Camping with children can be truly magical. They see the whole thing as a
huge adventure and instantly get into the spirit of it. Everyday rules go out of
the window; there’s no homework to be done, no room to tidy or piano to
practise. It’s also an escape from the electronic fog in which many kids seem to
spend their lives. I believe handheld electronic games should be banned from
camping trips and good, old-fashioned fun the order of the day.
It’s enchanting to watch children engage with nature. From bug-hunting and
rabbit spotting to naming stars and collecting fir cones for the fire, there’s
always something to keep them occupied. Lying in bed at night and asking them to
identify the sounds of nature is both educational and amusing.
Wherever and however you camp with your children, they will remember it for
life, and it will shape how they spend holidays with their kids.
TIPS
Tepee villages are always child-friendly, as are small camp sites that are
nothing more than a field — they make it easy to keep an eye on the children,
too.
WHERE TO CAMP WITH KIDS
Lots of sites have swimming pools and holiday clubs. The price you pay for
these, though, is that they tend to be large and busy. I think it’s much better
to find a small, friendly camp site such as the ones listed below:
Deepdale Farm: two traditional tepees on a quiet site in north
Norfolk. Or you can bring your own tents, tepees or yurts;
www.deepdalefarm.co.uk
Larmer Tree Festival (July 12-16): set in the grounds of a historical
garden, this genteel festival has plenty to keep both children and adults
entertained; www.larmertree.co.uk
Old Cotmore Farm: a small, family-run site between Dartmouth and
Salcombe, situated in pretty countryside, with children’s play areas, a small
shop and nearby sandy beaches;
www.oldcotmorefarm.co.uk
Pot-a-Doodle-Do Village: sleep in a wooden wigwam in rural
Northumberland. The interactive art centre will keep budding Damien Hirsts/Tracey
Emins occupied for hours;
www.northumbrianwigwams.com
CLOSE TO HOME
Small children can sometimes be nervous about new experiences. Before you go
on a camping trip, it’s a good idea to practise for a night in the garden. It’s
a safe and reassuring adventure for little ones.
One of the great things about creating a garden escape is that weight isn’t
an issue, as you won’t have to carry anything too far, so you can indulge your
fantasies all the way and even have a full-size bed in your outdoor haven. Or
sleep out with nothing between you and the sky if you’re feeling particularly
adventurous. “Sometimes we drag a mattress onto the lawn if it is a beautiful
night with amazing stars,” says the designer Emma Bridgewater. “With warm
bedding, it’s a great way to sleep out.”
TIPS
Extracted and adapted from Cool Camping by Laura James (Collins £9.99). To
order for £9.49 (including p&p), call The Sunday Times Books First on 0870 165
8585
TART UP YOUR TENT
The act of setting up camp and making your space beautiful can be thrilling.
Make sure that, as well as the essentials, you take lots of comforting things —
think cushions, rugs and candles.
1. Bunting, £14 for 2 metres, from Bessie and George; 01326 373089
2. Tea-light lanterns, £7 each, from Marks & Spencer; 0845 603 1603
3. Mini table with foldable legs, £20, from Paperchase; 020 7467 6200
4. Sway cord hammock, £10, from Habitat; 0845 601 0740
5. Ottoman rose floor cushion, £35, from Cath Kidston; 0870 850 1084
6. Chrysanthemum rug, £12.50, from Habitat, as before
