camping virgin need help

[luckyblue1985]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could help me I have never been camping but my sons have a huge interest in wildlife and being outdoors so I have decided to take them we are going to go for 3 nights in June.

We would like to go to 2 or 3 different places I am not interested in going to camp sites where there is entertainment or anything like that we want to have a go at doing it properly in minimal camp sites and getting out in to forests and parks the aim is to do it as cheaply as possible and have lots of fun.

Any ideas on where to go and the best things to do my children are 5 and 3 and we live in Bolton and although travelling isn't a problem I don't want the children in the car more than a couple of hours if I can avoid it.

All help is much appreciated

Em x

[eeyore]

From bolton i would have thought either the lakes or the yorkshire dales would make sense.

There are national trust campsites at Gt Langdale and Lower Wray in the lakes and lots of others besides which are fairly low key - theres also the option of wild camping but that might be a bit much for your first time out , especially with kids etc

[luckyblue1985]

I was also thinking wild camping would be a bit adventurous for first timers, although I don't really mind I am quite brave I also need things to do during the day with them if anyone has ideas for day trips and activities like most children they love running around and going on adventures, also what do we do with regards to food do you take it all with you or do you look for farm shops and things along the way? (sorry if I am being a bit dim) thank you so much for all your help

[Boddie]

I too live in Bolton and can thoroughly recommend the campsite at Great Langdale that Pete (Eeyore) mentions, its an absolute beauty, with excellent facilities and great walks.

I can also recommend

Park Cliffe Camping & Caravan Estate
Birks Road
Near Tower Wood
Windermere
Cumbria
LA23 3PG

again with super facilities and respectful clients.

Both site are no longer than 70 minutes away

[The Woodman]

You've had some good suggestions, there's also tent pitching to be had at
Oak Head Caravan Park
Ayside
Newby Bridge
Cumbria
LA11 6JA

with a very good shop/garage nearby.

Also plenty of entertainment in the area, Aquarium of the Lakes, steam railway, boat trips on Windermere, zoo at Dalton, Fell Foot country park (NT) and all the fun of the fair.
Nice walks with teriffic views -try Gummers Howe near Fell Foot.

[ChrisJB]

The UK Camp Site for Tent and Caravan Campers in the UK will give you all the information you need for campsites. I've used plenty of Lakes and Yorkshire Dales sites and the one at Keld (northern Yorkshire Dales), run by the Rukins family is perhaps my favourite. The site is excellent and beautifully situated and has some very good wildlife sites at your elbow. If you get a riverside pitch, you are allowed camp-fires too. They did have a website, but I couldn't seem to find it, but you will get all the details through the aforementioned website. There are also good sites at Malham (2, one being at the impressive Gordale Scar), Horton in Ribbledale (gets busy at times, though never as busy as a lot of the Lake District sites) and Dent. There are loads more of course, but these are ones I know well and like.
You'll all have a great time at any of these.

Regards, Chris

[Paul mabbott]

Not wanting to knock the Lakes or Yorks Dales but I wonder if the Derby Dales/Peak district might not provide some easier walks (runs, climbs whatever) for a 3-year old - there are plenty of campsites in Chris's recommended book. Also, it's not far from civilisation (Bakewell, Buxton, Sheffield) for provisions and rainy-day entertainment. I'm sure this won't interest you but every village around here has at least one decent pub ..... three in Hathersage!

[Bluecurl]

When we go camping I always want a fire, sometimes to try and cook a simple meal but usually a fire is needed to keep warm even in June!

This website is great Campsites allowing campfires

[Bobby D]

luckyblue1985 hello and welcome to the forum. You have had plenty of advice on finding camping sites but the advice I'm going to give is that you visit a camping shop before you go where you will find you can buy all the requirements for safe cooking heat in your tent sleeping bags even blowup mattresses,
When my wife and I go camping as we are pensioners keeping warm and being able to cook a hot meal are of paramount importance, so my main suggestion is that you check that the sites you are going to use have electricity points in some cases the charge for the electricity is included in others you pay for it separately but as I say to be able to keep warm and have a hot meal cooked in the tent is very very much cheaper than having to go to restaurants or public houses for your meals.
PS should you go down this route of course one other very important piece of equipment is a lead to hook up to the electricity supply these are also purchased from a camping shop.

[PMG]

Not wishing to put a damper on your enthusiasm (tho you might want to if what I envisage happens) but while you are still new to this and unsure and have small children loose I would advise you not to cook in your tent or the opening of your tent under any circumstances. There are small camping stoves - Tilley stoves gas and grill - Bluet single gas ring - meths stoves - all sorts but they all have unprotected flame - knock one over when its lit inside a tent and there will be an inferno in a split second. Perhaps I am stating the obvious - but better that than hearing after that your first tenting trip was your last. If you can't cook outside cos its raining or too windy or whatever then do go to the pub or eat biscuits or anything other than risk a fire .........