Advice needed by virgin camper

[friendly]

I have hatched a slightly mad scheme to take my 5 kids camping on my own. Dh refuses to come with us. I am hoping the kids and I will have such a good time we might be able to urge him to go another time. Anyway...we don't have a tent of anything else mind you and I wondered if you really get what you pay for with a tent. I basically want something easy to put up, under a couple of hundred ££ if possible. I want the kids near to me. Do you really need to abide to the number it sleeps or can you chuck more kids in together. Did say I was a virgin! A friend told me today that her friend got a tent for under £100 at argos. What would you do? I do quite want to buy rather than borrow. I am so glad I found this thread. I have decided it's the camping life for me!

After looking for some time, we've pretty much decided with tents that you get what you pay for. If you go to ukcampsite.com they have a whole section on tent reviews and also list lots of campsites, again with reviews.

I would say that for you and five children you would need an 8 berth at least, especially if you persuade your DH to go next time. Norwich camping have some good deals on with older tents (2006 models) and we have bought loads of stuff from them and they are very reliable. I'm sure you'll get lots of advice on here anyway! Have a good trip.

Thanks surprise. I'll have a look.

How about this tent?? Seen it today.. It's a 6 man tent reduced from 199.99 to 69.99 and its a 6 man tent. Hope it helps
www.woolworths.co.uk/web/jsp/product/index.jsp?pid=50837111

Basic rule of thumb is to add 2 to the number of people you want in the tent. So you should be looking for an 8 berth.

How long do you intend to camp for?

We have a 4 man tent (there are 4 of us) for our weekend tent. It is absolutely fine (we sleep on self inflating mats) but we are snug!

When you say I want the kids near me, do you mean all in the same bedroom together?

If so you could think of this one but it will be a tight fit!!

If some of your older DC can go into a seperate bedroom what about this one. Quite a good price.

Decathlon do a reasonable large tent, under £200.00 make sure you have one kid at least old enough to hold poles for you! or most tents will be a pita to put up.

GO for it friendly MY DH is a miserable sod too and I take my 5 dc on my own or sometimes with a friend - we have a fab time

I have to say that a 8 man tent is not impossible to put up alone but will be difficult. How old is your eldest dc, will they be able to help?

We have a family vario 6+, which is plenty big enough for us - Dc 13,10,7,6,5 and very easy to erect.

Thanks everyone. I am getting really excited about this! My oldest is 10 and quite practical (unlike his dad thank goodness!) My dilemma is not spending too much on the tent in case it's not for us, yet wanting to get a fairly good quality one in case of a downpour. Also thought I'd be happy with a cheapy and then look on all the websites you've kindly directed me to and as usual think the ones about £300 above my budget look ideal.