We have an estate and a roof box and have just finished packing for France tomorrow. light bulky stuff like tarp, windbreak, Sims and sleeping bags in the roifbox. Coolbox in footwell behind front passenger and tent etc in boot. All pockets and cubbies utilised.
I'd go for the lidl coolbox and get some cheap picnic rugs to make the tent a bit cosy. A roll up table might behandy but the moon chairs won't go with a table though they are comfy but bulky.
Its a few years ago now but i spent a miserable week at the Quiet site hemmed in between two caravans with a view of only the site wardens static. Use the site search and check all the reviews, i am sure you will find something that suits you perfectly.
------------- Christine
2014
April -
BunRoy Fort William 3 sleeps
April / May
Invercaimbe Arisaig 4 sleeps
Bleatarn Brampton tbc July
Do you have an ikea near you? Rather than buying dedicated camping pots and pans, I just bought a cheap £7 pan set from ikea, along with a 99p frying pan. The handles on the pan can be unscrewed, so they kinda nest. I just bought cheap and cheerful bits from there, the £1 fleece blankets are a god-send. You really don't have to spend a lot. I just bought a folding TV dinner table from b&m for £7, a similar thing in a camping shop is about £15.
Thanks for your help. I'm going to hold fire on the coolboxes for now, see if we actually like camping first. Just going to use icebox as we're not going to hook up just yet! But definitely will be getting some rugs. we do have an Ikea not too far so will be looking out for some bargains........is that where you got your £1 fleeces from madamzsazsa? They sound ideal!
I initially liked the look of The Quite Site Chragain for sharing your tips. istine but after reading similar about being on top of each other we've changed our minds. Have been looking at Great Langdale national trust site, that seems to tick a fair few boxes. We really don't want anywhere where we are on top of other campers. Many thanks a
------------- Nothing better than looking up at the stars and realising just how small we are!
Yep, the fleeces were from ikea too! They don't appear to do the ones we have (ours are pale blue), but these will do the job!
If you sit outside in the evening, we find they are good for lining the chairs with, for some reason our backs seem to get cold and damp!
I've also got half a dozen of these towels, they get used for all sorts of stuff! They wash up pretty well for the price, but if they get ruined, I don't get precious over them.
Oh, get yourself a couple of trugs (rubber flexible bucket type things - most supermarkets will do a version). They have a million and one uses, from impromptu beer cooler (fill with cold water, add beer, and drape a cheap, wet ikea towel over them), washing up bucket, waste bin, etc
Thanks Madamzsazsa, a trip to IKEA is a must then! Those towels sound ideal! I must admit I hadn't thought about a lot of this stuff. Still not done our dry run due to work and weather. Finally going to have a go at pitching for the first time tommorow! Must remember my note pad as I'm sure I will find there is lots I need to get. I love this site, you are all very kind and most helpful. Thanks
------------- Nothing better than looking up at the stars and realising just how small we are!
We always take something easy to warm up for the first nights meal, say chilli, curry or spag bol. I make it the week before and freeze 'n it defrosts during the day.
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: newbies starting out. any tips please?
