TV stars Ben Fogle and Matt Baker officially open NEC camping show

Broadcaster and adventurer Ben Fogle has launched a new network of glamping tents.

The new product, called Ready Camp, is aimed at adventurous young families, and couples who don’t want the hassle of pitching a tent and is operated by the Camping and Caravanning Club.

Speaking at the opening of the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show at Birmingham’s NEC, Ben said: ‘Camping and caravanning holidays are perfect for families that have a healthy spirit of adventure. Adventures can be big or small – you needn’t necessarily cross Antarctica on foot, or the Sahara. There’s nothing more fun or healthy than exploring the natural environment, and camping puts this simple joy within reach of everyone.”



The Ready Camp tents can be found on 17 of the club's sites close to many of Britain’s favourite tourist spots.

The network stretches from Luss and Scone in Scotland, to Bala in Wales, Sandringham in East England, and Veryan in Cornwall. And the Club says the sites were carefully selected to ensure there are plenty of local activities nearby for all the family to enjoy.

The Ready Camp accommodation is for up to six people, and comes fully furnished with a double bed, triple bunk bed and single stow-away bed. There’s also a kitchen – with a fridge, microwave and hob – basic cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery, a sofa, dining table and chairs, a lockable storage cabinet, electric sockets and lights. All you need to take is bedding and towels.

The holidays cost from £20 per tent, per night in low season. For more information and to book online, visit www.readycamp.co.uk.

Ben officially opened the show, which runs until Sunday 22 February and features over 350 exhibitors, alongside fellow TV presenter Matt Baker

Baker, who was helping promote the work of the Caravan Club on its stand, said he was encouraged to see so many young people at the show.

Among the activities at the show are cookery demonstrations, an assault course, treasure hunts, bike courses,  and Shaun the Sheep inspired fun.

Olympic Gold medallist Sally Gunnell, will be performing in the Dog Agility Theatre with her dog Diggy’on Wednesday in Hall 4 at 1.45pm. Blue Peter daredevil Helen Skelton will also be speaking in the Expert’s Theatre on Thursday (12.45pm and 2.45pm) about her love of the great outdoors.

Hundreds of products are also on sale, including caravans, motorhomes, campervans, trailer tents and folding caravans, luxury lodges and caravan holiday homes, not to mention thousands of outdoor accessories, gadgets and campsite and destination ideas.

Tickets cost £9 for seniors (60 years +) and £10 for adults, with children 15 years and under admitted free. All tickets include parking and a show guide (subject to availability).

For a full length interview with Ben Fogle, including some of his “terrible stories from over the years”, look out for the MAY edition of Camping, out on 9 APRIL.

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