Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Camping

Our UK Camping forum has all the information you need on finding the right equipment for your tent or caravan.

Original poster

Calling all non-hardy campers

45 replies

Caligula · 01/02/2006 21:41

Or wimps.

I'm too scared to go camping a) because I haven't the faintest idea how to put a tent up and am sure I wouldn't be able to do it and b) because I'm scared of being murdered by an axe man - the idea of sleeping somewhere where the doors don't lock freaks me out.

Can someone tell me how and where to do it where I won't be scared?

OP posts:
kid · 01/02/2006 21:43

what about the bugs don't they scare you? I couldn't sleep in a tent because of them. never mind the mad axe man!

Original poster
Caligula · 01/02/2006 21:43

tbh, the mad axe-man is such an overwhelming fear that the bugs have paled into insignificance.

But yes, the bugs would also be an issue!

OP posts:
Blandmum · 01/02/2006 21:44

Try a holiday in a tent with Canvas or Keycamp or Eurotent first....that way you just arive and the tent is already put up for yo and comes with all the kit....or borrow some stuff and try it out

We camped for the first time in our own stuff last year and had 4 holidays for the price of 1 and the best time ever!

Our tent takes 30 mins to put up. the kids love it and run around and have fredom. DH and I read loads of books . the kids love it and so do we. Dh was very unsure, and half way into the second trip he was taking about booking the next summer's camping exped.

Blandmum · 01/02/2006 21:45

Axe man is no different from walking dow the road!

you can get tents with 'no see 'em' mesh' and sewn in ground sheets that keep out the bugs

bakedpotato · 01/02/2006 21:46

I would only ever consider it in one of those French campsites with showers and huge sink areas and little privet hedges demarking edge of personal territory and also small restaurants serving steak frites

Original poster
Caligula · 01/02/2006 21:47

I'm not convinced about the axe man. Keep talking!

OP posts:
Original poster
Caligula · 01/02/2006 21:48

Also, it would have to be in UK. Much too scared to drive on the continent.

OP posts:
Blandmum · 01/02/2006 21:49

Nvere had any worried TBH, re axe man. felt far safer in camp sites than in hotels....fire risk, being robbed etc

Campers tend to look out for each other. Our gazebo blew down when we were camping over bank holiday, and other campers sorted it for us because we ewere out for the day

Original poster
Caligula · 01/02/2006 21:50

Is there some sort of security so random axe men can't wander around sharpening their axes? Can you recommend a campsite for wimps in the UK?

OP posts:
bakedpotato · 01/02/2006 21:50

Caligula, you're not living up to your name tonight

Blandmum · 01/02/2006 21:51

In france ther eis a gate that shuts at 11 normaly.

But realistical if Axe man wanted you, he'd break into your house no?

never had any probs

Original poster
Caligula · 01/02/2006 21:53

Ah but my house is alarmed!

OP posts:
Original poster
Caligula · 01/02/2006 21:54

BP I know. But the thought of going away with 2 kids by myself and having to sort out tents etc., is too hideous. The thing that really worries me is the security - but also the prospect of my tent blowing away because I haven't put it up properly.

I tried to drive on the continent a few years ago and could cope with it at all. Couldn't get my head round being on the wrong side of the road!

But I quite like the idea of being competent enough to do it just because it's so cheap.

OP posts:
Blandmum · 01/02/2006 21:56

Borrow kit and go to somewhere close to home for the first try out....we did this. Go a cheap and chearful site and if it all turns pear shaped, pack up and go home

Blandmum · 01/02/2006 21:57

where do you live..ish? I'll fins a site near by, gibve me the county

Original poster
Caligula · 01/02/2006 22:08

Good idea - I live in Kent. Have been searching on the internet for luxury campsites, but they all seem to involve driving in Europe!

OP posts:
KBear · 01/02/2006 22:14

Caligula - I'm in Kent too - Kentish folk are rock 'ard and the axeman is scared of us!

Tortington · 01/02/2006 22:34

camping must be a la eurotent with proper beds and a cooker and fridge - anything else you wake up wet, cold, dressed in your clothes from the day before ( becuase your so cold) 8 pairs of socks, cant find a lighter to light the gas bottle. and you play cards for entertainment becuase the pub is full of old fat men - and you cant for the life of you figure out why they come onto the campsite to drink.

Original poster
Caligula · 01/02/2006 22:38

You are re-inforcing my reservations Custy!

OP posts:
Original poster
Caligula · 01/02/2006 22:39

I think it would have to be luxury camping for me.

I've just done a search on Butlins - astounded by their prices - much cheaper to go abroad.

OP posts:
Tortington · 01/02/2006 22:45

this is camping

we went here twice check out the prices

june inc crossing for 6 people under £350 lets add on some extras i've not thought about or look into and call it £450 still the damndest cheapest holiday abroad a family of five is likely to get ever

Tortington · 01/02/2006 22:45

this is camping

we went here twice check out the prices

june inc crossing for 6 people under £350 lets add on some extras i've not thought about or look into and call it £450 still the damndest cheapest holiday abroad a family of five is likely to get ever

Tortington · 01/02/2006 22:45

i got all excited

Original poster
Caligula · 01/02/2006 22:51

I can see why. That's the kind of camping I like the look of. Except for the driving, of course.

OP posts:
Skribble · 02/02/2006 00:32

Caligula if you are really unsure about camping I would recomend going for a caravan or chalet, gives you the reassurance of security and home comforts you want but you will be able to suss out what site facilities are like if you were to ever be brave enough to consider canvas.

PIL stay on Caravan Club sites here and in the UK most of their sites take tents as well as tourers. The toilets are always very clean and of a very good standard, there are laundry facilities and sinks for dish washing and veg prep.

If you decide where you want to go I am sure their will be loads of recomendations for loads of sites what ever accomadation you go for.

I am a bit of a luxury caravan person myself and I don't mean tourers , don't fancy canvas myself, although every Easter we seem to end up sleeping in PIL's awning of their caravan, some of the coldest nights I have ever had (Scotland). There is a lot to be said for a heater running of the electric hook up all night, although not very environmentaly friendly.