Camping for beginners

[LouIsAHappyLittleVegemite]

I have decided to take the kiddies (all 4 of them) away while their parents are on a buisness trip in May. I had thought about camping on the Isles of Scilly. These kids have never camped, always stay in a 5 star resort. I think they need to experience a real holdiday. Can anyone give me some ideas of where I could take them? They are 14 (boy who is too cool for anything), girl 12, boy 9 and girl 6. Thanks heaps.

What sorts of activities would you like nearby?

If you go to the Isles of Scile - how are you going to transport all the camping equipments - will you be able to get a ferry?

Swimming is usually something that from 14 - 6 you can all enjoy so I would be looking for some really good pools - possibly Dunerell in Nederlands for a week, as their pools and slides and activities are great for the wide ages you have and you can camp in a tent and you have some culture and the seaside.

I don't know that area well enough to recommend a particular site, but I would recommend somewhere within walking distance to a beach and ideally a bit of a town. Real 'back to basics' camping may be a bit much for these children, and if they hate it, you won't have much fun either. The odd trip to an amusement arcade wouldn't do any harm.

I'd give the 14 year old lots of important responsibilities like collecting wood, building fires, checking guy ropes, etc.

We are first time campers this year and are going to Hurley Riverside Park near Henley which has ready tents. It is fully equipped for 6 and all you need to take are pillows and sleeping bags.

Sandyballs in the New Forest do readytents too but you need to book up for them quite far in advance.

I would have thought that the the Isles of Scilly were more for hardy campers. I would go somewhere that is easy to get to so they can get straight into the camping experience when they arrive.

Lol at the inference that staying in a 5 star resort is not a "real" holiday! I do agree with you though.

Thanks for all the tips. It would only be for about 4 days or so. I do love my 5 star hotels but I think something like camping or a Butlins kind of place would be good for them. It will be in May so something beachy would be good, staying in the UK. I can take the car if necessary but prefer to do everything by train/bus to add to the 'excitment of the trip' (they have been asking me lots about how I manage to travel the world backpacking).
Fimbo and Ivykaty, I will check out these places. Thanks

Lots of reviews on the campsite section about duinrell on MN