3 traits of child friendly campsites revealed

Camping in the UK has surged in popularity over the years as more people discover some world-class holiday treats close to home. As a result, campsites can now be found all over Britain with adequate facilities to cater to all age groups.

When planning a family-friendly holiday, finding child friendly campsites is a must to ensure that your little ones have an enjoyable and safe trip away from home. With so many campsites to choose from online, picking out the best for your children can be a tall order. Here is a quick guide to some campsite traits to look out for as well as some health and safety tips for your trip.

1. Helpful safety measures

Health and safety should be your first priority during any family holiday. Your first safety measures should start before your leave the house during the preparation stages. Make sure to pack your child’s rucksack first, followed by a first-aid kit and any other medical requirements that they may have. Double check the rucksack before setting off as your child may have taken out some useful items to make room for a favourite toy!

The layout of your chosen campsite will also add to your overall safety. Space is crucial in your camping area. Your tent should be far away from any hazards such as the campfire, water and the tent pegs and strings of neighbouring tents. Remember to pack a torch to avoid walking into these trip hazards at night. Gravel is sometimes provided near individual patches of grass to keep insects at bay. However, you should provide your own insect repellent, particularly in the height of summer, just in case.

Farm holidays with children have become increasingly popular and provide a lovely setting for your family. To ensure that your trip is a success, be aware of the added dangers while at the farm, including pesticides and other chemicals, heavy machinery and wild animals. When in doubt, always contact the site owners prior to the trip.

2. Fun activities

Fun activities are a must, both in the surrounding area and at the campsite, to keep little ones entertained throughout the trip. You can often assess the suitability of a campsite through its website, past reviews and information on the local area. The fun factor at the campsite is an important thing to consider as it will be your home for the duration of your trip. Does the site have picnic tables? A playground? A swimming pool? An outdoor cooking area?

Family friendly holiday parks are usually a safer option for young families and novice campers as they provide on-site entertainment that is often sheltered from the rain. However, if you choose an independent individual park instead, campsites near a natural beauty spot such as a beach or open countryside are always popular. A town or village should also be situated close to the campsite for extra entertainment, food and a medical facility if needed.

Although a trip closer to home may prove to be a more viable option with younger kids, if you do plan to explore further afield, be prepared for a long and quite dull car journey. Pack plenty of books, games, story tapes and even a DVD player if you have one.

3. Friendly facilities

Alongside some cushy extras such as a swimming pool and a lovely playground, a child-friendly campsite should have a few basic facilities in place for all ages. Satisfactory toilets and washrooms with baby changing facilities should be in close proximity, either on site or nearby. A shop and a food outlet should also be on hand to feed hungry tummies. Many local pubs and cafes nearby are often familiar with camping families passing through their front doors.

Last but not least, the owners should be warm, friendly and helpful. Again, look to past reviews of the site or spend a few minutes chatting to whoever is in charge before you pack your bags.

Here at Campsites UK, we know how lovely a camping holiday with your children can be within the right campsite. We hope this guide will better prepare you for a life in the outdoors away from the comforts of home. By keeping these practical tips in mind, you are sure to have a wonderful family camping experience!