October 27th, 2008 admin
Any experienced camper will have honed their list of items they take with them down to a fine art. But for new campers it can be a daunting experience and difficult to know exactly what to take. I would suggest being cautious and take more things than less. There is nothing worse than traveling miles and miles to your campsite to realise you have forgotten something important that could potentially ruin your trip. The area you are visiting and who you are going with will determine which items to take, but there are some basic essentials you should always take that we will list below. We do not advise you should take this as a definitive list and we expect you will need to add a lot more things to it.

Sleeping
- The tent itself
- Related tent items, pegs, ropes groundsheet, hammer
- Sleeping bags and blankets
- Air beds or sleeping mats
- Pillows
Cooking
- Stove/bbq/cooker
- Lighting tools, gas, matches, charcoal
- Pans, plates, cutlery
- Glasses mugs
- Tin opener, bottle opener
- Food storage, coolers
- Bin bags
- Bowl, washing up liquid, clothes
- Food supplies, bread, canned goods, meat, milk
- Drink supplies, Tea, Coffee, juice, bottled water
Clothing
- Waterproofs
- Hats
- Walking footwear
- Gloves
- Sets of cool clothes and warm clothes
- Plenty of spares as you will get dirty or wet
First Aid
- First aid kit, plasters, Paracetemol, aspirin
- Insect repellent
- Sun screen
- Antiseptic
Misc
- Mobile phone
- Camera
- Rucksack
- Torch and candles
- Maps and compass
- Pen and paper
- Entertainment, games, books
- Chairs and tables
This list is in no way 100% everything you need for a camping trip, so carefully think about what you can add to it. Over the years, as you go on more and more trips you will be able to refine your list to optimize you experience.
Read our related post over at squidoo with our Camping Checklist lens
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October 23rd, 2008 admin
Snowdonia
In the north of Wales Snowdonia National Park and the mountain itself dominates the area. Snowdonia, the second largest national park in Great Britain, is home to the largest mountain outside of Scotland, Mt Snowdon. The mountain has been popular for years with climbers and adventures from across the country looking to test there skills on the mountain and the many foot paths in the area. The is more to Snowdonia national park than just mountains, there are waterfalls, moors, forests, glacial valleys and a stunning coastline to enthrall you too.
Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire national park might be one of the smallest on the country but what it lacks in size it makes up for in beauty. The national park has some of the very best coastline in the whole of the UK with high cliffs, sheltered coves, long open beaches, harbours, mud flats, dunes and islands. There are plenty of Pembrokeshire cottages to stay in making this a really great destination for a short break in Wales.
Brecon Beacons
The wild Brecon Beacons are the third national park to be found in Wales. The park is home to plenty of human and natural history which has helped shape the landscape. In the west of the park lies the famous Black Mountains which provides some of the best walks to be had.
St David’s City
St David’s is well known outside of Wales as being the smallest city in the whole of the UK with a population just over 1,500 and is the size of a small country town. To the people of Wales however the city is so much more, as to the Welsh people it is the birth place of Wales’s national patron saint St David.
Conwy
Conwy is one of the finest examples of a medieval walled town to be found anywhere in Europe. The town is dominated by the classic style castle which has 8 massive crenellated towers. About three-quarters of the wall still remain intact including 22 towers and 3 original gateways. With Mt Snowdon providing an impressive back drop Conwy is a truly impressive town.
If you are interested in a short break in Wales Celtic Haven provide luxury cottages in Wales.
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October 21st, 2008 admin

There are so many attractions that Newquay has to offer but here is a list of 5 that you really must see.
1) Fistral Beach. Perhaps the most famous beach in Cornwall, if not the whole of the UK, is right on Newquays door step. The beach is great for people of all ages and tastes. So whether you love surfing and body boarding, or want to give it a go, or if you like relaxing on the beach with a good book, Fistral is the place for you to visit on a Newquay break.
2) Lappa Valley Steam Railway is great if you want to take in more of the beautiful countryside but don’t fancy putting on your hiking boots or driving around the unfamiliar roads. Sit back and relax as you travel through some truly picturesque scenery.
3) Newquay Zoo is with out question one of the best Zoos in the country with some fantastic habitats for the animals. It’s a defiant destination for any animal lover.
4) Blue Reef Aquarium is home to a whole host of spectacular fish. There is plenty of information on the different species as well as the natural world in general meaning you come away being entertained yet informed at the same time.
5) DairyLand Farm World is great for all those with an interest in farming, farm animals or the countryside. People of all ages will find something fun to do and more than a few will be going awww at the lambs and other farm animals.
For more information on a Newquay Hotel visit Pentire Hotel.
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October 14th, 2008 admin
1) Aquarium of the lakes. Here you will be able to learn all the secret and mysteries of the British lakes at the biggest fresh water aquarium in Britain. You can also marvel at the wildlife who make lakes there home such as pikes and even sharks! There are also plenty of mammals to like otters, voles, field mice and brown rats. A highlight of the aquarium is the underwater tunnel where you can feel like you are really at the bottom of a lake and you might be able to spot the odd diving duck
2) Dove Cottage and The Wordsworth Museum. This is a must see for any fans of Wordsworth or English literature on a Lake District Holiday. Take a guided tour of the house where he wrote some of his most beloved poetry. During the tour you can also see internationally important collection of portraits, manuscripts and possessions.
3) Beatrix Potter Gallery. Visitor from across the world flock to here to learn more about one of the most popular children’s authors of all time. Beatrix’s most famous creations are on display and are changed regularly meaning evrytime you come back you will see something different.
4) The Lake District Visitor centre. Situated on the shores of Lake Windermere the centre has interactive displays and exhibitions, adventure playground, café and gift shop. At the Visitors centre you can board a cruise boat who will take you around the beautiful Lake Windermere.
5) The Lake District Coast Aquarium. It’s a great all weather attraction. There are numerous fun and interactive displays of the local freshwater and saltwater marine life, in fact you can even get hands on and stroke the rays and starfish. There are some educational talks as well as the chance to take part and feed the fish. Once you have feed, stroked and learned all there is to know about about fish you can head outside and play crazy golf or if your feeling active have a go on the adventure play park.
If you are planning a trip to the Lake District visit Borrowdale Gates a Lake District Hotel for Lake District Accommodation information
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October 14th, 2008 admin
Yorkshire is a great land of contrast. Yorkshire can boats mile upon mile and acre upon acre of stunning countryside with moors and dales, rivers and lakes, rugged cliffs and sandy beaches. Yorkshire also has vibrant cities, ancient market towns and some truly picturesque villages. Yorkshire is home to some of the most spectacular stately homes in the whole of Britain, many of the top costume dramas use these stately homes as there setting, so these are must for any TV or film fans.
The people of Yorkshire are very proud of there culture and heritage and as a result there are numerous fairs and festivals throughout the region showcasing it at its best. Towns and villages come alive with colour and music throughout the year for festivals such as the Festival of Food & Drink and a Roman festival celebrating the areas rich history and surprisingly important links with the Roman Empire. Bradford hosts an international film festival while one of Yorkshires favourite sons, David Hockney, has a fascinating gallery.
Get away from the daily grind of the rat race by heading to over 100 miles of stunning Yorkshire coast line. The varied coastline means that whether you are looking for golden sandy beaches, quite coves, rugged cliffs or picturesque fishing villages, you will find the ideal destination for you. Look for fossils on the Dinosaur Coast, take up surfing at a Scarborough surf school or take a relaxing fishing trip from one of the many fishing towns and villages along the coats.
So why not take a trip to Yorkshire for your next break.
For more information on a hotel in North Yorkshire visit Raven Hall North Yorkshire Hotel.
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