Family campsites for first timers

[HeyWayne]

As some of you will know we bought our first tent a couple of months ago: details here and as yet we haven't used it other than for a few days in the garden.

We have a fantastic looking place just up the road from us, which we'll definitely try out as it has loads for Bean to do:Gulliver's Land.

However, we have some friends in Leeds we haven't seen for ages, and we've agreed we'll go camping together - probably meeting about halfway. Which puts us in Derbyshire kind of territory.

Now, knowing nothing about camping, or what makes a good site we're looking for a bit of advice in terms of what makes a good site for toddlers such as Bean, and also which ones are good ones.

I know there are a few seasoned camperers on-vine, so wondered if I might trouble thee for a friendly word.

Much obliged.

[Nicos]

Derbyshire???...te he- take extra guy ropes!!!!


But - seriously- it sounds like you'll have a fantastic time!

[Florence Fennel]

Hi Wayne - there's a Gulliver's Kingdom in Matlock, been there 30-odd years (we used to take the children) kind of theme park for 2 to 13-year olds. I expect Lady Wayne has been. There is also the Heights of Abraham attraction close by. I know there are lots of camp sites, but I haven't been camping since I was in the Guides. I don't think I could even do "Glamping" now. I'm sure there'll be loads of people on here to advise you.

[Florence Fennel]

Actually, I bet MOM Bren turns up here soon, she's a camping expert and lives in Derbyshire!

[chris]

owt around sherwood forest?

[HeyWayne]

owt around sherwood forest?

Possibly - but we go to Centre Parcs there at least once a year, and have been for the last 9-10 years. It'd be like going home.

We're also looking at Lincolnshire now...

[Two_Sheds]

Wayne, I always use this site: UKCampsite.co.uk - Caravan Sites, Parks and Camping Sites in England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and Europe

to check and to leave reviews

When I camp with children, I always try to pitch near the toilets, and to pick somewhere with specific childrens' activities like a safe playground. The sites we use tend to be enclosed (away from the road) so the children can wander around at will without too much worry

[HeyWayne]

Wayne, I always use this site: UKCampsite.co.uk - Caravan Sites, Parks and Camping Sites in England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and Europe

to check and to leave reviews

When I camp with children, I always try to pitch near the toilets, and to pick somewhere with specific childrens' activities like a safe playground. The sites we use tend to be enclosed (away from the road) so the children can wander around at will without too much worry

Thanks TS - I have been using that site to look, it's very handy. A good search/filter system to find what you're after, and the reviews are very good.

The kind of site you describe sounds like the kind of thing we're after. Having never been before it's tricky to know what you're looking for - I think we're just going to have to suck it and see.

The Mablethorpe one is the current favourite: MableThorpe

[Bren In Pots]

Wayne theres a site next to the Conkers centre thats nice Caravan camping club site we've not stayed there but we know friends that say its good if you've got kids.

Is that the type of place you're after ?

[Two_Sheds]

The Mablethorpe one is the current favourite:

The reviews seem favourable: near the beach; kids playground; kids paddling pool & crazy golf nearby; quiet at night; supermarket nearby; plenty of loos/showers; tumble dryer (a godsend if it rains every day). I think it sounds ideal

[HeyWayne]

Wayne theres a site next to the Conkers centre thats nice Caravan camping club site we've not stayed there but we know friends that say its good if you've got kids.

Is that the type of place you're after ?

It is.

Oddly enough, that one made my shortlist yesterday when I was looking. Thanks Bren.

[teakdesk]

The Mablethorpe one is the current favourite: MableThorpe

Mablethorpe is like Marmite.

We went 10 years ago on recommendation of friends; very large and very, very expensive site (not the one you link to I think) with kids making mess of toilet blocks at every opportunity; town full of junk food places and attractions; roads busy without pavements to walk on; cycling with children "hairey" to say the least; very windy coast with cold sea.


But also very popular with lots of other people!!!!!



.

[HeyWayne]

Mablethorpe is like Marmite.

We went 10 years ago on recommendation of friends; very large and very, very expensive site (not the one you link to I think) with kids making mess of toilet blocks at every opportunity; town full of junk food places and attractions; roads busy without pavements to walk on; cycling with children "hairey" to say the least; very windy coast with cold sea.


But also very popular with lots of other people!!!!!
.

I think a cold sea is a given on that side of Ingland.

Thanks for the feedback though - always good to get a balanced view.

[jackie j]

Always pitch away from the entertainment area as it will be noisy esp at night and nothing worse than kids being woken up by people being noisy walking back to their tent. I personally wouldnt pitch too near the shower / toilet block either. We like to be as far away from any of these as possible even with kids.
I like to find a place that has things for kids to do, as flat a site as possible ( not easy ) clean site, good toilet block and that has to be clean, we never book in advance, just turn up look around the site before handing over our money, if we dont like what we see we move on. Most of the time we find the right site first time, we google before we leave so we know whats on offer and what to expect.

[Two_Sheds]

^ you're lucky Jackie, all the best sites round here are fully booked a year ahead