Talk to me about tents!

[Tadpoletoatoad]

So! I never thought I'd ever be considering this being a complete non tenter. But, here I am, thinking about tents!!
I know so little! But I do know I NEED to be comfortable.
There is DH, dd (6), ds (3) and myself.
I'm thinking I would like at least a 6 berth tent with 3 sleeping areas. Initially we would only use 2 and 1 for storage as I can't cope with stuff everywhere!
I think I need a sewn in groundsheet. Do I?
I think I need at least 3000 hydro static head. Do I need more?
I would like a porch or capacity for one so we can leave shoes outside. Are there porches that have a door?
What else? I only want to think about the actual tent at the moment because beds etc are a WHOLE other matter!
Please help me! Happy to buy secondhand as I'm still dubious about my staying power!
Only looking at spending 4 nights max in nice weather. But this is the uk so need to be prepared.
I've looked at Vango tents which look good and I've seen recommended in MN before.

Ooo, look at the replies! Sorry I haven't checked back sooner.

Wimpy - DH was in about fitting it in an empty car. I would have been on board of we were talking about a full car.

Two wrongs - no problem. Buying second hand can be a nightmare. I figured the price made it worth a punt. Haven't got it out yet so fingers crossed!

Ann - a sewn in groundsheet became a necessity. I can't be bothered with drafts and uninvited visitors!
The ten has come with a foot print and carpet

Steam - any suggestions on SIMs??

Jobseeker - had forgotten about the need for pillows! And the coffee idea is fabulous! Might invest in a decent flask!

Blu - will keep you posted on our trials. It's going up in the garden this weekend to see what we've actually brought!!

I'm thinking I will re waterproof ASAP. Are all re waterproofers the same or is there a brand that's better??

Thanks all, I'm stupidly excited for a non tenter!!

Wow! Sounds like you might have a real bargain there.

(NB: Real pillows, always real pillows. Even if you have to leave a child or husband behind to fit them in.)

I'm well up for leaving the husband at home! Think of the extra room in the tent

A SIM is a foam mat that partly inflates so it is soft to sleep on but fully insulating so it keep you warm . Unlike an airbed that is a big tank of cold air under you. There is another thread on SIMs. It's about £60 to get a thicker one (about 7cm) that is comfortable for an adult - maybe buy one and see how you get on at home? To get the best performance I would also use a sleeping bag which gives you more warmth for its size than duvets etc. It needs to be 3 season and have a comfort temperature around 0 degrees - if it doesn't quote a temperature or season then it won't be warm enough on a chilly British summer night!

Have you got a branch of Go Outdoors near you? if you sign up for their loyalty card for a few pounds, they are sending out deals every week at the moment and they will have absolutely everything you need.

Thanks Raising, that's really helpful info. I can't bear being cold so warmth is a huge thing.