If you had £500 to spend on a tent..

[srslylikeomg]

What would you buy? It needs to sleep 2 adults and 4 kids (one a baby) and be ok in hot weather. Not worried about weight. I like the look of soul pads but any of you guys have any suggestions? Your opinions would be most welcome!

I'd be tempted by a second hand outwell, there are lots around as people upgrade to air beams but they are really solid tents...we have had an Idaho, a wolf lake and a Montana over the years...all fabulous...

I love our bell tent (we have a 4m one for 3 of us and it is perfect size).
however... If I had £500 to sepnd on a new tent I would be very tempted to go slightly over budget and get one of these:

www.obelink.co.uk/palamos-6.html?category_params=s_company%3D4%26category_id%3D4151

I am always in awe of dutch tents whenever we camp in France...

Just re-read and seen you have 4 kids ( I read it as 4 people in total inc. baby) You would definitely need a 5m bell tent!

We have this, the Vango Marista 700

www.ukcampsite.co.uk/tents/p/Vango-Maritsa-700/1606

and once up is fantastic. Got it a bit cheaper than that in Go Outdoors and got footprint groundsheet too all for about £450. I love that we can put kitchen stuff in front awning and kids can enter through side doors. Also, my DH and I share 3 bed room with the clothes bags, and youngest DD sleeps next door, and if she wakes i can unzip the internal wall to see to her without getting out of bed. You'd easily fit 5 and a travel cot.
However on reflection, it is very heavy and needs a jumbo pitch on most sites. You might be better to get something similar with lighter poles.

Hi Gear Kalahari 10. Easy to put up. Think we got tent, carpet, footprint and porch deal for about £500.

We've recently bought an airgo nimbus 8, and its great! second hand it was £450. Only put it up in the garden and slept in it for 1 night so far but Im very impressed!
It went up in 5 minutes (minus pegging out the guy lines) Brilliant when you've got kids to keep an eye on!

Fabulous! Thank you all so much, lots to research (while I should be working!) - very excited about our trip. I really appreciate you taking time to reply.