Camping without a car! Is it possible? And if so, how?

mustrum_ridcully

It can be done without a car :T

As you say take the train to the nearest main train station. Then walk (if it's not too far) or take the bus to the campsite. Some places have tourist railways that connect with national rail service, so you might be able to squeeze in a trip on a steam train as well (Swanage steam railway is an example and has some campsites nearby).

With the wonders of the internet it should be possible to get the times of the local buses and trains so you can figure out connections. http://www.transportdirect.info has rail and bus info.

Make sure the tent is lightweight! As you'll be lugging it about.

For clothing think layers, waterproofs are pretty cheap nowadays coupled with a fleece should get you through the average British summer day . Your lad should be able to carry his clothes (shouldn't need too much as a lot of places have washing facilities) and sleeping bag.

Going by public transport means you'll get the real camping experience (not like some people I know who take a fridge and microwave with them :eek:)

angie_baby

lol, that would have been me a couple of years ago. I bought a huge tent that could sleep loads never even managed to put it up. I sold it last year thank god.

Im looking forward to getting away without havig to hassel my dad to drive us. I think we could just about manage and if i do get a pop up tent at least i wont have the hassel of having to actuly pitch a tent at the end of the journey. And most of them seem below 5kgs, just an awkward shape to carry on and off trains etc. Ive seen a few online for around £30-£50 that seem really good.

By the way i love swange and its def on my hit list! Lets just hope its a nice summer.

One other thing what tog of sleeping bags do you think would be good and are we going to be ok on just sleeping mats rather than airbeds? Mind you i cant sleep properly on airbeds anyway, lols.

Ponkle22

I've managed to get an 8 year old to be responsible for a tiny wheeled trolley with their own clothes rolled up inside (rolled up - as you can park more in without too much creasing). Plus they wore a small backpack on their backs with a book, a toy/game, a notebook, a pen etc and a cuddly toy (essential at that age). We did this on a plane and trains abroad. The trick is to test the packing beforehand and get them to wheel/carry it/them around. Make out its a big adventure (which it will be) and they will want to do their part.

Top tip: take a good length or two of string and about 12 clothes pegs - though if your pop-up tent does not have any guy ropes you will have nothing to tie your 'washing line' to. (you can buy those elastic washing lines with hooks on the end at amazon - they are called pegless, but I find after a while they don't work and you still need pegs).

In Blacks/Millets etc you can buy those microfibre towels that pack to nothing but are meant to be very absorbable.

Try !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! for price comparing all the main shops (including millets etc) for items you need for camping. Amazon can be quite good price wise too.

Regarding togs for sleeping bags - I don't know, but I can tell you that I have been frozen at night in June, roasting hot in July but another July/Aug it was so cold my then toddler was alarmingly cold. Do take one pair each of really wooly/fluffy socks in case you are cold. Perhaps even one of those ultra thin fleece blankets that roll up to not much space - but again you may not need it and could be a waste of time.

If it rains relentlessly be prepared to put wet/very damp coats on the next day. Had one holiday like that and it was miserable. The same holiday we then had to entertain the children which meant spending a lot on visiting attractions. If the weather is glorious then the beach is always free and hours of fun. )

Let us know how you get on as it will be good for others to see.

Remember the earlier you book your train journey the cheaper it is. See this site for more details. You might even manage one of those £1 train tickets as you are in London (try Mega Train/bus). Or thetrainline.com

Hope its sunny great fun. Remember your camera!

Ponkle22

ooh, it wiped out the following:

offer of the day dot co dot uk

hope that works.

Ponkle22

ps: I find those rolled up mats REALLY uncomfortable to sleep on. I wonder if you could borrow an extra sleeping bag (and of course lug it with you) and lay it out as extra padding (and extra warmth) for the pair of you?

Ponkle22

It is all coming back to me now - I had forgotten I used to take a pillowcase and stuff my clothes inside to make a pillow.

paulofessex

How about getting 2 fold up bikes, you then have transport to and from a station and able to explore more whilst camping. I know they may be a little bulky/heavy but the use and enjoyment may outweigh that

hermum

National express have lots of seats at £1 at the moment, I'm not sure how far into the year they go. Have a great time, hope the weather's good. I would go somewhere that has indoor entertainment so that if it rains you're not stuck & don't have to spend a fortune to keep dry for a few hours.
Devon & Cornwall are great but not very good if it rains as anything indoors is pretty expensive.

angie_baby

Thanks for all the replys, looks like ive got a bit of researching to do but i cant wait!

Will let you all know how we get on when we go!

Angie

mobby-2554

Hi Angie have a look a this site tents from £12.99 with FREE led light, dynamo torch, ponchos @ The Green Tent Company

http://www.thegreententcompany.co.uk/webpage.asp?main=yes&mainmenu=Main+Products+&menuitemcode=123&productarea=3&groupid=1&rangeid=1&productid=1