Top Tips for planning a camping trip in the U.K.

Camping is a great way to holiday, whether with family or friends, it allows you to experience the outdoors in a fun and novel way and when it comes to locations, the world really is your oyster. However, whether you are a first-time camper or a regular, there are certain things you should always do to ensure your camping trip runs as smoothly as possible. Experts at leading travel search company HolidayPirates (www. holidaypirates.com), share their top camping tips below:

Choose your location carefully

When you book any holiday it’s important to think ahead about the location, but especially so when you are camping. There are many great destinations for camping across the U.K and they all offer different experiences depending on the location and type of campsite you choose. Think carefully about what type of activities you would like to do before you decide on a location, for instance if you would to spend time in a touristy beach area then Cornwall may be a good choice, however if you prefer a more rugged and isolated setting then Scotland may be a better fit.

Invest in good equipment

To ensure you have the best possible camping experience, it is important to invest in reasonably good equipment. Even in summer it can get bitterly cold at night and while your old threadbare sleeping bag may seem sufficient when packing, guaranteed that when those cold nights hit, you will regret not investing in a thermal sleeping bag. Head to a camping shop before your trip and staff can help advise you on the best sleeping bag for your destination. While it may seem sensible to take pots and pans from home if you are planning to cook at the campsite, these are often ruined when used for this purpose. Instead, consider investing in camping specific pots and pans which, unlike your normal pans, are lightweight, durable and easy to clean.

Practise pitching your tent

Many people make the mistake of buying a tent without having seen how it looks when pitched. If you want to avoid being disappointed with the size, layout and general look of your tent then make sure you don’t just rely on pictures before you make a purchase. Even if you are using a tent that you have used many times before, it’s vital that before embarking on your trip you practise pitching it.This will ensure that you do not find, once you have arrived at your destination that you missing any parts or have any faults with your tent.

Remember to pack the small things

There are certain essentials you should always bring when camping, but that do get easily forgotten. Firstly, always ensure that you pack extra tent pegs - this might seem unnecessary, but it can be a real life-saver if you lose a few along the way. A first aid kit is another essential for any camping trip, even if you are staying close to shops and medical centres. Make sure to pack it with a few essential items like bandages, plasters and painkillers. Always make sure you have packed at least one torch – don’t make the mistake of relying on the torch on your phone as your only method of lighting your way late at night. A head torch is the best option, as this ensures you can have both hands available to you if you are trying to do anything / get anywhere in the dark. Lastly, don’t forget to bring plastic bags; these always come in handy - whether it’s to wrap up wet clothes and shoes or to store food.

Arrive at the campsite early

It’s a good idea to reach your campsite as early in the day as possible. Firstly, this allows you to ensure that you get a good spot for your tent. A sensible pitching area would be one fairly near the toilets; also consider looking for a spot that is shaded from the sun and wind, and, if you want to avoid camping in a pool of water, avoid low-lying areas that can become easily flooded if it rains. Another reason to arrive early is that this ensures that you don’t end up pitching in the dark, every camper’s nightmare and the worst way to start your holiday. Finally, arriving early ensures that you can be wrapped up in your sleeping bag by the time the evening chill hits and helps you avoid biting insects that tend to appear at dusk.