Am I mad to consider camping on my own with 3dc on public transport?

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Really want to take them away for a short break but as a none driver will be using public transport. I have 3 dlc aged 9, 8 and 3. I was thinking the eldest 2 could carry a backpack each with their clothes and maybe a sleeping bag in? Is this doable? And if so could anyone recommend a tent that I could put up on my own preferably under £100 and what necessities I will need that are transportable by public transport and a campsite within 2 hours of manchester?

Tia

I don't think you're mad! I think with planning, you could all have a lovely time - it would be a real adventure!

www.ukcampsite.co.uk/articles/view.asp?id=580

Have a look at the above website as a starting point, it has details of campsites that you can access via public transport. There are plenty within a couple of hours of Manchester - Lancashire, Yorkshire, Cumbria, Cheshire.

Thanks, my eldest is really keen on the idea, middle one isn't bothered either way and youngest will love it. I'll have a look at that site.

Well 2 out of 3 ain't bad ha ha.

I used to go camping loads when I was younger with my then boyfriend - no car, used public transport - trains/buses.

We carried a tent, sleeping bags and basic camping equipment so I'm sure you will be OK with an extra few pairs of hands.

Just get organised in advance and perhaps find a site that has a shop/basic cafe so you don't have to carry loads of food and drinks.

Have fun!

I would find this daunting, I must admit. But I suppose if you had a huge backpack and used a buggy or shopping trolley to transport more stuff you might be OK. I think you could manage with giving the older 2 a rucsac with their clothes, sleeping bag and mat (use the roll up mats), but then there is yours and the little ones sleeping bags and mats, tent, something to sit on - rug? cooking and eating equipment? Feeding 2 kids on a tiny one-ring stove?

Have an exploratory pack and see how you get on.

Look at places that provide tent as will save carrying

Otherwise get a shopping trolley to wheel heavy bits.

I was thinking of going to a site with a shop on so that I can buy food there, having butties or similar for lunch and maybe eating out for tea. The pram I've got now is great for transporting stuff, it had a huge shopping basket and I can put some stuff on the handles. Planning on going from a Monday to Friday so will only need 4 changes of clothes maybe a couple more for youngest. Seen a few sites that look good I just need to research them further.

Take less clothes and more wipes, you'll not worry about being grubby for a couple of days!

I wonder if there's any way you could have a Tesco delivery to the camp site, eg to the farmhouse or reception?

We camped in Scarborough and the local takeaway places did deliver

What about delamere forest in Chester it seems doable from Manchester by train

Good idea, there's a station at Delamere too.

I was looking at delamere, it's not too far from me so would be ideal for a first trip.

You could look at edale, the campsite is two min walk from the station. I've gone on the train before and it was fine, I had a shopping trolley, small tent, sleeping bag and a tiny stove. Lovely part of the world.

Lily - did you have 3 kids with you, though, one a pre-schooler? That's the tricky part, IMO.

You'd have to walk that from the car on a lot of sites where vehicles aren't allowed on site though.

No I didn't have three children, however there is a good cafe/ pub/ shop and it is a two min walk from the station.
I think it's doable with a fully loaded pushchair / buggy board and a wheelie for the children. ( a nine year old can pull a big suitcase or a shopping trolley for two mins surely)
It won't be luxuary no but it might be the difference between a holiday or not.

Pick a hot weekend and you will need less warm stuff.

What about going to a Youth Hostel, then you wouldn't have to carry so much?

I've done a lot of camping in the past and to be brutally honest I would not do what you are planning to do. Good luck.

Think I'd vote for youth hostel too tbh. They're very reasonable.