The missus has all of a sudden decided she would like to go camping although she has never been before. I'm trying to find somewhere within say an hour or two of Leeds (so I can drive back when she decides she don't like it!!!).

I'm looking for somewhere with "average" facilities, so shower block etc but no phoenix nights style clubhouses and adventure parks.

Anyone got any recommendations?? I've been looking on the net for the last few days but no joy yet.

I've no idea about the campsites, but in case you haven't bought a tent yet, then the best piece of advice is to get one that you can stand up in!

Steve

My recommendation is Vale of Pickering caravan park, only go camping once a year but this place is excellent. No tacky clubhouse but decent showers, washing facilities and a shop.
Just google it.

Ian

Your best bet is probably the Camping and Caravan Club. They have a site near the coast at Embleton which has good basic facilities - you will need to join though.
Also be aware that good weather on that coast is a bonus (and that's from an ex-pat Geordie). Last time we stayed there we spent most days dodging the haar (sea fog) which rolled in and out with each tide.
The other side to the coin is that the beaches are extensive and spectacular and there's lots to see and do.
Cheers, Pewe.

I agree with the standing up thing, it's no fun having wet and muddy knees all weekend, and trying to get dressed horizontally can be a challenge.

Neil

I don't know if it's too far from you but there is a nice campsite at Edale on the edge of Kinder.

practise erecting, the tent that is in the back garden first.

Peak district has more camp sites than you can shake a fly sheet at.

The actual art of camping is not a problem, having spent years in the cubs, scouts, cadets and having done a few survival courses, and I have all the kit (which I've checked is still ok) it's just the missus is a bit, erm, well like a woman really.

My favourite is Golden Square near Helmsley. Not been for a while but always very clean with great facilities, but nothing noisy. link here

i took my wife and kids for the first time last year to Runswick Bay, apart from it being cold the weekend we chose we had a great time. Runswick Bay village is a great unspoilt place to visit. The campsite is well run, not commercialised and doesnt attract the more boistrous of campers. Robin hoods bay is also great.

Anywhere near Helmsley is fantastic, normally a good display of bikers on those roads too.

Cant go wrong with any of the North Yorkshire villages.



If anyone is after a good tent o have a Vango Diablo 600 that im willing to sell in favour for a smaller weekend style tent. The Vango is fantastic and has 2 great bedrooms and a large living area - just takes tooo much space up in car when we have 2 kids and a dog to transport. More suited to longer stays imho or those who are more serious about camping.

Darren, we have a 4 man - one room tent that has been used once, but we were considering getting a 4 man - two room tent for this summer!

Mike

Stayed here before which is a nice site near Bolton Abbey

http://www.howgill-lodge.co.uk/

Tents - pah!

I take my house with me

<-----------------------------

Open day , Camp weekend

Hi
I am arranged a camping weekend this July, you are welcome to join us.

Camping Open Day and Dales Run.

I’ve have now had confirmation from both MNR and Camp Site.

The Northern Camping Weekend will be on from Friday 18th July to Sunday 20th.
We will be camping at the Riverside Meadows Ripon near Harrogate.
It will be a 2 night stay £19 per night. Facilities on site ( pub) etc. Saturday run across the Dales , Barbeque on the night.
Sunday you have 2 options,
Option 1.
Open Day at MNR Kit Car Manufacturers,
near Harrogate.

Option 2.
Trip to Newby Hall Classic car Show. (Ripon).

I will be looking to collect the deposits around the 25th June. I will confirm with the site who to make the cheque payable to.

Its MY FIRST TIME CAMPING FOR YEARS , So LIKE ME get those barbeques out and join us for the Great Camping Weekend Friday 18th July to Sunday 20th.

IF ANYONE IS INTRESTED PLEASE ADD YOUR NAME TO THE LIST ON THE mnr Vortx SECTION.

[Edited on 11/6/08 by Robert Ryan]

Personally, i would stick the tent in the garden for a couple of nights just to see if she likes it, that way it's not too far from home at three in the morning.

millets have qite a few tents reduced in price, not megga pounds but better than a nip in the old scrote.

argos have too, even bigger savings.

so do cotswold outdoors -those tent are not play tents so more ££ than above, good saving though; see Current Tent Offers

Take a groundsheet (or bit of plastic) to go under the tent groundsheet. That stops all the wet grass etc sticking to the tent groundsheet and rotting / making it smell after you have packed it up and put it away.

For two people. Get at least a 3 or preferably a 4 man tent, or you will have no room to store your kit / clothes etc.

Air beds are best (take up less space than a Hippy Roll, and have better insulation, and are more comfortable). Tesco do a Value bed, and a foot pump. Good value. Mine has done several LARP events and have been really abused (bought cheap ones for exactly that reason).
Remember one blanket underneath is worth two on top (especially when using Hippy roll or nothing at all between you and the ground).

DONT cook INSIDE the tent, unless its a BIG tent. Tent Fires are fast and nasty (Melting plastic / nylon burning sticks like Sh*t to a blanket and your skin.

A good Torch is also useful.

Be safe, and have a good time.

LOL!!! From the topic description I thought this was a very different type of conversation Still could be worse, you could be enquiring about cottaging for beginners

Gordale Scar campsite is set in some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, and you can have a barbeque too

"Gordale Campsite, nr Gordale Scar gr 914645 OS Map: 98

Situated in the spectacular entrance to Gordale Scar with a stream running through the field and very close to Janet's Foss the campsite is approx 20 to 30 minutes walk from the Village.

Toilets and Shower block on site.

Malcom Wilson, Gordale Scar House, Malham, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 4DL, Tel 01729-830333"

2nd for Golden Square, been a couple of times, I thought it really nice but the only negative was they used building sand in the kids sand pits which ruined load of clothes, kids loved it though! Misses didn't however! Site is always clean and tidy.
Rich

Aldi have got camping stuff on offer this week.

adrian