Advice On Camping In The UK
Do the great outdoors call to you? The fresh air, the al fresco food and wine and the sound of the birds in the morning lift your spirits? Then follow this advice from The Happy Camper Store and camping might just be for you and your family. Here's our top tips:
Tip number 1 - schedule your days
Depending on where you are planning on traveling in the UK, you can view our places to go guide before leaving home.
There is of course so much to do, forest walks, wild swimming, summiting a peak. But they all take planning, things may take a little longer than you think. To truly get the most out of your camping holiday you should schedule your main activities, no one wants the stress of rushing on holiday.
Tip number 2 - be prepared for the weather
If the great British weather is one thing, it’s varied, so always pack:
- Layers (fleeces, jumpers, thermals)
- Hats (rain hats, warm hats, always keep your head toasty)
- Waterproof coat, possibly trousers.
- Proper outdoor footwear (boots, welllies)
- Deet-based insect repellent
Tip number 3 - Get to the sales
Everyone loves a saving and a great way to get them on camping gear is to know when your chosen item might be on sale. Camping being seasonal means different things are needed for different times of year. Look out for your wet weather gear and fleeces as we leave winter and your cooler stuff in the autumn. Our camping supplies shop is no exception so take a look at our reductions as well as our year round great prices on clothing, tents and equipment.
Tip number 4 - Never camp under a tree
We know it looks good, you’ve seen the idyllic shots of the tent pitched under the oak tree with the birds and the squirrels but stop. Winds and thunderstorms mean pitching under a tree increases chances of hazard. Plus… who wants to clean bird mess of their tent at the end of the holiday? Not us.
Tip number 5 - Remember First Aid
Obviously the hope is you will not need to open it but always have one. You aren’t in an urban area where you can run out to the shop for plasters dressings. Getting a cut can be a real nuisance so it’s best to get it cleaned and sealed so you don’t need to worry. Injuries happen everywhere and being active in the hills and the forests you can imagine the odd scrape happens. It’s always good to have a camping first aid kit even if it's never used.
Tip number 6 - Lights!
This catches too many people out and it’s so simple to solve. You’re finishing up with the campfire, ready to bed down for the night, you put out the fire and realise you’re in total darkness. Next you’re feeling around for your phone to get, struggling with zips, unable to see. Head torches, hanging lanterns and LED lights are all inexpensive and will solve that problem no time. Make sure you buy the right selection of camping lights before your journey so you're not caught out!
Tip number 7 - bring seating and a surface
There’s nothing like lounging on the grass, but after a while your joints will feel it. Camping chairs, simple fold away tables for dining and playing cards make a huge difference. Your knees will thank you!
Tip number 8 - Make setting up fun
Starting your holiday is exciting as you get a first look at your surroundings. But it’s not as simple as throwing your bags on the bed while camping, you need to pitch up. It’s always best when everyone mucks in and if you have children this is a good chance for them to learn a bit and for older ones to take responsibility. Put some music on, possibly open some refreshments and enjoy the task in hand. But always have a frisbee handy just in case the young ones lose interest.
Tip number 9 - Don't forget the electricity!
We know the idea of getting away is to be off your phone but in today’s world your phone is a big lifeline that you may need in emergencies. Running out of battery is sure to happen so make sure you have a portable power pack on hand, plus you’ll probably want to take some photos of the stunning views. Stock up on the leisure batteries and you should avoid any problems.
Tip number 10 - strategically load your car
Simple but very effective concept, put the items you need out of your car first (tent, pitching equipment) in the car last. It saves pulling everything out and putting it on potentially wet ground.
Tip number 11 - Keep lots of water handy
You will use more water than you think, cooking, washing up, washing hands, making a brew… it all adds up. You can’t always be camped near a water point, and it’s not always the best idea if you want peace. So save yourself endless trips with a few large water containers.
Tip number 12 - wet wipes and gaffa tape: the solution to almost every problem
Spills, muddy shoes, quick face cleans, or quick tent fixes almost all can be done with these two legends of camping. You don't want to regret failing to pack them!
Tip number 13 - Cooking inside your tent: a serious danger
We can’t believe we have to say it either but: Always, always always cook in an open space even with a stove that may feel safer than a barbeque. The obvious risk is the tent catching fire and the less obvious risk is the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning when cooking in an unventilated area. The Happy Camper Store have a great range of safe easy to use cooking products and camping stoves in store.
Tip number 14 - don’t forget the tea bags
Speaking of tea, you’ll drink a lot. Endless relaxing cuppas while taking in nature is what it’s all about, day and night. So don’t forget the teabags and make sure you have a good stove kettle. Buy a camping kettle and you can enjoy everything from coffee to instant noodles.
Tip number 15 - Don't use your foot for tent pegs! Bring a mallet!
It’s tempting to drive tent pegs into the ground with your feet but it’s going to end in tears. Either with a lot of bent unusable tent pegs or with a hole in your new walking boots and at worst an injury. Get yourself a good mallet to safely secure everything in even when the ground is baked and hard, if you don’t have one use a rock or borrow one. We of course sell camping mallets and all the other camping accessories you could need at The Happy Camper Store.
Tip number 16 - Make your tent a home
Think of your tent as a second home, you want it to be luxurious as well as functional. Pad out the floor space with cushions, foam mats or even a rug. You’ll feel at home in no time.
Tip number 17 - Night time means layer time
It will be colder than you think, even if it's July and you’ve just had a glorious sunkissed day. The temperature drops and it’s best to layer up when you head for bed. Extra blankets are a good idea over the sleeping bags, it’s better to wake up too hot than too cold.
Tip number 18 - Don't scrimp on ground sheets
A common misconception is that the ground gives off cold but actually what’s happening is the ground will absorb any heat you’ve built in your tent. A simple bit of insulation to put something in between your tent and the bare ground is a good ground sheet. We sell ground sheets at The Happy Camper Store and they are a must.
Tip number 19 - Keep warm with Hot Water Bottles
Small, easy to bring along and can make or break a chilly evening. Buy a special camping hot water bottle for a resilient version that is made for the great outdoors.
Tip number 20 -Plan your arrival time
It’s no fun pitching up in the dark so plan plenty of time to arrive when the sun is up. Plan a few hours in advance, working in time for getting lost or for tent pitching taking longer than expected.
If you need anything to make your camping trip a true success check out our shop where you will find essentials and accessories for all your camping trips.
We have all of the camping supplies and accessories you can imagine at The Happy Camper Store, and we're selling our items nationwide!
You can also choose us for caravan and camper repairs in the North West and North Wales. Contact us for more information!
