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We are total camping virgins and having visited just about every shop and display in Dorset we are even more confused.  We are a family of four, 2 adults, 5 year old and 6 month old.  We "think" we've rattled it down to a Outwell Hartford XXL OR Gelert Zenith 8.  Not much in price, but any advice from seasoned campers would be appreciated to help us decide. 

The tents you are loking at are very big, some sites now refuse such large tents or charge extra pitch fees for them, It is not all sites but if you have some sites in mind that you want to go to I would check with them before you buy.

Also consider how long and often you will be using the tent as both will not be the fastest to pitch.

Make sure you see the pack size of the tent and can fit it in your car .

It's surprising how much stuff you end up taking when camping

The missus wants a separate room for storage etc.   What's your view on the importance of a big porch.  Any other tents you reckon would suit our needs

We are a family of four,2 adults 5&8 yr old daughters,we have the Hartford xl and its a huge tent!

The xxl really is a beast and does not have the nice large windows like the xl either side due to extra pod.The porch is a decent size for shoes,cooking and sitting in......

I would spend the cash you save from buying the xxl and spend it on the xl porch extension.....you will seriously have ample room!

Good Luck.......