Just got back from our 10 day trip to Cornwall and thought I'd let you know how it went...
We arrived on probably the worst day possible, the journey itself took 7 hours and from Birmingham southwards it was heavy rain all the way. Arrived at the site and then had to try and pitch the tent (which thought it was a kite) in 30-odd mph winds and driving rain. It took me and the two kids over an hour to get the damn thing up and when we'd finished we were like drowned rats.
The weather didn't get much better until about a couple of days before we came home. The site was an absolute mud bath and it was wellies and walking boots rather than the summer sandals I'd packed.
The site, Treveague Farm, was absolutely fantastic, excellent facilities, stunning sea views and the owners and staff were the nicest people I've ever met. I'll do a site review when I get the chance but would thouroughly recommend the place to anyone.
From the massive amounts of equipment I bought before the trip, I think the best three purchases were:
Delta Ground Anchors - I don't think the tent would have stayed put had I not invested in some steel deltas, so thanks to everyone who said how good they were. There were tents coming unpegged the whole time we were there, due to the strong winds but not one of my guy ropes budged.
Aero Beds - They seemed a bit pricey but were absolutely fantastic. So comfy and as big as a standard single mattress. All three of us thought that there were more comfy than our beds at home.
Teppen Yaki grill - like a George Forman grill only without a lid. It was a life saver, as, due to the rain, there's no way I could have used the suitcase stove outside. I cooked everything on the grill from full English breakfasts, to chicken fajitas. It only cost £14 from Lidl and was worth every penny.
As for things that I bought and never used, there wasn't much, only the washing line (it never stopped raining long enough to dry clothes) and pegs.
As a general observation, it was unlike any holiday I've ever been on. I hardly saw the kids the whole time, they were out playing merrily in the mud making new friends. People on the site were absolutely lovely and so friendly and helpful - we've swapped contact details with a couple of families who we hope to keep in touch with.
A few days before we came home we had an accident in the car. On the way to Land's End someone ran into the back of me whilst we were queuing in traffic. The back of the car was damaged and the boot won't open so we had to load all the equipment for the homeward journey in through the back doors.
However, despite the weather and the car, we had the best holiday we've had in years and have definitely been bitten by the camping bug. I'm already waiting for my car to be repaired so that I can get a tow bar fitted and buy a trailer.
Marks out of 10 from me - a big 10.  (and my son gave it 12 out of 10).
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Topic: Feedback from first camping trip
