Have just got into camping last year with some enjoyable trips but didnt start earlier than end May. Next year the Easter break is in early April, and I want some advice as to whether ths is too early to camp in the UK, (North England or Scotland).
I know that it will be achievable but dont want a "survival" experience.
We have a large tent and young children. Other alternatives are cabins which are expensive or pods which seem like rabbit hutches!
any thoughts as to the comfort factor would be welcome !
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We camped for the first time last year - liked it loads but wife just too cold even in August so now bought a caravan.
We also had an Idaho and I took my son for our first test trip in mid-March (look at my site review) - we had great sunshine during the day BUT it was DAMN cold overnight. So cold that we had ice on the tent in the morning and my son had to sleep with me to stay warm, which meant I got hardly any sleep (my son is a restless sleeper!).
We did have EHU but I was too worried to leave it on overnight. However, I found that heat just does not build up in a tent and even with a fan heater on constantly, it made little difference unless you sat right next to it.
It depends on how resistant you are to cold generally - the wife is rubbish and was cold in August but my 3 year old daughter is a polar bear in comparison and used to regularily kick off her sleeping bag at night.
If you want to go before April, get decent 4 season sleeping bags, take lots of extra layers and you should be OK (woolly hat particularily useful at night).
------------- 'In later life, you will be more disappointed with the things you didn't do than with the things you did.' - Mark Twain
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We went last April when I think Easter was a week later than it is this year?! We loved it & stayed at the most amazing campsite with loads going on for the children but those evenings were just too cold. Its not the night times that are the problem its that bit between it going dark & going to bed. Its wasn't a bad Easter, hitting 19 degs in the day but at that time of the year warm sunny days mean cold sharp nights and it was around 2 degs in the evenings.
My advice if you are going to do it, would be footprint, carpet & faux sheepskin rug (rug is great for putting your feet on in the evening over the carpet, stops cold coming through ground). Thermals, with at least 2 layers on top of that & fleece blanket + totes toasties or good slippers. In the bed the usual insulating methods, foil blanket, then picnic blanket on floor, fleece or sheepksin airbed topper, sleeping bag, fleece bag liner & fleece blanket on the top. We have a Coleman Hampton sleeping bag which is a really good very warm double sleeping bag. It was the only time this season we took a TV as it was far too cold to be sitting outside tent. We had two halogen heaters.
We just managed to keep the cold at bay but we have decided that it really isn't for us and are not doing Easter next year as it was just too cold.
We always go up to oban for easter, every year , as this is where we went for our honeymoon 2 years ago. It may be a bit cold, but once inside the van everything is nice and cosy, us and the 2 kids.
We've been in April only once. Weymouth for the weekend.
Saturday was warm and sunny then on Sunday we woke up to proper winter weather. It was cold but that wasn't the problem . The problem was the wind. Taking the tent down was a nightmare. It was like a kite, catching on brambles and all sorts.
I reckon the weather is just too changable in April . I prefer to wait til mid to late May.
We have camped in a tent in frozen weather and had great times- a decent tent, sleeping bags, grounsheet etc will all be required. EHU where possible for fan heater tec. A tip, when getting ready for bed do it long before youre actually going (eg put your jammies/long johns whatever on UNDER your clothes for a while) heats them up - better than putting them on just before going to bed. A hot water bottle also good.
Hi Pfisher. We camped at Benderloch (north of Oban) last Easter. We had beautiful sunny days, the kids were in the sea! Went home with sunburn - didn't take the sunlotion!
Ok, nights were coldish - about 5C. We don't use EHU, though. Woolly hats did the business. Don't book in advance - just check the forecast and if it's looking good - GO!
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Think we are going to go with a pre-erected heavy canvas tent with woodburning stove and proper furniture. See how that goes for 2010 before we take the plunge totally on our own! Thanks for your experiences.
Quote: Originally posted by feeblecat on 05/11/2009
We have camped in a tent in frozen weather and had great times- a decent tent, sleeping bags, grounsheet etc will all be required. EHU where possible for fan heater tec. A tip, when getting ready for bed do it long before youre actually going (eg put your jammies/long johns whatever on UNDER your clothes for a while) heats them up - better than putting them on just before going to bed. A hot water bottle also good.
top tip that, learned the hard way once at dent a few years ago when it dropped to minus 7 overnight, had no heating at all. ended up fully clothed with hat and gloves, 4 season sleeping bag, 2 blankets and it was still rough but i got some sleep. nother bit of advice, if it is really cold stay off the beer/wine as it makes you want to pee during the night and you lose a lot of warmth going for a leak. i usually have a hip flask with a bit of single malt in it, a wee drop makes you feel warmer. it can be tough though but as long as you get some sleep you will be okay
We used to do it but ill never forget one night when i woke up for a drink of water and my lips froze to the enamel cup.The next morning i had lips like Leslie Ash.
------------- Those that danced were thought to be quite insane to those who could not hear the music. Angela Monet
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 Easter 2010 - too cold?
