Camping with kids

There's something about camping. The space, the freedom, the crisp mornings and dark evenings. The getting back to nature and bonding over the silence and simplicity of living for a short time under a flimsy piece to material and a few poles.

I remember camping as a child and have nothing but amazing memories of it, and since it's a practically free mini family holiday I want to make sure my kids get the same experience.

What I needed was a tent that would hold myself and the three kids, and was easy enough to put up myself without having to go into damsel in distress mode.

Fortunately the lovely people at Millets chose the perfect one by Vango for me - spacious, comfy and simple.

We had our first test run last weekend at Body & Soul and it was big smiles and thumbs up from all of us.

What camping gives kids is the freedom to roam and explore. To lasso their imagination and shoot for the moon. To toast marshmallows and spend time star gazing. To wear wellie boots, pyjamas and dirty faces and play outside until darkness descends. To develop their independence and take on new tasks - carrying dirty dishes across great swathes of countryside to the communal kitchen all by their own self. To make new friends and spend endless hours kicking balls, flying kites and rolling down hills over and over and over again.

Somehow I had almost forgotten all that. This summer I intend to spend many mini trips reminding myself of it. 

Disclosure: I was sent a tent and camping chairs by Millets in exchange for my views. 

Camp Bestival - 6 reasons you really should go

I'm going to Camp Bestival!! *does a happy dance*

Want to come too? There's still time to book your family a weekend break that they will never forget.

Camp Bestival 2015 takes place between 30th July and 2nd August in Ludlow Castle in Dorset. It's a family festival extravaganza that has far too much on offer to list here, but these are a few of the reasons I can not wait to bring my family along to it.

1. Kids love a festival.

I've done festivaling and I've done family festivaling, and whilst the two are very different there is something wonderfully wholesome about seeing your kids at one with a community of others. It may only be a long weekend but it's an insight into another world. Everyone is on holiday, everyone is happy, there is continual entertainment on tap, nobody gets bored, everyone gets to explore and find their own special corner of wonder, and the memory making moments are everywhere.

Credit: Camp Bestival

2. Camping.

Don't be scared. Embrace the early sunrise. Step on the dewy grass as the campsite around you begins wakes up. Forget about mirrors and make up. Remember the fact that there is no housework. Sneak back to the quiet haven of an empty tent for an afternoon snooze. Sip wine from plastic cups as the children sleep and the sound of music rolls over the hills.

Not convinced? Camp Bestival has a whole host of luxury glamping on offer too. So scratch that as an excuse.

3. Dress up!

Time to get wild. This year's theme is Camp Bestival goes wild, so not only do you get to don some facepaint and get into your wild things onsie - there are also tons of 'getting back to nature' activities. From tree climbing and tree hugging to camp fire tales and even sleeping out under the stars. There's also shows and talks from the likes of Steve Backshall, Bill Odie and Michaela Strachan.

4. The Line Up.

There's just no point in trying to list all the amazing things on offer so I won't even try. Oh ok then I will. Here's just a few that my family will be excited about:

The Kaiser Chiefs (The boys)
Ella Henderson (The Girl)
Hollie McNish (My girl crush who I've written about before)
Underworld
Professor Green
Terry Hall

Not to mention the crafts, nature, Bollywood bar, horse riding, song shack, wand making, sword creating, bubble shows and fireworks.

Credit: Camp Bestival

5. The magic moments

One of the best things about Camp Bestival is all the opportunities to find those magic moments. When you stumble on a fairy lit path that leads to a secret garden party, or get lost in the woods and happen upon an awesome reggae band, or when you curl up for a bit of quiet time on some huge Moroccan cushions and sip peppermint tea in the sunshine, or when you watch your kids rolling in grass playing air guitar to their new favourite band, or, or, or...

Credit: Camp Bestival

6. The Extras

And as if all that wasn't enough there are extras that you wouldn't believe.
Open air hot tubs, restorative massage, yoga, meditation, pamper stations, farmers markets, amazing food stalls... I may not come home at all.

But don't just go on what I'm saying, these ladies have all been before and keep going back for more - check out their pictures and you'll see why.

Katy Hill - Camp Bestival 2013
Mammasaurus - Camp Bestival 2014

Tickets for Camp Bestival:

Adult Weekend Ticket (inc. camping from Thurs or Fri) - £195*
Student Weekend Ticket (inc. camping from Thurs or Fri) - £180*

Age 15 to 17 Weekend Ticket (inc. camping from Thurs or Fri) - £113*
Age 11 to 14 Weekend Ticket (inc. camping from Thurs or Fri) - £88*
Age 5 to 10 Weekend Ticket (inc. camping from Thurs or Fri) - £20*
Age 4 & Under Weekend Ticket (inc. camping from Thurs or Fri) – FREE (but ticket required)*
There are also campervan \ caravan spots, ready pitched tents, and lots of glamping options.

COMPETITION:
Netmums are running a competition for a full family weekend pass here. Comp closes 20th July so hurry!

An InLinkz Link-up

Disclosure: I have been provided with free family weekend tickets in order to review and report on Camp Bestival.