Holiday fun is in tents
CONSIDERING camping in the UK for the first time? For those who have never spent a night in a field, this can be a daunting prospect.
So there’s no cocktail bar, all-inclusive buffet, maybe not even wi-fi. But camping is a great way of switching off, living in the moment and connecting with the natural environment.
And for kids it’s all about experiencing a completely different side of life, so embrace the change of pace and let the fun begin.
Here, VICKY LISSAMAN brings you our beginners’ guide to camping which will help you on your way to loving life under canvas...
THE TENT:
You might think you want a huge, state-of-the-art tent, but consider how long you want to spend putting it up and taking it down, how it will be transported and where you’re going to store it when it’s not being used.
Robust, but heavy, frame tents – those famous blue and orange numbers with plastic windows from the 70s give give the best headroom, living space and you can make separate compartments for bedrooms.
Dome tents are a trendy option, come in different sizes, and are simple to erect using lightweight poles.
Tunnel tents are hung from arched poles, are lightweight and pack up small so are good if walking or cycling between campsites. Do a trial run putting it up beforehand. Take extra tent pegs and a mallet.
CAMP KITCHEN:
When purchasing a stove, think about the size of your group, eco-friendliness and weight.
If travelling by car, a multi-burner is a good option. Look for features including a grill, push-button ignition, adjustable flame and wind-shield. Single burners are best for backbackers.
Never cook inside your tent. If it’s raining, make a tarpaulin shelter or buy a cheap gazebo.
Store perishables in an icebox or small, plug-in fridge if your site has electric hook-ups.
Dispose of rubbish and recycling in the correct bins.
SETTING UP:
Arrive as early as you can. A considered discussion in daylight over which way to face the door is much less stressful than shouting through the dark.
On higher ground, you are more exposed to the wind, so try to use hedges as natural windbreaks. Don’t camp under trees – in strong winds branches could come crashing down on you.
Waterside pitches can be idyllic – the sound of rivers can be so relaxing and filter out noise. But they can be hazardous in wet weather and attract insects.
Choose a flat pitch and remove any stones and sticks. If on a slope, make your bed with the pillows at the top.
Check for wasp and ant nests.
Consider the distance from the loo block, water tap and bins.
When your tent is up, keep the sleeping area free from muddy footwear.
Store food and keep a light in the porch or near the doorway.
THE CAMPFIRE:
So much more than just for cooking and warmth, the dancing flames of a campfire create a warm glow, bringing campers together.
To build a fire create a small, loose pile of tinder, allowing space for air to get to it, then build a pyramid of kindling wood around it. As the fire grows in strength, add bigger pieces of wood.
Never use petrol or lighter fluid to light it. Keep a water supply nearby.
If cooking on a campfire, wait until the wood has turned white and the flames have died down to avoid burning grilled food. One-pot wonders such as stews, risottos and curries are easy crowd-pleasers.
GETTING A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP:
Zipping up your tent and snuggling down into a cosy sleeping bag sounds heavenly – but only if it’s comfy and quiet.
Use a camping mat or a blow-up mattress. Duvets, rugs, throws and cushions make tents more luxurious.
Steal someone else’s warmth by zipping two sleeping bags together.
Late risers may want to choose a tent with a black-out pod and use earplugs. Air your bed during the day.
FUN AND GAMES:
To keep mixed groups amused, organise a sports day with running races, obstacle courses, throwing competitions.
Kids also love leapfrog, hide-and-seek, making daisy chains, building dens, creating art using sticks and leaves and going on treasure hunts.
If you are near to water, skim stones, play pooh-sticks, go crabbing, rockpooling, beachcombing.
On rainy days, play welly wanging, have a water fight, go wild swimming. Or snuggle inside your tent and play cards, board games, charades or just go back to bed.
MAGICAL MOMENTS:
Nature is the star attraction on camping holidays and a trip to see the sunset is a great excursion. Simply hike to the best viewing spot, it could be a hilltop, a mountain ridge, beach, open space, then watch the changing light and vivid colours.
Stargazing is a stellar night out. Find the darkest spot around, relax your eyes without staring at a specific spot, then look for shooting stars, meteor showers and constellations. Or get up early and watch the sunrise with a flask of tea.
CAMPING ETIQUETTE:
What is perfectly acceptable to you – your little angels “enjoying their freedom” running around the grass at dawn, “jolly singing” around the campfire at midnight, Fido “being friendly” with his exuberant barking – might be just plain annoying to others, so be aware of basic camping manners.
Don’t be tempted to use someone else’s pitch as a shortcut – they have paid for that space and social distancing rules still apply.
Kids aren’t as sensitive to volume as adults, so use family areas if camping with children. Don’t take it personally if someone asks you to be a teensy bit quieter at 7am on a Sunday morning. Tents don’t have walls.
Dog owners should seek out dog-friendly campsites or designated areas for campers with dogs.
If your campsite allows cars on pitches, don’t block someone else’s view with yours.
Don’t hog showers in the mornings and be sparing with the hot water.
For a squat-and-bury loo scenario, dig a hole at least 500ft from your camp, then fill it in and cover with leaves/twigs. Dispose of loo roll in a bin.
KIT LIST
Along with all the obvious – the tent, stove, bedding, crockery, waterproofs etc – these items make living outdoors that little bit slicker…
Torch with extra batteries, camp lamp, matches
Toiletries, suncream, insect repellent, wet wipes
Scissors, rope (to make a washing line)
Water container filled with water
Wellies, swimwear, sunglasses, earplugs
First aid kit
Something to sit on
Dustpan and brush for sweeping tent
Washing-up bowl, tea towels, tin foil, bottle opener, tin opener, corkscrew, bin bags
Power bank for electronic devices.
Plastic containers for storing food/leftovers