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Hi Peter,

Welcome back to the world of camping!  I have only been camping for the past year so I am sure there are plenty of more qualified people to advise you but my suggestions would be - some good lights/torch, definitely flip flops or something similar, cooking wise I would suggest that would be fine if it is complemented with a BBQ although if on it's own you may benefit from something more suitable to family cooking.  We use inflatable matresses instead of roll mats as I do like a little comfort and ensuring you dont get cold (or the kids) can make or break it.  We have a double sleeping bag but to be honest only one of us sleeps in it as with two in it not only is it a bit restrictive for movement but also if one rolls over a huge gap develops which lets the cold in - I would suggest a sleeping bag each.  For us an electric hook-up is a must (for the fridge and small heater we take just in case) but I know of plenty that do not need it.

As for suggestions on the south coast - Chestnut Meadow near Bexhill or Honeybridge Park in Horsham are both a fave of ours and have a number of visits planned over the next few months.

All the best - I hope your family enjoy it as much as we do.

T x

Well we're new to camping too and going on our first jaunty tonight for 2 nights. We've started from scratch with buying things- taken all of our advice from here. We're a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children who are 5 and 6) currently in the car we have:

1 double air bed (For the children)

1 double SIM (for us as I've got back problems)

1xdouble sleeping bag

2x single children's bags

4x pillows

1x cadac

1x stove

1x 'kitchen'

1x table

4x chairs

Gas bottle

plates, bowls, cups, knives, forks, spoons, colander, grater, bbq utensils

Food enough for this trip but in future we'll have the basics then shop on the first day.

Children's entertainment-books, playing cards, board game.

Tent!  with footprint, carpet, extension

torches of various guises- hanging lanterns, torch, head torch etc

tent repair kit/first aid kit

Clothes

Cool box

It's packed to the rafters and will probably need more consideration for longer trips but it has all fitted in to our picasso.