Camping in Lake district

Camping in Lake district was my first camping experience. And I was quiet excited about it. We had planned at three day visit to Lake district in UK during long weekend in summer.
Since the weather was forecast was bad we had already done some research for Cheap Bed and Breakfast or Hotels in Cumburia Region. And yes you also need to fix your base location.

The facilities provided at the camping site were amazing and that encouraged us to plan more trips in National Parks in UK.
We had collected all the camping tools and other essentials two days before we went for the trip. This does help a lot.

Day 1 at Lake district:

Due to bad traffic conditions on long weekend, we reached Lake District in evening and managed to get place in camping site. After fixing our tent we decided to relax for day. The best way to refresh ourselves was glass of hot chai. We prepared the tea in Indian manner on our newly bought camping gas. It was good experience to sit next to tent and have hot sip of chai at end of the day.

Walk in the Wild followed by dinner

Day 2 at Lake district

Boat Sailing in Lake Windermere

Indian Chai session on Lake Windermere Banks

Walk along shores of Windermere

List of things required for camping

The following is list of things which you might carry for camping

• Tent – you can buy a tent from any of the super markets or shops in UK during summer.
  sleeping bags
• Camping gas – I bought camping gas from Argos of Campigaz brand. It was for 23 GBP but you can get the same for much cheaper rate from camping shops.
• Barbeque – There is loads of variety if you are planning to have barbeque. You can buy barbeque stove or if you are not sure you can buy disposable barbeque.
• Utensils – pan, pot, spoons, knife, plates, bowls. Note: Some camping sites provide kitchen facilities.
• Dish washer soap
• Cool cage – Ice cage to carry cold drinks or perishable food stuff
• Toiletries-tooth brush, soap, toothpaste, shampoo, creams etc.
• Torch, candles, match box
• Mosquito repellent
• Slipper, shoes
• Warm clothes – remember it becomes chilly at night

Food Stuff which you might carry with you while camping:

• Instant noodles,
• soup
• bread, cheese (tube), tomato, onions, cucumber for sandwiches
• sausages, tomato, onion, peppers, mushroom, potato for barbeque
• Water –It’s advisable to carry water for drinking and cooking. You can buy it at camp site but it will be a costly affair.
• Any other item which is non perishable
  
  

Facilities available at Camping sites

The camping sites usually come with following facilities:

1. Tents allowed
2. Caravan allowed
3. Pets allowed
4. Shower
5. Toilets
6. Gas refill facility – Portable camping stoves
7. Electricity – Some times you have to pay extra for using one
8. Barbeque area – Some times the site provides their own barbeque
9. Charcoal –Shop in camping area to sell charcoal
10. Kitchen – Small kitchen with minimal facilities
11. Shop – Sells snacks, drinking water and other essentials

Being Indian are you scared of Camping abroad??

Before moving to UK in October 2006, we were given cultural training as how to interact with the people in UK. The first thing which was told to us was ‘Weather will be integral part of the English person’s discussion. He will start the discussion by talking about weather and end it with same. After moving in we realized why it is so.
By the time summer came in we had already settled down and thought of taking and offbeat path and decided to do camping in Lake District.

Indian Abroad and Camping ????
Most of the Indian are scared of camping due to security issues. Well its very safe to camp in UK and fun too. I would advise you that you always go to camping site rather then going in wild.If you want details of camping sites in UK then visit the following link http://www.camp-sites.co.uk/ .

There are loads of camping sites around UK. These sites are usually open in summer and close at end of October for winter break. However there are few sites which are open in winter also and provide excellent facilities for New Year party.
I have provided the list of facilities available at camping site in another post.

In summer holidays, you have to book your camping site in advance. You need to tell the camping site number of people and tents. There are few sites which have first come first serve basis. These are usually football grounds converted in to camp sites.
Since we planned at the last minute, we managed to get place similar site.
Tip: If you haven’t booked a place in camping site then its advisable to first reach the tourist information centre and get information on the camping sites with availability. The information centre staff does help you to book one for you. Once you are done with booking, you can roam around and reach the camping site later.

The camping site is open ground. There are no spaces reserved for you. The earlier you reach the better place you get. It’s advisable to reach the camping site first and fix your tent at on favourable place.