Campingninja Blog

GREAT NEWS, there will be one of our spacious, no nonsense  and downright convenient pre-erected camping villages at another grueling adventure race – adidas Thunder Run. Now in it’s third year Adidas Thunder Run is expected to draw eager crowds of around 15,000 people to Catton Park in Derbyshire this July, 3000 of whom will be competing to complete as many killer 10k laps in 24 hours  as possible!

By booking pre-erected pitches competitors and spectators no longer need to worry about pitching up or lugging their camping gear hundreds of miles instead they can just rock up, hit the course and enjoy the comfort of one of our spacious Vango tents between laps. More importantly once the 24 hour event has wrapped up runners can just relax, there’s no wrestling with tent poles to pack up – we take care of all that for you, just click here!

This is the second 24 hour adventure race that our events team, Camp at my Event will be at this summer and in June we will be setting up a pre-erected village at one of Europe's most prestigious mountain bike events, Wiggle Mountain Mayhem at the spectacular venue of Gatcombe Park, home to HRH The Princess Royal! Even if you are not taking part in these fantastic events for outdoorsy types (like all our ninja fans) they are still well worth a visit and have atmosphere in abundance, so click here to find out where we will be this summer and start planning those weekend camping breaks...

Daily Mail

Floods in August, heatwaves in October and snow in Spring...whatever next? The great British weather has it’s own rules and who are we to work them out! But in true stiff upper lip style the Duchess of Cambridge followed the "be prepared" motto as she braved the cold today and sat around the campfire with her fellow Scouts, and with that in mind we want to know who is off to sample a bit of extreme camping this weekend?!!

Just as Sky News is asking you for your severe weather pictures we want to see your extreme camping pics...We know there are lots of you who have booked camping trips this weekend but how many of you will actually venture out...that is the big question?? Post your camping pics on Facebook and the favourite efforts will receive a special mention in our next newsletter and you will forever be known as a true camping-ninja!

Cycle Trails nr Dalesbridge

Although the snowy weather has made a brief reappearance that hasn’t held you back and we have seen a surge in bookings for the Easter weekend, which is when the camping season really kicks off! Most of our campsites are now reopened and ready for visitors so here are another handful of sites for you to consider before booking those 2013 camping escapades.This week we have chosen two of our favourite and most popular sites in Yorkshire, one of Britains best loved spots that will hopefully inspire you to dust off the walking boots too...

Dalesbridge , Yorkshire Dales - Surrounded by spectacular views and arguably the best walking country in the UK this campsite is a haven for hikers, ramblers and mountain bikers. Only a mile from the soon to be reopened Penine Bridleway and a short drive from Gisburn Forest Trail Centre there is an abundance of traffic free routes perfect for families and experts riders alike. For walkers routes vary from the challenging Pen-y-Ghent to the Ingleton Water Falls Walk to the short walk to Oxenborough Woods. There is also a small pub onsite - the Map and Compass, perfect for relaxing after an active day!

Four Ways Camping Park, York - If you would prefer a more relaxing retreat away from the stresses and strains of day to day life then this little gem is perfect for you. Fourways is a rural site offering spectacular sunset views and a haven for local wildlife. The village pub is only a two minute stroll and there are a host of local walks and cycle rides that you can enjoy from the tent door. There are also plenty of fishing, sailing and golfing opportunities nearby and the Market Towns of Pocklington and Howden are only a short drive away and York is less than half an hour.

Remember it you are planning a trip this Easter book fast because spaces will be limited!

Bournemouth 7’s is World’s largest rugby, netball and music festival and over an action packed Bank Holiday weekend it hosts over 20,000 competitors and spectators annually at Bournemouth Sports Club. Jam packed with sports, entertainment and celebrities the event is growing year on year, even spurring the armchair sports fans to get involved! But for the first time ever we will be hosting a pre-erected camping village, which means teams and spectators no longer have to worry about pitching up - or dismantling their tents on the dreaded Bank Holiday Monday!

Roger Woodall, Managing Director at Bournemouth 7s comments; “Bournemouth 7’s is growing rapidly on an International scale so being able to offer teams and spectators tents already set up and fully kitted out makes getting here even easier. And of course this means once they do get here now they can just focus on winning their tournaments and the incredible party!”

At each event we will be offering, 2 man, 4 man, 6 man and 8 man pre-erected tents, with an option to have these fully kitted out for optimum convenience. Prices start from just £14 per person per night and booking couldn't be simpler, just click here!

Wiggle Mountain Mayhem 2012

We are delighted to announce that pre-erected camping for Wiggle Mountain Mayhem 2013 is now live and bookable on Camp at my Event - our event camping website! Last year Campingninja sponsored the winning ladies team and we are delighted to be involved again.

Wiggle Mountain Mayhem is the one of the Worlds most renowned 24hr endurance cycle events. Teams and soloists will battle it out on the treacherous mountain bike course for 24 hours and this year for the first time ever they will be racing on the virgin terrain of Gatcombe Park! Also new for 2013 will be our pre-erected camping village where for the first time in 16 years 20,000 competitors and spectators no longer need to worry about pitching up - they can just get the bikes out and hit the track!

Low Greenside Campsite

Over the next couple of weeks many of our campsites will be reopening for the 2013 camping season and we can’t wait! As promised we have picked out three more fantastic campsites well worth a visit this year.

These three sites are some of the best we have for action packed adventures, so grab your outdoor gear and be prepared to have fun...

Low Greenside, Cumbria - This really is camping as it use to be! A hidden gem set amongst rolling hills and spectacular views this site is also only a short walk from Ravensdale Village where the Black Swan pub serves real ale and proper pub grub. Another one for the hiking boots and cosy evenings around the campfire and under the stars!

Roadford Lake, Devon - The South West Lakes Trust brings you this breath of fresh air. Situated in the heart of the Devonshire countryside alongside a 740 acre lake this site is ideal for both watersport enthusiasts or beginners who want to try their hand at windsurfing, sailing, rowing or canoeing. And for those who would prefer to stay on dry land there are are lots of cycling and walking that you can also enjoy on this quiet, relaxed site.

Alfriston Camping Park, East Sussex - For 2 years running this quiet little spot in the South Downs has remained our most popular site. Bring your hiking boots because from the campsite gate you can explore the South Downs Way and spend your evenings either around the campfire or next to the open fire at one of the country pubs dotted around the quintessential village of Alfriston. New for this year the campsite is also offering pony trekking and riding packages also from the campsite gate!

Chy Carne

Our mission to show you more great campsites and to inspire you to camp even more this summer continues this week with a selection of our best spots on the Cornish coast. The Cornish coast is one of the best loved holiday destinations in the UK and looking at some of the great sites we have here it's easy to see why...

Chy Carne, Cornwall - Set against the stunning backdrop of Kennack Sands the beach is only a short walk from the tent door, along with an array of coastal activities and nature watching. This is very much a relaxed, family and pet friendly site, campfires create a fantastic atmosphere and during the summer months it even has it’s very own unique marquee bar where campers can gather round and reflect on their days in the Cornish countryside!

Higher Town, Cornwall - One of our most popular sites, this little gem is a quiet rural spot just of the South West Coastal path, in walking distance of the secluded coves of Lantivet and Lantic Bays. The coastal towns of Fowey, Polperro and Looe are also not too far away either and for those who want to venture further afield the Eden Project is also only a short drive. After a day's activity there is then nothing better than returning to the campfire and watching the sunset from your tent!

Trewan Hall, Cornwall - Located between Padstow and Newquay this popular family site is only 4 miles from the nearest beach and is situated in 36 acres of beautiful  woodlands and gardens surrounding the Cornish manor house.The site is in walking distance of St Columb Town where you will find all your local amenities and a public footpath taking you St Mawgan Village for cream teas. There are also an array of activities just  short drive away.

Bush Farm

It might be hard to imagine but spring officially starts next month and Easter is only 6 weeks away, so it’s time to dust off the camping gear and start looking forward to warmer days and longer nights!
 
With that in mind to give you some food for thought each week leading up to Easter we will be picking out sites old and new to visit in 2013, kicking off this week with some of our most chilled out campsites...

Higher Pentreath, Cornwall - Set in one of the most beautiful parts of Cornwall, this site overlooks Praa Sands, and is only a 10 minute walk from the spectacular blue flag beach. Higher Pentreath is perfect for both nature lovers looking for a relaxing break or adrenaline junkies who want to try their hand at surfing, cycling or rock climbing in the great outdoors...

Dernwood Farm Camping, East Sussex - This site often crops up in our blogs, but we really can’t rave about it enough, it was even listed as one of the top 10 sites in the UK by Cool Camping last year - a huge accolade! But that hasn’t changed the set up. The site has a wild camping field set in 70 acres of ancient woodland surrounded by wildlife, making it  incredibly tranquil and perfect for getting back to basics around the camp fire. There is also a small farm shop on site selling a delicious collection of meat bred on site - perfect for BBQs so you don’t have to wonder too far for good food...

View from Ten Acres

Finally we are leaving the treacherous January weather behind us (we hope) along with the post Christmas blues and looking forward to the 2013 camping season. It is only 2 months until the Easter break and already lots of our eager campers are booking their first camping trips of the year!

In 2012 we launched our search for “Real Campsites”, that’s campsites in fabulous picturesque locations with great access to the outdoors and lots of green space...and we found lots! But in 2013 the search continues and we have already signed up three fantastic new campsites this year so if you still can't think about camping yet check these out for inspiration:

Ten Acres Vineyard Camping, Winkleigh, Devon - Fancy a camping trip with a twist? Why not combine a relaxing stay in the quintessential village of Winkleigh with a spot of wine tasting at the onsite winery...sounds like heaven!

Brookhouse Farm, Crew Green, Shropshire - Set on the shropshire, welsh border,on the bank of the river severn. If you want to sleep under the stars ,listen and see wildlife, fish until your hearts content in complete peace and tranquility brookhouse is for you...

Leadstone Camping, Dawlish, Devon - Set in rolling grassland this fantastic campsite is only a 10 minute walk from the spectacular blue flag Dawlish Warren beach, sand dunes and 500 acre nature reserve - perfect for families!

We hope this has given you some food for thought, and if you are planning a to get away this Easter don’t forget to book!

The Campingninja Team

Dear beloved Ninja Campers,

The Campingninja Team would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 2012 has been an incredible adventure for us and we couldn't have done it without your support :). 

From the Jubilee to the Olympics, depsite the weather the 2012 camping season was manic espcially as 40% of you actually camped more this year - fantastic news! We also recruited around 40 great new campsites following the launch of our Real Camping campaign which you helped us to drive - so a big thank you goes out to you all.

We are now looking forward to another great year in 2013 and will be in touch in January with our latest campaign ideas to get more real camping at amazing campsites across the UK underway! Our event services arm, Camp at my Event will also be partnering with some exciting sports and music festivals so watch this space - more details to follow in the New Year! Over and out for 2012, we hope you have enjoyed it as much as we have...

Best Wishes,

The Campingninja Team