Parenting in London can often be defined by “don’ts”, says Jen Ablitt, 48, who has a four-year-old daughter – “don’t touch that, stop there, don’t run”.
When they go camping out in the country, she says, it’s like a whole new world for her. “They go off, and then you give them more liberty,” she says.
Ablitt was one of the many people that took a camping or a caravanning vacation this summer. This option is usually cheaper than most other options, and offers benefits like being close to nature.
Camping and caravan holidays work out cheaper The cost of renting a house is higher than that of other types. According to The Cost of Living Crisis, 62% of UK adults are currently cutting back on their spending or being cautious due to the current cost of living crisis. British Tourist AuthorityHolidays at lower prices are becoming more and more attractive.
Hundreds of people responded when the Guardian asked for their UK camping holiday experiences. Here are a few of their stories of camping at a reasonable price.
‘I don’t think I’ve ever met a little kid that doesn’t love camping’
I recently lost my job and I hope to get a full-time position soon. So this could be the last time I spend six weeks with the four-year-old daughter I have.
I planned a trip to the Forest of Dean and the Peak District with my friends, and stayed at their homes for three weeks. We also went camping in north Wales, and the Lake District. We camp a lot anyway – and started when she was 18 months old – so we’re used to it. I have never met a kid who does not love camping.
We’ve had a very cheap holiday – about £20 a night – more than paid for by the home rental money. It was tiring for a single mother to have to deal with all the driving and packing, camping and parenting while also having house guests come in.
Overall, it was a great experience. Camping in the UK is an excellent way to explore some of its most beautiful areas. Jen Ablitt 48, South-west London
‘I watched the children uncurl’
I went camping for the first time in the Lee Valley this August – three mums and six kids – to try to give our city kids a taste of outdoor living, off their phones and out into nature. The majority of teenagers spend their time glued to screens.
We had looked at a few seaside holiday lets, but the prices – one place was £1,000 a week – were just too high. Cost was definitely an issue. It feels like UK seaside holidays are getting out of reach, whereas the campsite cost £140, including equipment hire, for two nights per family. It was camping for softies – none of us have camping equipment or tents, so we got to experience it without the stress of bringing endless bits.
The only one of us had a car. She drove it with her luggage. The rest of us took the train which was just 20 minutes away. Then we walked for 45 minutes along River Lea until we reached the campsite. It was great that it wasn’t too far.
The first thing the kids asked was “How long will it take to walk?” The tent has no toilet. It is cold in the night. “The shop does not sell good snacks.”
After about 24 hours I saw the children start to uncurl. By the time we left, they were playing frisbee and making fires. They also went on a river walk, watched ducks, and climbed trees for apples. Rebecca Lovell: Small business owner from East London
‘On clear nights you could see the Milky Way’
This summer, I have rediscovered low-tech camping. I spent two blissful weeks in Dumfries. My family is more comfortable and has less free time. So I went solo.
I stayed in a farm campsite owned by a family, located near many interesting attractions and the Galloway Dark Sky Area.
My happy place. Every day I woke up early, and on Midsummer Day I watched the sunrise from my tent. Most days I cycled on quiet roads or trails. On clear nights, you could see millions of stars and the Milky Way.
For £17 a night, I got my pitch, free hot water and showers, a freezer for ice packs, and mains electricity to charge my phone and electric bike. The owners were very friendly and helpful.
The carbon footprint was minimal: 50 litres and two cans butane per week. Being retired, I was able to choose the weeks that were sunny.
There were plenty of people around to talk with and exchange tips. These were the best vacations I’ve ever had. Nick Norton, 70 years old, retired business analyst from Glasgow
‘Camping offers the opportunity to be close to nature’
We brought our two kids to Coniston Water, in the Lake District. We love paddleboarding and kayaking. It was a short two-hour drive from our house and it did not disappoint.
We enjoyed the spectacular views and water. We played ballgames on the pitch and had a campfire with marshmallows. The tree swing was a hit with our kids every day. It was absolutely perfect, and all for £34 a night.
We have taken family holidays in France, Finland and Scotland. As each holiday is different, it’s impossible to compare our camping trip with others. But we still had as much fun and felt more connected as a whole family in the Lakes.
Camping is a wonderful way to get close to nature. It’s also a good learning experience for kids. These types of holidays are great for building character and resilience.
On other holidays, you may worry about missing your flight, getting lost, or whether you have the money to go out and eat. When we returned from our camping trip, we felt refreshed. Rachel Hardy is a teacher in northern England
