Bell tent for garden camping?

[Caspianberg]

I’m thinking of getting a tent that we can ‘camp’ a few nights in the garden this summer. And then hopefully use it to go for longer trips next year.
Probably 4-5 night max, and not in winter.

Is a bell tent worth it? Will be for dh, myself and 3 year old. Dh would prefer one he can stand in if possible.

Is a 3m or 4m better for longevity? We have a decent size car, but no trailer or roof box ( at the moment)

Also any recommendations for easy camping cooker would be great. Probably to just heat up some hot chocolate or pasta or similar ease.

It depends how much money you have going spare, but I personally wouldn't spend that much before you know if you like camping.

Bell tents have positives but also negatives, they are heavy and hard to dry.

So I'd get something more lightweight for starters and upgrade if you get serious?

Hmm, what kind of thing do you recommend?
I had read that the cotton on bell tents makes them cooler? It will be used in the summer and it’s warm locally ( south Europe).

I don’t think we will ever be ‘serious’ campers. More I think Ds will like it, so a nice thing to do some weekends whilst he’s growing up.

We got one, used it maybe three times. Put it away dry, went to unroll it the next year and full of fucking holes. No idea how, or why. It was such a waste of money.

I got a really cheap teepee-shaped tent for garden camping. It is high enough to stand up in and packs up really small. It goes up super fast on a central pole. The thing with garden camping is you need very little space as you take no stuff.

But if you think you want a bell tent that is what you should get!

A 4m bell.

3m will be too small for 3 of you for trips away.

In S Europe, yes, a cotton or polycotton tent will be much nicer than a polyester tent. Especially if you get one with a zip in ground sheet and can raise the sides during the day.

Check pack size for travelling.

They do get mould and mildew if packed away even slightly damp but it sounds as if even if you did have a damp pack up you would have good dry weather to dry it once home.

They can be hard to clean so best not to pitch under sticky trees like pines. Bird dirt should be gently washed off with plain water asap. Never wash with any detergent or non specialist product.

Bell tents are very easy to put up.

Cooker: this type will be fine, the gas canisters are widely available
https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/16233482/campingaz-camp-bistro-elite-cooking-stove-16233482/?utm_source=affiliate534365&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=http%3a%2f%2fsiboom.co.uk&awc=3549_1685697535_dee5adc1ea7e1f55308690e6d4735a95