Camping in its various forms has seen something of a renaissance in recent years, moving from its rather jaded image in the 1980s when holidays at home were overtaken by cheap package deals, into something much more adventurous, glamorous and exciting. These days you can happily shop in store and online for all the best kit, with even designers like Orla Kiely getting in on the action, and rest your head under canvas in all of the best locations.
From Land's End to John O'Groats there are campsites in convenient, remote, wild and beautiful locations up and down our green and pleasant land. From top tourist destinations like St Ives (below) with Polmanter Touring Park within walking distance, to the wilds of Cumbria at the aptly named The Quiet Site with its unique Hobbit Hole, there's something for everyone. Check out this handy camping guide from Halfords which highlights some of the most wonderful places to visit and events to make a beeline for, along with the best local campsites.
On our recent trip round Devon and Cornwall we tried out various types of accommodation, including the fun new glamping option: pods. These modern wigwams are perfect if you're worried about wet weather, made from sustainable wood they come in various different permutations: completely empty, or with memory foam mattress benches/beds, electricity, or even your own loo! Ours was set in the beautiful Ruthern Valley near Bodmin, a small site miles from the nearest main road, surrounded by beautiful countryside. Totally idyllic, and the perfect location for young children to explore - and meet the neighbours!
From Land's End to John O'Groats there are campsites in convenient, remote, wild and beautiful locations up and down our green and pleasant land. From top tourist destinations like St Ives (below) with Polmanter Touring Park within walking distance, to the wilds of Cumbria at the aptly named The Quiet Site with its unique Hobbit Hole, there's something for everyone. Check out this handy camping guide from Halfords which highlights some of the most wonderful places to visit and events to make a beeline for, along with the best local campsites.
Whether you go for the wilds of Scotland, Wales or Norfolk, head to mainland Europe, or choose one of the more popular holiday spots like the New Forest, Cornwall or the Lake District this summer, make sure you have the right kit for your trip. Halfords has this great guide to tents to get you started, and even if you opt for glamping, jazz up your yurt, treehouse or eco-pod with some fun and luxurious accessories: duvets, throws, cushions and pillows, along with some waterproof-backed picnic rugs will mean you can relax in style inside and outside. And don't forget some cooking apparatus, especially that all-important barbecue, and a cool box or bag or two to store your food and drink in.
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| Cool bag c/o Thermos; blanket c/o Urbanara |
Whether you choose canvas, nylon or wood, nothing beats being out in the great outdoors, especially if you find a really secluded site with no road noise and just nature to entertain and explore. Gazing up at the stars, playing freely in woodland, washing up with only bird song surrounding you, and falling asleep with owls hooting above is hard to beat. Where will you go this summer?
Post in association with Halfords