Would you recommend camping ...?

[PlonkerAlkaseltzerInMyGlass]

...for me and my family?

Let me tell you a bit about ourselves before you give me an honest answer

I have 3 dd's (nearly 9, 5 and 17 months) and a 2 yo Golden Retriever.

I can't go too far away from home (live in the NW England) because of dd1's hobbies and dh's work. I work term time only so would go with dd's and the dog myself throughout the summer hols (or am I being over-ambitious?).

I'm not exactly what you would describe as the outdoorsy type (and yes, thats somewhat of an understatement) but I'm ready to learn. I'm not very organised (an understatement again) but again, I'm ready to learn.

What I yearn for, is freedom for the children. The kind of youth that we had but that I can't give the children - we don't exactly live in a bad area, its just not somewhere that the children can be given much free range.

I'd ideally love a caravan, but cannot afford one. We can't afford holidays abroad at the mo but we really want to take the children away. Camping seems to be the perfect compromise

Am I being too 'chocolate box-ey' about camping or do you think it could work for us?

Of course it could work, just give it ago and see if you like it,not everyone does though especially if the weather is crap.

There are lovely campsites where you can go all over the Uk.

Your dog would have to be well behaved though

Yes the best thing we have discovered as a family.

I would recomend the NT Langdale Campsite as well, it was the one we used when we lived in the NW.

Dog is very well behaved - pity I can't say the same about dh and the children

Have you got a link to that Twinset?

lol - wine sounds good

Langdale campsite langdale

I prefer wasdale but kids love langdale

they also have camping pods which may make a first soft option

So, does it matter that i'm not particularly outdoorsy? Is this something that I'll learn ...?

I'm assuming that you need to be v v organised to camp? ...again, is it something i'll learn ...?

Camping is great fun but can be fairly hard work. You really do need to keep things organised or your bread will be eaten by strange animals in the night! But actually, that's about the worst of it.

Most campsites have static caravans for hire; it'll be more expensive than just a pitch where you put up your tent, but I think as a first timer, you might find that easier to start with.

Space is small. Self-evident really, but it does mean you have to think quite hard about what your REALLY need to take with you.

We took dd on her first camping trip when she was just about 1; but dh and I have been camping since we were kids. We tend to choose the sites with few (and very basic) amenities, partly because they're cheaper but also because dh likes a bit of nostalgia.

Try to find a site near a beach. It's not hugely important, but does add quite a lot to the whole thing. Hillend in the Gower is one we go to often and it's a climb over the dunes to a wonderful beach. They do have static homes/caravans but I don't know if they belong to people or are for hire. They don't have electric hook-ups; many people would find this a draw-back.

here

I am not organised but am outdoorsy. It is worth a try, perhaps borrow some equipment for your first trip so if it is not your cup of tea you have not gone to a lot of expense.

Wow, I love the look of the Langdale site - thanks twinset

I totally agree Jux re the beach. We borrowed MIL's tourer and stayed just outside of Southport ...'twas great!

Thanks for the tips

I was wondering how long it would take you to find this thread sally

Have left a message on that site - thanks sally

recommend camping - absolutely!