If you fancy a credit-crunch holiday, here's how you can buy a tent, sleeping bags and airbeds for a family of four for less than £50!
I've just got back from a weekend camping with some friends. And yes, it rained a bit, but all in all the weather was great and everyone had a fantastic time.
Now, we haven't bought a tent yet as we're in the fortunate position of having been lent one. By using it, we should therefore be able to assess what we do and don't like about it for when we buy our own. And we have certainly done that.
But what it's made us realise is that you don't need a fancy tent and trendy accessories to have a successful camping break - we've had a couple of great breaks camping with this very basic model and limited extras.
So if you're broke but feel the need for a holiday, first of all see if you can borrow a tent. But if you can't, relax - I've found some great deals at rock bottom prices.
Couples
If there are just two of you, there are some great deals about.
Halfords has a Value 2 person Tent Pack consisting of a 2-person tent, two sleeping bags and two camping mats in a carry bag for just £29.14 (reduced from £59.99).
Argos also has a 2-person tent pack consisting of a 2-person tent, two sleeping bags, two camping mats and two headlamps for just £34.99.
And don't worry If you already have sleeping bags and airbeds kicking about at home as you could consider this 2-person Dome Tent from Argos, for a camp-tastic £12.99.
Family of four
If there are four of you, Halfords has a few more great deals.
For a real bargain, snap up its Value 4-person Tent pack. You'll get a 4-person tent, 4 sleeping bags, 4 camping mats, all of which come in a carry bag for just £49.99 (reduced from £109.99). Wow!
For slightly more salubrious camping take a look at its Family Tent pack. For just £99.87 (reduced from £239.99) you'll get a 4 person tent (with two bedrooms), two double airbeds, four sleeping bags and two camping lights - and it all comes in a wheeled bag.
And Halfords cooksets are half price for anyone buying a tent.
Supermarket giant Tesco has this 4-person tent set. This contains a 4-person (two bedroom) tent, one double and two single sleeping bags, and one double and two single airbeds. All for £94.99!
If you already have the camping bits and don't mind getting a little cosy in one room, Tesco has a 4-person Value Dome tent for just £22.50 (reduced from £30).
Larger families
If there are more than four of you, things start to get a little more expensive as the tents become more substantial. Argos has this 6-person tent for £104.39 (saving £52) which will comfortably sleep six people, and this 8-person tent for £129.99, reduced from £159.99.
Extras
There's a whole host of extras out there to make your camping life easier such as stoves, fridges and kitchen cupboards (yes, seriously).
Personally, I reckon arm yourself with a couple of disposable barbecues, bring a cool bag with ice packs (you can re-freeze these at most campsites) and just cook basic things such as sausages for your first trip.
You can usually buy baguettes, ham, eggs, milk and cheese on site (or from a nearby farm) or eat out for other meals, and enjoy the experience - there's plenty of time for the rest of it on a subsequent trip, and you'll get a good idea of whether camping is for you.
All in all, it's clear to see that you can camp really cheaply if you're a newbie camper who'd like to find out if they like it before committing to spending a fortune.
And if you get the camping bug?
It is worth adding though that despite the fact these tents are fully functional and very happy holidays can be had with them, if you happen to do to do a lot of UK camping, you may wish to be prepared for heavier rain and spend a little more on your tent for nice-to-haves such as integral groundsheets, and living space you can stand up in.
Shop around
When the time comes to buy, or upgrade what you have, do your research and shop around as prices can differ greatly.
Price matching
Interestingly, most "camping world" type shops will price match (or even beat) cheap internet deals - do your research first and be sure to arrive armed with a printout including price and website of the tent you're interested in. You'll potentially be able to see and take home the tent you like, while spending the same as if you ordered online.
And finally, if you are planning to camp with your kids for the first time, here's some advice we were given that has proved invaluable.
Tips for camping with kids
1.If they've never camped before, have a trial run in the garden. You'll learn how to put the tent up (so you don't look a prat at the campsite) and they'll get used to the excitement. And don't underestimate how excited they will be at the thought of sleeping outdoors.
2.Don't arrive at a campsite too late - putting up a tent with tired, hungry children is not a recipe for success.
3.Bring a wet weather bag of activities: pens, paper, sticker books, puzzles, and games in case of heavy rain. And bring toys that aren't too precious (such as from charity/pound shops) as you're bound to lose some.
4.Airbeds, although comfortable, offer very little insulation. A fleece blanket/thin duvet to lie on can help children, especially, stay warm at night.
5.Always, always bring wellies, fleeces and waterproofs - no matter how sunny you think it will be!
Happy camping!