Family | Life | Food | Travel

07 August 2013

Family Fun - Camping


Until I met the Mr I had never been camping. The thought of bugs and mud never really appealed but back in 2010 he convinced me to give it a go and I've never looked back; we have had many breaks as a couple and as an entire family too, and we now have a wide selection of tents and equipment!


My first time camping 2010

We went to Derbyshire last week for a few nights, and stayed at a lovely campsite named Pack Horse Farm, not far from Matlock. I tend to go for smaller, quieter sites and avoid those with evening entertainment and swimming pools as I like to enjoy nature and the peaceful environment, so this was perfect.

We arrived on Tuesday afternoon and set up our tent before heading off to the local supermarket for some food and drink. I was pleasantly surprised by just how quiet the site was, especially being the summer holiday, and by how much space there was to play!

Our Vango Kasari 800.

Camping is the perfect opportunity to leave technology behind and enjoy the simple things in life. It also makes you appreciate what you do have when you return home! 

Apart from our trips to Chatsworth House, Gulliver's Kingdom and Spy Zone plus a day at Conkers we had plenty of time for family fun on the camp site.

Water fights...




Talking, being silly and playing charades...




Playing cards...





If you are thinking about camping as a family this summer here are a few tips that should help to make your experience enjoyable and as stress-free as possible:


Erecting your tent - Read through the instructions and ensure everything is in the bag before you leave home. Attempting to set up a tent when you don't know what you are doing or with pegs missing isn't going to be fun! Also try to get to the site while it's still light so you can see well to assemble it and don't forget a mallet.

Comfort - Sleeping bags will keep you warm but it's not particularly comfortable laying on the ground. Inflatable beds are a great base for your sleeping bags to go on.... don't forget the pump!

Weather - The weather can be unpredictable and being outdoors you can get cold or hot very easily. Pack a variety of clothing and include both sun lotion and waterproofs/coats so you are prepared. Pack pillows and blankets too if there is space in the car to do so.

Hygiene - Although you may have access to toilets and showers, taking anti bacterial hand spray and wipes is always useful. 


A lot of people I've spoken to that haven't been camping before say they are concerned by the cleanliness of facilities and lack of privacy but there are some great sites available. I would recommend reading reviews of where you are travelling to to in advance. 


Shower cubicles at Pack Horse Farm - lockable doors and lots of hot water!



Have you been camping?
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22 comments

  1. My husband loves camping but I'm not convinced lol the closest I'll get is staying in a caravan which I love! xx

    Emma
    Handbags To Change Bags - Mummy & Lifestyle Blog

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  2. We love to camp too and also pick quieter sites. I couldn't think of anything worse than a campsite with noise and entertainment. We've invested a lot in all our equipment over the years because it is so important to be comfortable. Great tips btw :-)

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  3. Your tent is super! I can imagine it would take me a whole day to work out how to put that up. Filing your tips away in case I get brave enough to attempt camping one day :)

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  4. we were away camping every summer weekend when my boys were younger. We would pack up the car on a Friday afternoon, pick my husband up from work & be off. Some trips were adventure ones & we took the bikes, others were cultural and we went to sites near castles, lighthouses etc. We had our routine so down pat that we could unload the car, pitch the tent and be cooking the tea within 20 minutes!
    It's a great way of spending time as a family, showing your kids the country and also teaching them that helping out with chores can be fun.
    Kirsten x

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  5. I camped in the garden the other night and hardly slept!

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  6. i love the pictures honey, i love camping although i only get about 4 days in and dream of home x

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    1. I tend to miss my bed at times! Memory foam beats an air bed ;) x

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  7. i used to go away camping a lot with my ex and was always fun. i think we might try and take the boys soon eeeek! x

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    1. Go for it! They love their outdoor play so would love it I'm sure. It's like an adventure :) x

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  8. A timely post for me - I've never camped but it's something we've been thinking about recently!

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  9. Great review and lovely photos ! Thanks!

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  10. we love camping but it does help that we live in Cornwall !

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  11. I haven't camped for years, the closet we came recently was in a beautiful campsite but it was staying in little pods, it was fun, but not quite the same as sleeping completely under canvas. Your tent look great, really roomy.

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  12. We love camping (my hubby also introduced me to the joys!) but we haven't taken the kids yet... We really must at least get the boys out soon, they would love it! The wee girl would probably still keep us, and the rest of the campsite, awake! #CountryKids

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  13. Glad you enjoyed yourself. Lots to see and do in the Matlock area. No wonder you had a nice time.

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  14. We prefer the quieter sites too. Toilets at the very bare minimum. Collecting water from a tap and lugging it back to camp, is a rite of passage for all the children! Great fun!

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  15. I'm not a massive fan of camping, 6yo really wants to go, so I may have to give in one day

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  16. I must admit I would miss my home comforts, the children however are always camping out here on the farm. It looks like you all had a fantastic time, thanks for sharing your photos and helpful hints with Country Kids.

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  17. Yey it's so great to see another family who loves camping as much as we do! Great tips and I agree with the camping beds for comfort and yes don't forget the pump :)
    Lovely photos
    Just popping over from Country Kids linky

    Laura x
    www.sidestreetstyle.com

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  18. We were going o go camping last week but sadly the girls caught chickenpox :-(

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  19. we love camping, we camp in Scotland every year.

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