Feather Down Farms - advice please

[BernieBear]

okay am trying this again as completely misspelled my last post!

Have booked a five day break for me and my ds (5) and would like any tips as to what to take and what to expect. We are heading to Devon.

We are used to normal camping but ds gets a little annoyed as it takes me around two hours (and a lot of bad language) to get the tent up!

We will still do camping weekends but I thought this would be a great break for both of us and I won't be bracing the tent poles against our car to get it to stand! . Have saved hard and don't want to spoil it by not being prepared (get the brownie reference?!)

What should I take as opposed to normal camping? Are there plenty of children around? Anyone with previous experience - tell me your tales

This is one slightly nervous single mother (having spent some hard earned cash) signing off

x

Bumping for you.

Thank you PuzzleRocks - bumping again. Anyone?

BernieBear

You've probably seen this thread further down the page: www.mumsnet.com/Talk/uk/676910-Can-I-just-say-FeatherDown-Farms-are-great

I've just got their brochure as a friend is suggesting it for a group trip next year and the whole set up looks fab.

I'd be interested to hear how it goes.

can't add much but we're booked for the same thing for May half-term, in Hampshire. I read somewhere to take additional lighting - torches etc - they supply two oil lamps I think but you may want more. And to have something that might work as a nightlight in case your children get scared of the dark - glo sticks or something. Which would be cool to have anyway I guess!

We're looking forward to it as well, even DH who loathes camping but he's happy to go 'glamping' instead! ;)

Hopefully someone can add more practical advice!

There are a couple of reviews for Feather Down in the camping reviews section that have more information. Also, if you have one, it's worth taking a small camping gas ring as it can take ages to get the fire going and brew a cuppa. Take torches and tealights. You won't need more lanterns, you get loads.

We have just come back from a Feather Down break in Herefordshire and I can definitely recommend it.

We are not, nor do I suppose we will ever be, "proper" campers but this was a great experience.

The tents are absolutely charming inside and have proper tables, chairs and beds etc. Also a flushing toilet and cold tap.

One thing we did find is that it can take much longer to cook than you might expect. There is a wooden stove which does get very hot but we were still amazed how long it took to boil water! Its fun though.

Most things you absolutley must have you can probably get in the honesty shop if you forget them.

But definitely take torches. There are lamps and candles but if you need to go to the loo in the night a torch is handy.

I also took hot water bottles and pyjamas - it was still only April after all.

Wellies could be a good idea - the farm we stayed on gave a tour which was interesting but you could easily step in things you don't necessarily want to tread back in to the tent!

Also books and playing cards are handly for the evenings. We also took a radio.

Enjoy. We did