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We like to arrive in Cornwall around lunchtime.

We are supposed to be off by 11am but theyseem really rather relaxed about it. In respect of the grass cutting the site we use does it as necessary and they are on the vacated pitch as soon as they have left - weather permitting.

As mentioned earlier I think a 4pm earliest start is far too late. We like to be set up and finished mid afternoon to give us chance to settle in/get the food sorted and be able to give the boys some tea without the pressure of pitching the tent, getting the sleeping stuff sorted out etc. etc.

Cheers

Thanks for all your advice. In the end, after making a fuss about the late arrival time and agreeing 2pm, I had to call the AA to sort my car out just a few miles from the site. We  ended up getting there at 4pm anyway!

My fear was that my tent was flawed or I was missing some vital peice of equipment so I wanted to allow for time to get to a shop before it was too late (I know I'm supposed to have a trial run before leaving but I honestly didn't have time!). However, everything turned out fine so 4pm wasn't a problem.

The midday leaving time suited us fine too...I wouldn't have liked it much earlier. Our tent was completely free of dew and condensation by the time we packed it away. We eventually left about 12.30pm

The site, was Woodside Farm near the village of Thurne on the Norfolk Broads. Fair enough if the late start doesn't suit but we found the owners very friendly and helpful and had a fantastic time. Now I can't wait to camping again!

Quote: Originally posted by fostermum on 03/9/2010

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I arrive as soon as the site allows - most of the sites I've used state from mid day so that's what I aim for. Always have a packed lunch at the ready - need sustenance before/during pitching!

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Hi all,

Very interesting the times of arriving and departing sites. I tow a trailer and go all over the UK. My usual practise is home as early as possible on the Friday,and having got 99% of the packing done and in the trailer before hand,check the car over,oil,water,tyres and shower and bed. If I am lucky I will get 4-5 hours before I get up at 10.30pm.

Have a coffee,make a small flask, put a few nibbles handy in the car,and off we go.I always try and travel over night but the snoring passengers can get a little tiresome. I recently left home near Wisbech in Cambridgeshire at 11.20pm and because of over night road works had a 20 mile detour in the Midlands and was waiting outside McD's in Penzance at at 5.15am, 394 miles later,needing a fresh coffee. Wife,Son and two dogs asleep all the way with cushions and duvets.

Averaged 42.7 mpg with the trailer on the back, empty roads and 'walk in and out' motorway services, should you need them, car just ticking over in the cool night air and crossing Bodmin moor as the sun just begins to make an appearance with no one else in sight. I usually have breakfast and get to site around 9am if I can. It usually gives me all day to choose when to put the tent up if the weather is touch and go. Once you have tried this method and got it sorted for your particular family you will never go back to driving in the heat of the day with 3 - 4 million other holiday makers.

happy camping, Pete.