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Camping

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

I want the best of both worlds....

16 replies

bonbonours · 16/08/2021 14:27

Just come back from camping, basic site with no electric, but with freezer for icepacks available in the reception, charge your phone there etc. Campfires actively encouraged and wood/firepits sold. But nothing for kids to do except what we took with us, ie bats balls, books, cards etc. So only just ok from a being bored point of view.

Next week have booked a site with loads of facilities, pool, playground, mini golf, evening entertainment etc. But because it's mostly set up for static caravans, the camping field has nothing more than loos/showers, nowhere to charge a phone, freeze an ice pack etc. And they don't allow fires which means you basically have to go to bed as soon as the kids do as you can't sit out in the cold and dark.

Why aren't there sites that do both??? Actual facilities but also properly set up for tent camping??

OP posts:
bonbonours · 16/08/2021 17:56

Thanks. I will have another look local to me, so far everything I find is either in the "firepits and no facilities" or the "facilities but no firepits" categories!

We have had electric hook up before but never found one with hook up that also allows fires.

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profpoopsnagle · 17/08/2021 16:05

I'm not sure how old your kids are- but here are some sites that have a bit more of both worlds:

Cotswold view caravan and camping park (although this one does not allow fires)
Norden Farm in Dorset.
Nettwood Farm in Somerset
FForest fields in Wales

It is a bit of a compromise with a lot of sites.

pisspants · 17/08/2021 16:11

there definitely does seem to be a big split in the types of sites. As an alternative, could you camp near to a big place which has facilities (I know haven does day passes, or did more covid anyway) or near to a large town/holiday resort.

pisspants · 17/08/2021 16:11

before Covid

MinniesAndMickeysNeedCounting · 17/08/2021 16:16

We've recently been to clippesby hall in Norfolk, they have different area, some allow fires and some don't and have electric hook-up, the pitch we were on had/allowed both.

gogohm · 17/08/2021 16:33

Where we are going this weekend has both - well a kids playground, can swim in the river, woods to play in (beats a playground) plus freezing and charging facilities and camp fires allowed

gogohm · 17/08/2021 16:33

I'll report back!

HelplessProcrastinator · 17/08/2021 17:37

We like Little Trevothan on Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall. Proper marked out pitches with EHU and hedges and trees between rows, playing field and kids play area, games room for kids to congregate in. Free fire pits to borrow and bags of logs to buy. Reception sells essential food items. For us it strikes the perfect balance between facilities and traditional camping. Walking distance to cute village with a pub, couple of takeaways and a lovely beach (low tide only).

bonbonours · 17/08/2021 17:41

[quote Wimowehwimowehwimowehwimoweh]Search for campsites with electrical hook up if you need to charge phones maybe. It’s also handy for lights, portable DVD player for rainy days etc.

]]

There are campsites on here with facilities
www.campsites.co.uk/search/campsites-with-electric-hook-up
For example
Pool, entertainment etc
www.campsites.co.uk/search/campsites-in-somerset/cheddar/bucklegrove-holiday-park

Fires, bbq, fishing
www.campsites.co.uk/search/campsites-in-shropshire/shrewsbury/brook-house-farm

Fires, tv room, laundry, near pub
www.campsites.co.uk/search/campsites-in-norfolk/kings-lynn/kings-lynn-caravan-and-camping-park[/quote]
@Wimowehwimowehwimowehwimoweh
See the Bucklegrove one you mention has the facilities but doesn't allow fires as per my previous experience of looking. The others sound much more like the more basic type we've stayed in plenty of, but we really want a pool and stuff.

@profpoopsnagle
thanks I'll have a look at these

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Savannahnanana · 17/08/2021 19:17

I’m staying in a camping and caravan club certified location at the moment which has electric hook up and allows fires if you bring your own firepit or bowl. You just help yourself from the woodlands you’re camped in. Search on the Camping & Caravan Club website for others as there are lots.

SnoopyMcLoopy · 21/08/2021 21:56

Wowo in East Sussex has lots going on and encourage fires! Singing in the teepee, magician sessions, wood crafting, fairy trails. And a spa for the adults. But it still retains a low key vibe.

Alvinne · 26/08/2021 01:08

Haw Wood Farm near Saxmundham in Suffolk is absolutely ace. You can have fires, the toilets and showers are genuinely lovely and spotless, there is a freezer in the washing up area for ice blocks, a nice little shop/cafe, a play area, a nice dog walking field. They have electric hook up pitches and non electric pitches. Personally I prefer the meadow pitches to the central ones, but these are further from the toilets. I think it's the perfect campsite!

HelplessProcrastinator · 30/08/2021 17:51

River Dart country park in Devon is a big site with adventure playgrounds hidden in a forest with loads of room for kids to run wild. There is a shallow pool with water from the river with rope swings and stuff to climb and play on including a big wooden pirate ship. People bring inflatables and it's great fun. You can go in the river for a swim or to paddle dinghys and kayaks. There is a high ropes course and canoe lake but that costs extra. There is a food place on site which is takeaway only but there are loads of tables including some under a big gazebo so you can sit and eat there with a pint if you like. Well stocked shop. Campfires are allowed. There are ice pack freezers and the usual camping facilities. Beautiful setting by the river surrounded by trees. Looks of room to cycle and there is a cycle track but not tried that ourselves.

bonbonours · 31/08/2021 09:17

@HelplessProcrastinator this looks amazing, I will bear in mind for a future holiday. Unfortunately it's quite far from us but might be worth the trek!

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Filmbuffmum · 31/08/2021 09:34

Try Farpeak in Gloucestershire- amazing cafe on site as well as a climbing centre, low ropes course and other activities www.farpeakcamping.co.uk/
They have electric hook ups and shower blocks, and fires are allowed. Great location for the Cotswolds- wildlife park etc

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