10 Best Things To Take On A Camping Trip In The UK Plus Free Checklist

Camping in the UK.

There is nothing better than getting back to nature. Camping may sound like a daunting prospect for some, especially if you have never been before and are used to all the mod cons that we have today. But that said, I believe everyone should experience camping at least once in their lives.

Camping can be a fun and educational experience for all the family with so many activites where you can work as a team and bond.

Our Camping experiences.

Some of our most memorable holidays have been camping in the UK. Most recently we went to Devon in Summer 2021 and stayed at a large campsite called Haldon Holiday Park which was situated between the Historic city of Exeter and the South Devon coastline.

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Haldon Holiday Park

The site is large with plenty of space for tents (including our very big 12 man tent) and there is also a field for caravan users too.

There are a number of toilet and shower blocks on the site and a small shop selling all your basic needs.

Something you don’t find on a lot of these private campsites is entertainment, but at Haldon Holiday Park there’s a playground and also a fast food bar which sold things like chips, burgers and really delicious pizza.

They even had singers and bands visit the site at the weekend giving some extra outdoor entertainment.

Peaceful Moments.

The camp felt safe enough as it was full of other family’s on our side (there was a separate side for adults only which was separated by a fence.

So our kids were free to run around and play and visit the park with the MANY friends that they made, which was great as it gave me and my husband a bit of breathing space after being stuck in close quarters of the tent with them (yes I love my kids but sometimes your ears need a rest).

Perfect location.

Because of the location of the site and the fact we had a car, we were able to visit so many of the local attractions only a short drive away.

We packed so much into the week we had it felt like we had been there longer.

Places we visited.

The location was perfect as it was only 30 mins away from most of the attractions and sight seeing destinations.

Here’s a list of some of the places we visited.

Exeter
Dawlish Warren Beach
Torquay
Lyme Regis (Jurrasic Coast, great for finding fossels)
Charmouth
Crealy Theme Park
Kents Caverns (prehistoric caves)

It was a fantastic holiday which the kids enjoyed immensely, so much they have begged us to go back again this year. I think its the freedom that they enjoyed the most and we were also lucky to have good weather the majority of the week. I think things might of been a bit different if it had been bad weather like the week before when the UK was battered by gale force winds and rain. Its best to pack for all kinds of weather as us Brits are fully aware of.

My Top 10 camping must haves.

This is a list of things we think are definitely needed for a perfect camping holiday.

Good quality camp beds – This is essential especially if your going for longer than a couple of days, a decent sleep makes all the difference to your experience (and mood)
A fire pit/BBQ – We had a portable one which doubled up as a BBQ. Keeping us warm when the nights got chilly and great for cooking on too.
Solar powered Fairy Lights– We hung these around the outside of the tent and the inside living area, which made it easy to locate the tent when you need to nip the loo in the night.
Extra blankets – Even in the summer the UK temperatures can drop dramatically in the night so take a few extra fleece blankets to keep you warm.
An electric hook up – We have experienced both non electric and electric camp plots. Non electric are ok for 1 or 2 nights but if your staying any longer definitely go with electric, it makes the world of difference.
Board Games and Playing Cards – If the weather turns nasty and you need to stay in your tent at night at least you have something to keep you entertained.
Hangable organiser – These are great for keeping not just shoes but your kitchen items in, they are a great space saver.
A Plastic Sink – the hot water is usually located by the shower blocks so when you need to wash up after meals its easier to carry everything there and back.
Electric Multi Function Cooker – WOW we made some incredible meals in our’s whilst camping, this does everything you need in one.
Multi socket power adapter – making sure your phones/tablets are charged and well as your kettle for those warm drinks.

Free Downloadable Camping Check List

Planning is key when it come’s to camping and the list of things you need to take with you.

So here’s a downloadable FREE checklist for you to use to plan your “Happy Camper” holiday!

Also if your looking at booking check out the PITCH UP website which has thousands of campsites in the UK, US and Europe. Fantastic breaks at affordable prices. This is our “go to” website when we are booking.