CARRY ON CAMPING

Autumn has arrived and winter is just around the corner, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop camping.

Many campsites remain open until after the autumn half-term holidays and some stay open all year round. Weather-wise you might be lucky and catch some late season sunshine but follow our top tips and you’ll be able to carry on camping no matter the weather.

• Remember that the nights are starting to close in so don’t leave it too late to set off or you’ll be putting your tent up in the dark.
• Temperatures are falling, especially at night, so pack your three season sleeping bags, and perhaps even duvets and fleece blankets. Take more than you think you’ll need and you’ll be fine. Hot water bottles, bed socks and even hats all help keep you and your family cosy. Take some absorbent cloths to deal with condensation
• Pack plenty of warm clothes (particularly extra socks) so you can put on or take off layers.
• A nearby family-friendly pub, preferably with open fires, is a definite asset come the evening.
• Make sure you have got a good lantern and spare batteries – the nights can be long in winter.
• Even better, try to get a site with electric hook-ups so you can have unlimited electric heating and lighting.
• Pack your wellies and waterproofs. Rainfall is generally higher than through the summer months. Bring a folding plastic box in which you can leave your boots next to the door – it will stop mud getting into the tent.
• Don’t pitch at the bottom of a slope and avoid other areas that look as though they might get waterlogged.
• Check out what indoor activities are on hand for the kids before you head off. A pool will keep them occupied no matter the weather
• Now could the time to try out a spot of glamping in fully-equipped tipis, yurts, or pods. Prices are lower at this time of year than at high season, they can be warmer than a tent and there’s no struggling to dismantle a soaking wet tent when you leave. Have a read at our guide to alternatives to winter camping for more ideas.
• Finally, go local. If it turns too cold and wet, you can always come home…

Here's four sites where you can camp all year.

GLENLUCE HOLIDAY PARK
Glenluce, Newton Stewart, Dumfries & Galloway DG8 0QR
01581 300412
www.glenlucecaravans.co.uk
Price From £15
Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Wigtownshire in the south-west of Scotland enjoys a warmer climate than many other parts of the country, making it an ideal choice for autumn or winter camping. This site is tucked away in a quiet village in this often-overlooked corner of Scotland. An indoor swimming pool and sheltered camping field give Glenluce Holiday Park added late-season credentials. The site is in the grounds of the former 18th Century Balkail Mansion and sits on the banks of a tributary to the River Luce.?The camping area is within the original walled gardens next to the river and is an oasis of peace and quiet – despite being close to the heart of the village.



QUIET SITE
Ullswater, Penrith, Cumbria CA11 0LS
07768 727016
www.thequietsite.co.uk
Price From £16.00
One of the great pleasures of camping in the colder months is spending your evenings in a  cosy pub with a roaring fire. And that’s one of the reasons why the Quiet Site is so highly rated. The owners reckon they have the best campsite pub in Britain – a bold claim and one that definitely needs to be put to the test. This is a family run campsite situated in a secluded position among the stunning fells that overlook Ullswater. Campsite facilities are housed mainly in old converted farm buildings. There are many beautiful walks that you can start from the site and it is ideally positioned for touring both the north and south Lakes by car.



BEDDGELERT CAMPSITE
Beddgelert, Gwynedd LL55 4UU
01766 890288
www.campingintheforest.co.uk
Price From £13.90
Beddgelert Caravan and Camping Campsite is located in one of the most stunning regions of Wales - Snowdonia. The Beddgelert Forest is 70 hectares of conifer and broadleaf trees in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park and within walking distance of Snowdon itself. Camping in Beddgelert is perfect for nature lovers. The Colwyn River runs through the campsite, providing opportunities to spot an otter or a trout. Other local wildlife abounds, drawn by the diverse range of plants in the forest.



SANDY BALLS
Godshill, Fordingbridge, Hampshire SP6 2LZ
0845 270 2248
www.sandyballs.co.uk
Price From £10 (two adults)
Set in the ancient woodland of the New Forest, this is a year round destination and ideal retreat from city life. The campsite's three touring areas are in close proximity to the central piazza – where facilities include indoor/outdoor pools, pub and restaurant. There are over 200 pitches and all have easy access to shower, toilet and laundry facilities. What really sets Sandy Balls apart is its array of activities. Each week there's a huge programme of events for everyone to enjoy, plus a host of kids' activities. They have also introduced four bell tents for hire.


Visit our Campsite Finder for loads more sites that are open all year