Having read the many threads about camping in October half-term, we decided we would go if the weather looked reasonable.
I am now wondering if we are pushing it with two children (3&6) and a dog.
We have our new Coleman Weathermaster XL which is obviously a large tent, but its the only tent we have with SIG. The other tents we have are a Vango Vista 800 (2004/5 model with flat groundsheet) and a Vango Venture 500. I've also bought a carpet for it and intend to take EHU and a little heater and electric light.
For sleeping for us, we have a double airbed, i put mats underneath, fleece underblanket on top and a double sleeping bag. I will probably take the two single bags that we normally zip together too and if necessary put the double inside those lol. The kids normally sleep in a ready bed inside a 3 season adult bag on top of a picnic mat.
We are looking at 4 c&cc sites, Chipping Norton, St Neots, Sandringham and Thetford. I've got enough stamps in my passport to get a free night so thought I'd use that. I'm looking at the longer range forecasts and at the moment they are all pretty similar, 9-13 c in the day and 4 ish at night. When we went away to Hayfield for Aug bank holiday week I don't think it was much warmer than that and we coped even with the drafty vista.
Also do any of you put the cobb in the tent for residual heat once you've finished cooking, if I have the all the vents open so there is enough air in the tent?
Hi, can't comment on the other 2 but Sandringham and Thetford are both lovely sites.Sandringham is in a forest and Thetford has direct access to one.
Sandringham is a better bet if you want to visit the coast.Hunstanton is just a few miles away and there's Cromer,and Wells next the sea to name a few.
We had 10 nights at Thetford in June,the weather was warm every day and we only had 3 hours rain the whole time.
------------- Sue & Phil
--------------------- I Love My AeroBed
I've found that it isn't the cold which is a pain at this time of the year, it's the short days. My kids have long flown the nest but I would dread to think how I could have kept them amused during the long dark evenings.
I'm pretty sure that earlier this year there was a long thread on here started by a chap who'd had a very nasty experience with carbon monoxide poisoning in his tent which had been caused by taking the Cobb inside for extra warmth - can anyone else remember that?
------------- Tackling life the Western District way
Quote: Originally posted by Merry on 13/10/2009
I'm pretty sure that earlier this year there was a long thread on here started by a chap who'd had a very nasty experience with carbon monoxide poisoning in his tent which had been caused by taking the Cobb inside for extra warmth - can anyone else remember that?
Yes, I remember reading that - can't recall the name of the poster but sounded very nasty - he and his wife/partner ended up in hospital and had a lucky escape. It certainly stopped me from using the Cobb inside the tent even with lots of air circulating.
I'd go for it as far as October camping is concerned - you sound as if you have enough to keep you warm at nights (don't forget extra layers for the evenings as it will be cold from teatime onwards). Also get a few cheap UFO lights from Poundland or Wilco as you will need plenty of light in the evenings. With the 2 little ones you need to be prepared to spend days out doing things especially if the weather is wet so budget for this too. If you decide on Sandringham I can give you some ideas as to where you can go in the daytime as I live a few miles away.
I'm off to The Orchard in October half term so hoping for some reasonable weather.
Have fun!
------------- Anne - mad mum to one - foster mum to many - adoptatent to you guys!
We are going half term without EHU with 2 children and a skinny nesh greyhound! Not sure what type of dog you have, but don't forget to pack something warm for the dog to sleep in, especially if it is used to a centrally heated home - it will feel the cold, same as you!
In August our greyhound was shivering in the evening (she is a bit soft!) but I was glad I had packed her fleece coat. For half term I have bought her one of these
I am also packing her normal foam bed, and have a foam mat to go under her bed. Should keep her warm.
With regard to the long evenings, after our nice days out we have found a nice pub that is dog and child friendly and serves food. Plan is to have nice hot meal, eat it slowly with dog sleeping under the table, and take some cards to play!
Also planning to put kids in there pjs in teh warm pub toilets and then put outdoor clothes on top. Save getting changed in the cold.
We're also off for the half-term, no EHU, just "invested" in some Fat Airics and sleeping bag liners, and are practicing sleeping with the bedroom windows open to harden us off!
I like the pub idea, and will definitely put that changing the kids into pj's in the pub toilets into practice! Good excuse to go to the pub for us that don't get out much any more!
I'm hoping that the cold, dark evenings and mornings will encourage the kids to sleep longer!
Don't forget the hats and gloves! It'll be fun!
------------- Faye
May - Brakes Coppice
June - Littlesea
July - Camp Bestival
August - Kidderminster????
I am intending to get an ehu and heater, so will keep the cobb out of the tent. Carbon monoxide isn't worth messing with. We've got a blackcat heater but I'm never happy leaving that on for long and really not sure about it in a tent with SIG anyway.
Our dog is an Airedale, she's very thickly coated at the moment soI think she'll be ok in her soft kennel in the tent. It's got a fleecy pad in the bottom and she'll have her blanket in there too.
As for keeping them amused they are quite happy to sit and colour/draw/read by torchlight, and given past trips will be happy to snuggle down into their beds nice and early. By the time we've eaten and cleared up etc they'll be ready for bed and the dark will only help.
I'm still not sure where we'll end up but I think after the comments on here we will end up somewhere.
We're going at half term to a site that allows proper camp fires - collecting wood during the day will keep the kids busy then hopefully the fire will send them really drowsy in the evening - can't wait
We've done October half term twice - once in a tent, and last year in the folding camper, I can honestly say that even in the tent we were not cold. OK the rain defeated us the year we were in the tent - woke up to a flooded site. We were lucky inside of our tent was dry - which is more than I can say about many of the awnings. OK on both occasions there was on site entertainment - but we tended to stay in, playing cards etc. Just make sure you take a variety of games etc to keep the kids amused.
I am intending to get an ehu and heater, so will keep the cobb out of the tent. Carbon monoxide isn't worth messing with. We've got a blackcat heater but I'm never happy leaving that on for long and really not sure about it in a tent with SIG anyway.
Our dog is an Airedale, she's very thickly coated at the moment soI think she'll be ok in her soft kennel in the tent. It's got a fleecy pad in the bottom and she'll have her blanket in there too.
As for keeping them amused they are quite happy to sit and colour/draw/read by torchlight, and given past trips will be happy to snuggle down into their beds nice and early. By the time we've eaten and cleared up etc they'll be ready for bed and the dark will only help.
I'm still not sure where we'll end up but I think after the comments on here we will end up somewhere.
Thanks again
Im sorry for shouting but iv had a close call doing the cobb i the tent thing.Im glad you read the post and for other who do to.
Have a lovley time,
Have just booked our last trip for this year, fingers crossed it stays dry. Am trying our new iowal for the first time. Got our delta pegs so should be ok. Going off on Friday for 3 nights. wish us well.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Camping in October Half Term (again sorry
