Me And My Tent: Outwell Concorde L

WHO ARE YOU?
We are Mark and Janette Songhurst, from Leeds. It is often just the two of us camping along with our three rabbits. Yes, they are house rabbits; they are used to travelling and it does become a real talking point! Occasionally we will have our niece and nephew (Erin and Charlie) with us, too.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN CAMPING?
We have been camping together as a couple for 18 years but both of us have been camping – or in my case, caravanning – since I was a child.

WHAT’S YOUR TENT?
Our tent is an Outwell Concorde L which we got in 2013. As well as a carpet and footprint, we have an extension, which we use for longer breaks.

WHERE WERE YOU STAYING?
The pictures were taken in two places to show the full set-up. Some are from 2020, during a three-night stay at the Camping and Caravaning Club site in Keswick, and some are at Adgestone Camping and Caravanning Club site on the Isle of Wight. If we are going to the Isle of Wight then we are there for a fortnight ideally.

WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR SET-UP?
I think in recent years our favourite thing has to be the ability to have the home-from-home feeling – in fact the tent is possibly more luxurious than our home! We like to be able to get away and take our second home with us. It can be practical during the day and yet comfortable on an evening to lounge around and relax playing games. Our second home also means that the rabbits can come with us.

YOUR FAVOURITE ACCESSORIES?
The new Outwell Fontana Lake beds and their bedside tables have added a real feeling of luxury this year.

HOW MUCH DID IT ALL COST?
The full set-up cost in excess of £3,500.

HOW LONG TO PITCH?
From arriving at the pitch to the last job being done in the set-up takes about an hour and a quarter. That said, we don't rush and sometimes it may take longer if Pimms stops play.

DO YOU ALWAYS DO THE FULL SET-UP? 
To be honest we might be accused of hoarding tents –  I think at the last count we had 10 or 11. Our set-up depends on what we're doing and who we are camping with.

HOW DO YOU GET IT TO THE SITE?
We have spent a lot of time playing car Tetris over the years, but for ease and reduced stress levels, we now use a Kia Sedona with a roof bag and tow bag, as well.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU  GO CAMPING?
We try to escape once a month in some shape or form. Lockdown slowed this a little but nevertheless we both agree life is better when we're camping.

SHARE YOUR TENT SET-UP!

Everyone has their own way of setting up their tent - and we'd love to see yours! We’re looking for inspiration - show us your camping set-up, both inside and outside.

Kitchens, bedrooms, dining rooms... the more imaginative the better! Do you mix and match or always stick to the same brand? Do you try to colour-coordinate everything or is it a case of anything goes? And what about using "non-camping" gear in your tent? We want to see how you go camping - and let you show off to our readers.

● Send us a selection of pictures or even a video of your tent and the best set-ups will feature in the print edition of the magazine. We'll also share them on social media and here on our website outandaboutlive.co.uk.

● Send your pics (around 10 would be great) to [email protected]