There is nothing more relaxing than being surrounded by nature, living the outdoor lifestyle with a fry up in the open air or marshmallows and hot chocolate around a campfire.
Whether you are new to camping or a seasoned traveller, we’ve put together a list of tried and tested ideas, hints and tips to make your camping experience go swimmingly this season.
- PREP – Try to prepare some meals before you come. You are more than welcome to refreeze freezer packs on site. Make at least 1-2 meals that are easy to have at the end of a long day’s exploring. Freeze them before you come in sealable bags so they are easy to transport and bob’s your uncle! We love making a pasta sauce ready to go, ready chopped veggies for kebabs or snacking on and even ready packed up dry pancake ingredients so all you need to do is add the eggs and milk and hey presto!
- GLOW STICKS – The kids will love these and they are so handy for spotting them in the dark. From night time toilet trips to fun and games around the campfire, they are a necessity!
- BOXES – Try to pack all your essentials in stackable boxes. They act as handy drawers for clothes, sealable containers for food and even a place to store shoes! When packing all your clothing, why not pack in outfits so when the kids come racing in covered in mud looking for a change of clothes or pj’s for the shower block, all they need to do is lift out a ready to go roll!
- FESTIVAL FEELS – We don’t go anywhere without our trusty solar-powered fairy lights. Not only do they stop any tripping up when wound around the tent ropes, but they also give all the cosy festival feels at night time.
- KEEP WARM – Pack layers – sounds kind of obvious but it can get very cold at night, even with a campfire to keep warm. Bring blankets that can be used to wrap up with and then take to bed, lots of jumpers and even bed socks for extra warmth and don’t forget to pack your waterproofs and wellies just in case!
- ORGANISE SOME ACTIVITIES – It’s a good idea to have some pre-prepped activities on hand for rainy days or even when you are busy setting up and taking down the tent. There are plenty of things to do at Blaithwaite Estate from the play areas, to mini golf and more but if you want something closer to the tent, pack card and board games, colour sheets and even bug hunt packs!
- STARGAZING – Hopefully you’ll have plenty of sunny, clear days and nights on your camping trip. Back hot chocolates, marshmallows, cosy blankets and binoculars to take advantage of the clear dark skies that we have in Cumbria. We would suggest downloading an app on your phone like Sky View so you can learn about all the constellations above. If you forget any essentials, you can purchase logs, fire pits and marshmallows from our office and site shop.
- ARRIVE IN DAYLIGHT – You can arrive at Blaithwaite Estate from 3pm and we would suggest you leave plenty of time to get the tent set up and explore your surroundings before the sun goes down. Take it easy on the first night, plan a simple tea or visit one of the many local pubs and restaurants nearby. You can find a full list here.
- TAKE A FIRST AID KIT – There will inevitably be the odd bump and scrape as your kids run free. We would suggest packing an essential first aid kit so you don’t get caught out with plenty of plasters, bite cream and wound cleaning wipes.
- TAKE BUG SPRAY – Even though we are an open site with plenty of sea breeze off the Solway Firth, we are surrounded by farmland and there will inevitably be a bug or two! Prep ahead and bring your bug spray so you can enjoy the views without a bite!
You can find out more information on all of our camping and glamping options here.
