| With more people opting to take a well-earned 'staycation', it's not surprising that camping has become increasingly popular. Come rain or shine, thousands of Brits are loading their cars with their tents, those all-important waterproofs and a weekend's supply of food in order to explore the great outdoors. If you're new to camping, here's our definitive guide to five of the country's best camping hotspots. |
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| 1. Explore Britain's Lake District |
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| The great thing about camping is it doesn't have to cost a fortune. There are plenty of cheap tents available online, as well as all the essential camping gear like stoves, torches and wellies. And where better to put your brand new camping kit to the test than the Lake District? |
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| Flocks of people visit Cumbria year after year to enjoy everything from watersports to some of the country's best mountain walks; enjoy all that Windermere, the largest natural lake in England, has to offer. Plus, with all the potential for adventure, the kids will love it too. |
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| 2. Pitch a tent on one of Cornwall's beaches |
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| If you love sun, sea and sand, then Cornwall is for you. Enjoy surfing or body boarding in the sea with the kids; simply hire a wetsuit on arrival. The atmosphere in Cornwall is laid back and casual and there's a lot in the way of entertainment; including funfairs, mini golf and more. If you're based up north, it can take anywhere from six to nine hours to drive to Cornwall's popular Newquay, but it really is worth it. |
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| 3. A spot of glamping |
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| Are you a fan of TV's The Only Way is Essex? Then you'll know all about 'glamping' (also known as glam camping). The glamping style is ideal for those who hate the thought of camping but still want to get away and enjoy the countryside here in Britain. |
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| Many campsites, like Forest in Cardigan Wales, offer simple but luxurious accommodation, ranging from beautiful Swedish katas and quirky croglofts, to space-age designer 'pods'. Of course, you could always take a caravan (or opt for the good old tent), but even then that doesn't mean you shouldn't take some essentials to make your stay a little more comfortable (like dry shampoo, fun patterned wellies and your vanity case stuffed with your favourite beauty products). Well, who said you have to go make-up free while camping? |
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| 4. If you go down to the woods today, try East Sussex |
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| Blackberry Wood in beautiful East Sussex is a stunning location for camping, with each pitch having its own clearing including logs for seating and a fireplace. Just 10 minutes' walk from the local pub, this is the perfect retreat for a couple's camping trip. |
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| Be prepared and plan well by purchasing your camping gear a few weeks before. There are thousands of tents for sale online or in local camping shops, and the seasoned camper would tell you to take your new purchase on a 'test run' (go camping a few weeks before your big trip) to ensure it's suitable (and so you can practise putting it up). |
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| 5. The great outdoors: Warwickshire |
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| Love fishing, sailing and windsurfing? Then Warwickshire's Bosworth Water Trust is the camping spot for you, with beautiful views over the lake and plenty to do nearby. Kids will love the large play area and there's loads of open space for games, too. Book your camping spot early to avoid disappointment and make a list of all the things you'll need to ensure you don't forget anything. While no one likes to think the rain will spoil their holiday, we are living in Britain, so it's wise to plan for every eventuality. |
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