We've just got back from our first trip away as campers. Me and my fiancée have both camped when kids, and I went to a couple of festivals in the mid-90's and with a friend's family 3 years ago, but really we are newbies.
I'll post a site review, but thought I'd post a quick experience report here. We'd both liked the idea of starting regular camping, and after toying with the idea of getting a touring caravan (second hand, probably) decided on a tent. To me a tent sounded better for short trips away as well as longer week plus holidays (no need to retrieve it before going as we only have communal car park), and after some research opted for the Vango Icaras 500 (bought at Go Outdoors with a price match of the Blackwells sale price).
So, eager to try it out we opted for a one night away and chose South Lea as our camp site (as its dog friendly and only an hours drive). Although we didn't need to take lots of clothes/food/etc we did seem to have quite a bit. Well, we also got two Hi-Gear camping chairs, sleeping bags, and rechargeable LED lantern also from Go. We already have a camping mattress (bought once when we had guests) and I'd got a campingaz single burner stove that was on offer at Tesco.
When we arrived it was raining, oh joy. Booked in, but then took the site owners advice of nipping out into town for lunch in the hope it stops. It turned into light drizzle when we did. After securing Jake, our dog, to the tether screw (he doesn't like being left in the car if we are not in it), set about erecting the tent. I'd found a couple of Youtube videos on how to do this, so it went up relatively easy (laid it out secured the corners, put in the poles, then messed around with the guide ropes several times - the wind and drizzle didn't help Michelle's (my fiancée) mood, so I finished the rest off whilst she sat in the car with Jake.
This was then further compounded when I took a toilet break whilst unloading the car, with Michelle & Jake inside the tent, Jake escaped whilst Michelle was putting stuff away and went into the camper van of our neighbour's. Although he was in for a few seconds, as Michelle had gone after him and she apologised, they were not pleased.
That minor setback aside, after we had a tea break and everything was put away, we drove out to find somewhere to walk. We spent the evening in the tent relaxing, then zonked out early at dusk and woke up around 6! After a relaxing breakfast we packed up and then put everything in the car. The rain had stopped yesterday, so we had a gloriously warm evening and the morning warmed up after 7am. It started to cool down around 10am (with rain clouds coming over) so we packed up the tent with a bit of urgency, but taking effort to pack properly and using the suggestions of the youtubers to roll the folded tent to get all the air out.
We thoroughly enjoyed it and aim to go away longer next month, probably in the dales or somewhere where there are plenty of walks from the camp site.
We often turn round and find someone elses dog sitting in our camper. It always make me laugh. On one of our recent trips, a neighbours dog spent hours sitting in our van/awning. He'd become best mates with our dog, it was a holiday romance
Sounds like you had a good experience in the end. If you like walking and lovely seaside locations can I suggest a small site on the coast - if we ever get good weather - Clifftop Caravan site near Atwick. Not much more than an hour from you and a lovely site.
You can walk most of the way into town on the beach with the dog then get a cuppa and sit on the front watching the world go buy for an hour or so then get some fish and chips from Sullivans (also on the front by the main car parks) then either nip into town for some provisions or make your way back along the beach to the campsite.
Its a 6 mile round trip and lovely.
On Sunday morning there is a car boot sale on the main site at Skirlington again accessed either by car or walking on the cliff top.
The site can be a bit windy so make sure you have a wind break with you.
the more you do it the more regimented you get. You will learn what you can do and not do with the dog while setting up and work out short cuts to putting your kit in place.
The other thing is how addictive it can be for buying kit. 4 years on and we are still upgrading! Anyway fantastic post and glad you enjoyed it :)
------------- Camped since 2008 and still loving it!
Aren't you thoughtful....wish my DH would let me sit in the car with the dog while he set up....although,no,I like to make sure the tent is pitched properly,
First thing we do is tie the dog and give him a new bone/toy to keep him amused while we set up. He is also an escape artist and we have had the company of other dogs whilst camping too,well it is their holiday too and they like to make friends(hmmm).
So glad you enjoyed your first trip of many.
------------- March- Padstow
April- Forest Glade
June-Grizedale
July-Jedburgh
and lots more besides
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: Back from a one night stand
