How about one of the varios sunncamp/Marechal etc the 900 versions with a main bedroom pod at the back of the tent and the extra pods that annex onto the sides of the tent, one child each side!
Thanks Kate, I need to do some serious thinking before I buy anything, though I know I want three bedrooms and fairly decent size living area. Don't need to be trying to pitch a monster though.
Is it just yourself pitching with the kids or another adult too, believe me it makes a big difference to putting up a tent if you have another sensible pair of hands. My kids can either work as a team or against one another and me! I have a big tent for all 4 of us and a smaller one for when I'm with the kids on my own, it's difficult finding one that does both jobs!
I believe (not sure cause I havn't had one yet) that tunnel tents are supposed to be easier to pitch than dome tents. Would like to try one of the 6 berth ones but havn't got an excuse to get another tent yet, hopefully for next summer when and if the dog calms down so he won't rip the flysheet like he's done on the present smaller tent!
In the Camping & Caravan Club magazine this month there was a question about "big" tents on C&CC sites - their response is
"In general, a standard Club pitch measures about 11m x 11m, although the layout of some Sites may creat non standard pitches. To fit a standard pitch the width of any unit, including any awning or annex you use, must not exceed 5m.
At this width, there can be a 3m wide space either side of your unit. This, combined with the 3m space on the neighbouring pitchs, goes to create the Club's required 6m firebreak between units. Length is not usually a problem because the access road can provide the firebreak gap."
So....that is the logic for C&CC sites - I'd imagine that's one of the bigger pitches you'd find around? Many sites are of course not concerned about leaving gaps for firebreaks.
I'll copy and post this onto the "Large Tents" thread in the Campsite forum.
I would not go for big is best, If you want to go for weekends you may find that the timeit takes to put a big tentmay put you off, we love our indi 8 and it is pretty quick to pitch but have got a 2nd weekend tent for 2 night stays. If only going fridaynight till sunday you dont want to spend hours sorting kit out.
If i am going for a week that is a different matter.
To enjoy camping firstly you do not suffer. Therefore 2 people need at least a 5 berth.Allow for two weeks R & R. Take everything, including the kitchen sink if you have a car. Allow for making friends and drinks back at the tent. game of cards, decent table and chairs etc. Basically, for 2 people I always allow one bedroom . space for changing in.That way, my other half who is a relucant camper has least to moan about. If the weather is inclement, then you have room to lounge about, read, play cards, drink etc.Just like buying a house, you should go for as big as you can afford.The worse attitude is a 2 person tent for 2 people, a 4 person tent for 4 people, think big, think having a good time, you are investing in your future.trust this makes sense, cheers4now, Dave
Thanks for all the advice everyone I will have a good think and look around to see which tent will suit us best, looking forward to lots of outings this year, first place I want to go is west wales, and we don't have too far to get to cornwall and devon. happy camping!
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Topic: what size tent to buy
