I need quite a lot of smaller things for camping this summer and there's not really any decent camping shops around Aberdeen. There's craigdon and tiso but they're not amazingly stocked with camping stuff, they're more walking shops.
The nearest GO is either Edinburgh, Glasgow or Inverness and that's 2.5 hours away. Not sure I want to drive 2.5 hours for a shop, the distance isn't an issue it's more its quite a long way for a shop.
I am going to Norfolk with my nan on holiday in June and there's one in Norwich or I could go to Glasgow or Penrith on the way back (I'm driving down and back) So that's not going to far out of the way.
It's like pegs, furniture, a stove and that sort of thing, I really need to make a list of what I need.
Is GO worth it or does anyone know of any good shops near Aberdeen?
I can't help with any suitable shops but what we tend to do is research our list using the internet, so stoves for example, have a little look as to see what's available, check for any user reviews (the more the better), and whether it's in our price range, where can we order by mail from and what's the best price and bingo, order and wait excitedly for delivery!
We order most of our stuff (not just camping gear) by this method rather than physically buying from a shop; of course this is easier to do with some items, like the stove example but not so easy if it's a big purchase like a tent, where it's nice to actually see it and be in it before buying. Also, the above advice is useless if you haven't got internet access for some reason!
If you are going to Norwich you would be hard pushed to beat Norwich camping for all your bits and bobs if going to a shop is what you are after, theres nothing better than sitting in a selection of chairs and deciding whats best for you.
I'm with Cross as well. Norwich Camping is a great shop and the staff very helpful.
I was looking for a large tent to use with my motorbike and one of the staff at Norwich Camping went and got one out of the stores and opened it all up so I could see the exact size.
There's also Cotswold Outdoor in Aberdeen. Blacks and Millets - are they still there? Once upon a time there was also a Mountain Warehouse but I agree there aren't many good camping stores now. I haven't let that stop me buying stuff. I just get most of it online.
Go Outdoors is a bit far but I call in if I'm passing through Inverness.
I don't live too far from town but it's hassle trying to carry bulky stuff around town. And I prefer trying things out before I buy them.
Might have to pop past Norwich camping.
I'm going to look online once I have time to find all the stuff I want then I have a list and know how much money this will cost me.
It's hard to find one shop that has pretty much everything you need. Aberdeen isn't exactly small but to get everything, you need to go to multiple shops. There used to be a warehouse shop up near Nairn, which is where I got the tent but I think that closed down a few years ago.
There's always Busy Outdoorswhich I came across last year. It's mainly internet based but they do have a small "store" with somewhat restricted opening hours. It's just outside Aberdeen, turn off the A96 at Blackburn and then follow the road out towards Hatton of Fintry and it's off to the right a mile or two outside of Blackburn. I've been there once, for something very specific, so didn't hang around browsing.
Although I do like Tiso and Craigdon it often mystifies my why Go Outdoors or Decathlon haven't opened stores in Aberdeen. It must be one of the most poorly served population centres for that kind of store, with the nearest being Edinburgh/Glasgow in one direction and Inverness in the other.
On the other hand, I'd be poorer and the house/garage would be more cluttered if they did!
Quote: Originally posted by Ravelin on 22/4/2013
There's always Busy Outdoorswhich I came across last year. It's mainly internet based but they do have a small "store" with somewhat restricted opening hours. It's just outside Aberdeen, turn off the A96 at Blackburn and then follow the road out towards Hatton of Fintry and it's off to the right a mile or two outside of Blackburn. I've been there once, for something very specific, so didn't hang around browsing.
Although I do like Tiso and Craigdon it often mystifies my why Go Outdoors or Decathlon haven't opened stores in Aberdeen. It must be one of the most poorly served population centres for that kind of store, with the nearest being Edinburgh/Glasgow in one direction and Inverness in the other.
On the other hand, I'd be poorer and the house/garage would be more cluttered if they did!
I can't believe I've never found Busy Outdoors! I must check it out as it's nearer for me than Aberdeen. Thanks!
Spooky I discovered Busy just yesterday whilst searching for a replacement camp bed. Seemed a great website and you could order on-line and collect from the store too to save on postage.
Quote: Originally posted by alfalimaindia on 25/4/2013
Quote: Originally posted by Busy Outdoors on 23/4/2013We do exist! We do have a showroom (just enlarged)and our opening times are here: Showroom Opening
If you were to travel via the A1..you could pop into MARSHALL,S leisure at Scremerston-just south of Berwick and very close to A1...decent shop and a website worth looking at. GO at Newcastle also right next to A1.
Quote: Originally posted by armchaircamper on 25/4/2013
Quote: Originally posted by alfalimaindia on 25/4/2013
Quote: Originally posted by Busy Outdoors on 23/4/2013We do exist! We do have a showroom (just enlarged)and our opening times are here:Showroom Opening
Hope to see you soon.
Chris
I shall have to pop in, in the next week or two.
Me too! Can't resist a camping shop!
Having just ordered from them I cannot praise their service enough. Easy order, kept well updated on progress and arrived in two days. Fantastic.