 00:32

We have the camping equipment as we both used to like to do this pre kids when it was a two man tent, a hill to climb and plenty of beer in the pub afterwards. It has just gradually expanded (to a mahossive 6 man tent and lots of other stuff) and I honestly like camping (we have been lots, so I actually think he has had his moneys worth). I just don't want to go in potentially dreadful weather with horrid grumpy bored kids who can't drink beer I'd just like a nice, not too much hard work holiday for once

OP posts:

PandaOnAPushBike · 09/01/2013 00:34

We stayed there once in July when there was a full on storm. Gale force winds and everything. My husband was out in it, hammering a dozen pegs into each peg hole to stop the tent blowing away. The following morning the camp was empty. People had gone home during the night. The only ones left were a large school party who all slept on their coach, us, and a guy who was ex SAS and his family. I feel we earnt our camping stripes that night. :o

Boomerwang · 09/01/2013 00:36

In that case you need to compromise. Part camping, part hotel/mobile home. It's doable, even in the same camping area. Or compromise on the time of year you go camping.

Original poster

smilingismyfavourite · 09/01/2013 00:47

panda I have some camping stripes myself though not as many as you I think
boom the only time I will go camping is summer holidays, we both work in education and both kids at school so it is the only reasonable time available. Should be prime camping weather but as you know in the UK anything can happen!

Don't mean to sound like a miserable anti-camper. I've done it loads thats why I know this year I would quite like a nice easy holiday. I'm not asking for an all inclusive carribean retreat... just maybe a static caravan with a kids play park.... maybe, please?

OP posts:

Startail · 09/01/2013 00:49

YANBU
I have always refused to buy camping kit so as to not feel guilty for not using it.

PandaOnAPushBike · 09/01/2013 00:55

smiling we only stayed because we had no home to go to as we don't live in the UK. My daughter was 17 at the time and had her own tent with a friend. They were both in with me, my husband, my friend and the 3 dogs because they (and my friend) were too scared to be on their own. The gusts were so strong that the tent literally flattened on top of us and then pinged back again. We were amazed that none of the pole broke.

Original poster

smilingismyfavourite · 09/01/2013 01:17

panda You see... right there you have given me the exact reasons why I don't want to book a camping holiday in july

OP posts:

Twattybollocks · 09/01/2013 09:14

You say you want to go to a holiday park? There are loads within the uk which are campsites, but which have swimming pools, play areas, games rooms etc. your kids won't be bored I promise, there are loads of other kids all wanting to play and have fun, they will probably have the time of their lives. I can imagine a campsite without facilities etc for long walks etc for 2 weeks would be most 7/8 year olds idea of hell, but it doesn't have to be like that. We stayed at one in Norfolk a couple of years ago with family. My kids aged 5 and 7, my sisters kids aged 10 and 14. They all made friends with other kids and had a whale of a time biking up and down the campsite, round the pool, in the games field playing footie, badminton, cricket, swing ball etc, on the play area, climbing trees and in the games arcade playing air hockey, table football, etc. they were knackered every night, slept like logs, and ate for England, something mine don't do at home!

sausageandorangepickle · 09/01/2013 09:38

I'm in agreement with OP on this one.

We had one of 'those' camping trips like Panda's at a lovely site at www.harlynsands.co.uk. in cornwall The owners of the site were great though and refunded us the nights we hadn't used when our tent got shredded in the wind.

It is actually a great site, with the holiday park entertainment, and a private footpath to a lovely beach. We did go back the following year, but in a caravan!

Another good compromise site we have been to near cardigan bay was www.talyweryddcaravanpark.co.uk

Labradorwhisperer · 09/01/2013 10:23

Camping isn't for everyone, and I can imagine if its rainy and you have DC to entertain, it would be a nightmare!

I suspect there will have to be some sort of compromise... Can you find a campsite with an indoor pool/social centre where you would like to stay? I know of a few good family run places in Derbyshire for example that have this. The key to camping is planning, and the right kit. Hope you get something sorted!

Flobbadobs · 09/01/2013 10:35

Take them to a festival! Farmer Phils in August offers 5 days camping plus weekend tickets and I think under 12's go free. We've made some great friends there. Nothing like bonding over a campfire while the children play.

LaCiccolina · 09/01/2013 10:35

eBay the stuff whilst he's at work. Use money to fund a holiday surprise of two weeks in France at eurocamp type place.

Sounds bloody wonderful! I'm with u, no more fields! Fields for cows! Give them back their homes!!!! Ra ra ra...!

YouOldSlag · 09/01/2013 10:40

I have put my foot down in my house. I work like a bloody fool all year and the last thing on earth I am doing for a holiday is going somewhere where it's even harder, with no comforts.

DH is welcome to take the kids camping, but I will be at home in bed with the heating on after a nice hot bath.

As for your DH saying holiday camps are chav- he is mad. Hoseasons have lovely Lodges, many other holiday parks are very quiet with no entertainment shows, just a shop and a laundrette, and even if you do stay in one that he might regard as chav- well you don't have to go to the shows and play in the arcades, you can sit quietly in your caravan away from the noise and have a very peaceful time.

By the way, the Sun Holiday deals work out quite cheap and they have good parks such as Parkdean and Haven. We went on one and did not come home as "chavs" whatever that may mean to your snobby DH.

Ephiny · 09/01/2013 10:42

He should take the kids camping on his own, while you have either a week to yourself at home, or whatever kind of holiday you like.

I do love camping, especially wild or semi-wild sites, and don't really care what the weather is like, the whole survival against the elements thing is half the fun (and you appreciate a campfire way more when it's cold and wet!). But I can see why it wouldn't be for everyone, and there's no point being dragged along on a holiday where you're going to be miserable.

StuntGirl · 09/01/2013 10:49

You wouldn't get me on a camping holiday, I can just about manage a weekend at a music festival and that is only due to the bands!

NickECave · 09/01/2013 11:27

Do you have any other friends with kids who like camping? If you go as a group there are always other kids to play with. We almost always camp with other parents and go to campsites that allow fires as they're fun for the kids and then you can sit by the fire and drink loads of wine (since the days of staying in the pub til closing time and staggering back to campsite in the dark are long gone).

TravelinColour · 09/01/2013 11:29

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Ragwort · 09/01/2013 11:33

Yes, there is a compromise, suggest he books it, takes the children and enjoys the camping.

You would prefer to stay at home. .

I am having a similar nightmare deciding what holiday to have, quite honestly I would rather not go away as trying to find something that we would all enjoy is almost impossible. I am more than happy with two weeks home alone !

Arcticwaffle · 09/01/2013 11:35

yanbu. I love camping but not in bad weather and the last few summer holidays have been pretty bad camping weather. And I can quite see why people aren't wild about camping.

Agree to go for a couple of weekends but not for your main holiday.

Kahlua4me · 09/01/2013 11:41

Woodlands leisure park in Dartmouth is lovely. You camp and get to use al the rides etc as you want. All non manned stuff is available after hours too.

First time we went there it rained solidly for first 3 days but we all had a ball. Lots to do inside as well as out. Facilities were good, hot showers, clean loos etc.

Cantbelieveitsnotbutter · 09/01/2013 11:46

Sandyballs?!

PessaryPam · 09/01/2013 11:50

YADNBU, it sounds hellish, and just a continuation of the daily grind with less facilities. Why not let him take the kids and you can stay home and have a rest?

gordyslovesheep · 09/01/2013 11:57

I LOVE camping but we always go in a big gang - with lots of kids and lots of wine great fun! even in the rain (big tent!)

theodorakisses · 09/01/2013 12:10

January February March April May June July August September October November December. Always unreasonable. I am still scarred from the terribleness of childhood camping.

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