So is it possible to go camping without a car?

[neonLadybird]

Neither DH nor I drive, we would love to take DD on a camping holiday this summer but I don't know if we would be able to manage all the kit. Has anyone done this? Have you any recommended sites not too far from London with decent facilities? TIA.

Have a look at Welsummer in Kent. They have some tents all set up ready, but seem to charge a v low amount - especially if you deduct the amount that a pitch for a 'bring your own gear' would cost. Not sure how far they are from a station.

Also scroll down this list and search under 'sites within 1 mile of public transport' and the 'glamping' list of places with set up tents

Yes, in fact I only recently went camping by car for the first time (at age of 30!), always used to go by public transport/foot. Lightweight tent, foam mat to sleep on, Trangier stove (v. small and light), compression sac for sleeping bag.

It might be a bit more difficult with a child though - depending on how old your DD is, i.e. how much extra stuff does she need, and is she old enough to walk and carry her own gear?

Not much help to you if you want to be near London, but one of the most accessible campsites was in Edale (Peak district) - very near the station, and with a shop, cafe and pubs within short walking distance.

Hmm, yes, access to a good shop seems important.

Second Blu's suggestion for Welsummer's prepitched tents. They sometimes sell sausages etc, and I think you can pre-order bbq packs - might be worth contacting them. See here

If I could do it all over again, I'd probably do something like this first, as we bought things we didn't really like / need because it was recommended as camping essentials (which, in fairness, it is to most people, we're just odd). It gives you an idea of what you like, and if you even like camping, before splashing out on equipment.

This is all great, thanks so much. DD is nearly 10 so will be able to carry some of her stuff at least!

you could go Eurocamping on the continent very easily. Fly to La Rochelle, take bus to Ile de Re, a couple of campsites there have Canvas and Eurocamp. They all have shops and once you are there, you hire bikes and you definitely don't need a car all week

Roundhill in new forest-brockenhurst is mainline from Waterloo, and have Pre pitched eurocamp tents. You'd needto hire bikes to Easily get into brockenhurst for tescos/butchers etc and to ride the forest trails.

Check the forest holidays website :)