Campsites :: Campingninja

Sorted your Easter camping yet?

22 March 2011 : Written by Rhian Evans

Beautiful Lochranza on Arran

Spring seems to have crept upon us like the proverbial..... I'm not sure what, and then, before we know it, Easter is around the corner and the first Bank Holiday of the camping season has yet to be booked.

Now, maybe it's because, until the last couple of days, it is has been somewhat miserable and really quite cold of late and the idea of camping may border on the ridiculous. However, if you have a look around you'll notice that daffodils are sprouting everywhere, birds are being quite vocal and you may have just slightly caught the sun on your face a little over the weekend?

This can only mean 7 things.....

1. get your tent out of the garage / attic / cupboard / back of van * (delete as applicable);

2. make sure it still functions;

3. get on the phone / email / social network of your choice to some friends and family;

4. find some good campsite candidates on Campingninja;

5. share the selection with your friends;

6. book your pitch;

7.feel pleased with yourself and get excited about your trip in a few weeks time!

In the words of the Jackson 5.... "ABC..... easy as 1,2,3"....

Click here to find some of the best camping spots still available to book for Easter

The Secret Diary of a Camping Ninja: Kumbaya

06 February 2011 : Written by A Camping Ninja

After a conversation my Ninja Papa had with some other people staying at the campsite while brushing his teeth in the morning, we'd all been invited over to a party at the caravans by the lake.
As dusk fell, we wandered over to the party to find everyone sitting outside, gathered around a camp fire with one man playing the guitar. It was just like the other nights dream of the guitar dancing around a camp fire. Freaky. We joined the circle and sat down. Bobble hatted and blanketed, and clutching a cup of hot toddy, the big sing song began.

A couple of songs later and the guitar was passed on to our family. I really hoped it wasn't for what I thought it was for, but most unfortunately it was. I gulped down the rest of my hot toddy but still I wasn't drunk enough to loose all my ninja credibility and sing with a guitar in front of a load of camping strangers. My Ninja Papa however didn't have an issue with that.

He picked up the guitar and began strumming his way through a few verses of Kumbaya. Oh crumbs, I thought to myself. He wasn't?... Was he really singing that song? So embarrassing!!!

'Oh no, he is' I muttered angrily as the realisation set in. The one time I wanted our family to make a good impression and my Dad had chosen to sing Kumbaya! Of all the songs to choose. I was mortified. And to make matters worse, my tone deaf Ninja Grand Papa sang along out of tune in the ancient ninja language of Ninjaaa, like very bad karaoke. I bowed my head in shame and watched on, as all the following campers sang cool songs.

It was the night that seemed to drag on forever...

When I woke up the next morning, I shook my head and once again asked 'of all the songs to sing, why did you choose that one? Why Kumbaya?... What was wrong with Billie Jean … or Voodoo Chile … or something really cool like the Locomotion?'...

The Secret Diary of a Camping Ninja: The Caravan

30 January 2011 : Written by A Camping Ninja

Bring, bring. Bring, bring. My ninjabile rang. It was a call from my Ninja Papa. Worried that I might be feeling a bit glum after the Carol van Klubbe disaster the other day, he'd perhaps ironically, clubbed together with my Ninja Grand Papa and bought a ninja family caravan and was inviting me away on a caravanning trip with him and my Ninja Grand Papa too. Funkiest of all was that I got to choose the campsite! It was the best news I'd had all day. So I got booking online at campingninja.com and selected a campsite.

The caravan was perfect for winter. We packed in our belongings, ambitiously including the sun umbrella and took a little piece of our home away with us, like a snail. It was a home from home. But not a sweet home from home once the evening came. Partly because despite being 83, my Ninja Grand Papa still insists on sleeping on the top bunk - one of the charms of old age, refusing to accept that he's much more than a grown up these days and reverting to acting like a child.

It was so painful watching him slowly climb up the ladder, with one step every seven minutes and then getting stuck for a long time half way up, and it was impossible to sleep with the distraction of him hovering mid way, dangling in the air.

Finally he made it up to the top. I closed my eyes ready to sleep. Then my Ninja Papa started snoring! That was it. I'd had enough of it all. I picked up my ninjabile and went online to book another pitch at the campsite. One all to myself.

A few ninja seconds later, my pop up tent was pitched and I was about to snuggle down to sleep. A next door neighbour to my silenced by the walls of the caravan, snoring Ninja Papa. Result! The perfect solution for a happy family.

And then to the land of nod, dreaming of, in the random way that dreams are, of peanuts, a tent floating on top of a swimming pool and a guitar dancing around a camp fire. Bizarre. Zzzzzzzzzzzzz.

The Secret Diary of a Camping Ninja: Camping on the Brain

07 January 2011 : Written by A Camping Ninja

End of week summary after first week back at work after the Christmas break...

Number of hours spent in the office = 32

Number of hours spent daydreaming about camping = 24

Number of hours spent browsing campsites on Campingninja.com = 8

Number of close shaves, hiding computer screen from the boss = 7

Number of incidents when the boss saw me looking at campsite pictures online = 3

Number of new tents on the market meticulously analysed in true ninja style, for rain proof abilities, ease and speed of putting up, comfort and practicability properties = 9

Number of maps bought = 2

Number of new camping plates and mug sets bought in the online sales = 1

Number of packets of space raiders eaten = 5 (despite New Years resolution to try and cut down, in an attempt to try and stop myself from looking like a pickled onion by the end of 2011)

Number of ridiculously unbelievable excuses made up while trying to explain to the boss the reason why the Campingninja Outdoors Show Competition entry form appears on my computer screen every time they walk past = 4

Number of complete lies told to the boss when trying to hide how much I really want to go to the Outdoors Show, including a feeble attempt denying that I even like camping = ashamedly 4

Number of friends invited on camping trips = 3

Number of annoying work colleagues successfully and inoffensively uninvited from camping trips = 1

Number of lunch breaks spent frequenting the outdoors shops in the vicinity = 4

Number of holiday request forms filled out = 2

Number of caravans interior designed in my head during meetings = 2

Number of Campingninja t-shirts ordered online, just because = 1 (a new colour of my favourite 'map, hike, camp like a ninja' design)

Percentage increase of growth of inbox = a scary 400%

Number of emails ignored = all

Number of phone calls not answered = 14

Number of new camping gadgets invented in my head while on the phone to not very interesting people = 7

Productivity at work = 0%

Productivity of essential ninja camping planning = 100%

Productivity promise to myself for next week at work to make up for it = 200%

End of week analysis = a good week

Good News - national campaign to boost customer service for 2012

07 December 2010 : Written by Rhian Evans

At Campingninja we are very pleased that Visit Britain has launched a national campaign to educate and train tourism providers in order to boost levels of customer service in the UK. The aim is to train 200,000 hospitality and tourism staff ahead of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. At the moment Britain doesn't rank very highly on a world level if perceived "welcome" which is obviously going to be key in the run up and during the Games. This training, by Worldhost, will also be of great benefit to the tourism industry after the Olympics and especially for our customer service levels for other major events in the next few years - 2014 Ryder Cup and Commonwealth games, and the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

So, why are we writing about it? Well, at Campingninja we're passionate about enabling camping, caravan and holiday parks to increase their levels of customer service. We have a wealth of experience between us in tourism both domestic and international and one of the largest over-riding factors for success is always great customer service. And this means throughout the whole process of someone's travel experience: working out where to go and what to do; finding the right accommodation and transport; booking it all; getting there; the experience whilst there; coming home; after the trip.

It all counts. Going on a trip, a holiday is all about having an experience and that whole experience should feel good. If someone has a nightmare finding and booking their holiday they begin their whole experience in a frustrated way; if the facilities aren't as promised at a hotel or holiday park then that person will feel unhappy and often angry; if people are unfriendly in the local shops and pubs the traveller feels unwelcome and cannot access local life. The list of these parts of a holiday are endless, but all are equally important.

Word of mouth recommendations are priceless for tourism providers, and in today's world this doesn't just mean people talking to their friends at the pub; it means sharing their reviews on review websites like TripAdvisor or Campingninja; it means sharing photos and stories on Facebook and Twitter. "Word of mouth" is more powerful than ever. This is all fantastic for you when you have provided great customer service. However, it is also a fact that people are 10 times more likely to share their holiday "experience" with others when it has been a negative one. Now, more than ever, providing a high level of customer service is essential to the whole tourism industry. There is a lot of competition and less people wonting to spend money - those who provide the best experiences will rise to the top.

70% of campers would prefer to be able to find and book a campsite, caravan or holiday park online - it makes their busy lives so much easier and enables them to find the right place for them to have the experience they desire. Campingninja enables campsites and parks to provide this to their customers free.

Tourism 2012 Games Launches National Campaign to Boost Customer Service Levels

Worldhost

The Secret Diary of a Camping Ninja: One Ronnie

24 October 2010 : Written by A Camping Ninja

The pair of glasses left at the side of the sink were evidence enough, that Ronnie Corbett was too sharing the same campsite as us this weekend.

Campingninja perfect picks for October Camping

07 October 2010 : Written by The Campingninja Team

Have you seen the great weather forecast for this weekend?
Thought you'd packed your tent away for the year? Thought it would be too cold and miserable to go camping again until next Spring? Well, think again - temperatures, both day and night, are set to be well above the seasonal average with highs of 23 degrees in the South East and even temperatures above 20 degrees in the West of Scotland this weekend. This August was the coolest since 1993 and October seems to be determined to make up for it. Happy days.

Campingninja perfect picks this October:

Lochranza Campsite on the Isle of Arran, Scotland. Set in a stunning location - wild red deer roam the campsite with golden eagles soaring overhead. Perfect for walking, cycling, wildlife watching, golf and much more...

Forgewood Camping, Kent. Enjoy the Autumn leaves, have a campfire, and let the kids run free in this ancient woodland (just an hour out of central London). Caves, a folly, lots of deer and great walks all one one estate.

Even the

Lake District is expecting fine weather - try Wasdale Campsite,

nestled under the Scafell mountain range at the head of beautiful Wastwater, or Low Wray Campsite, situated on the west shore of Windemere. Great for walking, cycling, sight-seeing, catching a boat across one of the lakes and relaxing.

Our top tip for the Peak District is Bighillsdale Campsite, nr Leek - simply set between 2 villages, a haven for walkers and anyone wishing to explore the Peak District further.

For a few more home comforts why not try Woodovis, Devon's Holiday Park of the Year - peaceful, tranquil, 5 star rated with facilities (indoor pool, spa and freshly baked bread) and welcome to match; this could be the perfect place to base yourself for visiting Dartmoor and surrounds.

The South Wales Coast, is also a great option this October with Llandow Caravan Park being a fantastic option for caravans,campervans and tents alike. Only 20 minutes outside of Cardiff this 4* touring park is an idea place for exploring the spectacular coastline and visiting the interesting market towns of Cowbridge and Llantwit Major.

There are many more campsites and parks available to book with Campingninja througout October - in Scotland, Wales, The South West, New Forest Area, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and many other locations.

Join the Campingninja Team

05 October 2010 : Written by The Campingninja Team

Campingninja is expanding and looking for an enthusiastic sales team of home-workers to sign campsites up to Campingninja (it is free for campsites to do so). This role is commission based and will suit anyone who can give between 10 and 25 hours a week (or more).You will ideally live in the Reading or Weybridge area.

You should have sales experience (preferably phone) and a natural ability to negotiate and close deals over the phone. Ability to work from home and access to phone and Internet is crucial. As this role is a commission based it will appeal to those looking for a flexible work day. Earnings are unlimited with £25 paid per campsite signed up with a bonus paid for every 10 campsites.

A knowledge of camping would be great although a knowledge of ninjas is not required.

Full training and support will be given. All potential leads will be generated by Campingninja for you to follow up on. It is free for campsites to sign-up to Campingninja

Click here to apply for a job with Campingninja

Why do we like camping? A True story from the Lake District

09 July 2010 : Written by Rhian Evans

Why do we like camping? - It may seem like a silly question but is it? The Guardian don't think so as they have published an article with that very title which sparked some comment and debate.

To many people camping may seem, well, completely insane and the very notion of voluntarily putting up a tent, sleeping in it and trying to re-create as many of the comforts you have at home in a field seems utterly ridiculous. My experiences on a recent camping trip in the Lake District sum up the, what some might call, farcical nature of camping (still love it though).

A group of us were camping up in the Lake District in May and Rory's parents came to visit us from Scotland - they were staying in a B&B down the road (sensible) but we had invited them to our campsite for the afternoon for a bbq. The following is a series of true events which unfolded:

Decide to have a bbq.
Realise we have nothing resembling a bbq or anything to put on a bbq but decide to plough ahead none-the-less.
Order bbq meat pack at campsite from local butcher (pretty much our best move of the day).
Find an old wheel at the campsite which we decide is perfect for putting charcoal in for our bbq.
Drive to Keswick to buy supplies - parking and getting around = a nightmare due to Keswick Mountain Festival being in full flow.
Faff about between unfamiliar shops trying to buy fish, salad, charcoal and other sundries.
Realise that even though we have a bbq of sorts we have nothing to put the food on - no grill.
Alex drives back to the campsite to see what she can muster up.
I traipse around Keswick looking for a hardware store / cook shop which sells cake cooling trays.
Meanwhile Alex roots around in an old skip back at the campsite / farm.
Just as I'm about to annoyingly purchase an overpriced flimsy metal rack I get a call from Alex - she has found a manky, rusty old grill which has been discarded by someone - hooray.... needs a bit of work, but hooray indeed!
Alex spends the next 45 mins scrubbing aforementioned grill using soap, sugar and an old sponge.
We get back to the campsite and set the chairs up around the wheel come bbq.
Rory's parents relax with a warm shandy and watch.
We light the charcoal.
We make numerous trips to and from the car to get essential things - chopping boards, knives, plates, openers, bread etc etc.
We flap newspaper about the bbq to get it going.

We realise the beer we have is near boiling point as it has been sitting in the car all day on the hottest day of the year.
We come up with ingenious plan to put beers in a bucket of water hanging by the hedge to cool them down.
We relight the bbq (it went out during the beer episode).
We chop up salads and vegetables kneeling in the grass.... and get grass in everything.
We go back and forward to the hedge to check the beers in the futile hope one my turn cold.
We wander back and forward to the campsite tap to fill up water bottles.
More bbq flapping.
Eventually we sit down ready to cook on our shiny new grill.
The sausages almost immediately set on fire when the fat pours out.
We try and move them but the cheap bbq utensils we bought melt apart as soon as they are near anything resembling heat so we resort to shiifting meat about the grill using plastic knives and forks and singeing any arm hair we ever may have had.
We run to the hedge to get the bucket of, now very warm, water to try and dowse the flames.
Finally we're ready to eat and we sit down, plastic plates on laps, warm beers in hand and proceed to saw through the slightly over-cooked minute steak with our woefully inadequate plastic knives.
Once finished we sit back and declare we've had a lovely bbq.

Now, Rory's parents chuckled at us all the way through and afterwards said they thought we were mad with all our efforts and rushing about but they noticed we really seemed to be enjoying ourselves - they wondered why?

We thought about it and realised that it is something about feeling a bit self-sufficient, about having to be a bit resourceful (we know we're not talking Ray Mears here). If we'd cooked the very same thing at home we would never have had to have worked it all out and toiled a bit; and we certainly would have never felt the triumph of finding a grill pan, which was frankly a health and safety hazard, and resurrecting it from its landfill fate; it would have all been, frankly, a bit boring. The food tasted a lot sweeter because we had been on an, albeit ridiculous, journey to get there.

Rory's parents never want to go camping themselves, but they would be very happy to come and watch us camp any day.

Camping and Campsites in Devon

08 July 2010 : Written by Geoff Vaughan

With 2 coastlines, cream teas, pasties (different from our Cornish neighbours!) and an amazing variety of activities, Devon is a fantastic camping destination.

Devon's 2 National Parks, Dartmoor and Exmoor, attract hikers, mountain bikers and horse riders while an impressive array of inland water gives access to waterbased activities such as sailing, kayaking and windsurfing. Read our full article about 'Camping in Devon'

Oh and cream teas are made 1st Scone, then clotted cream, then jam. No other way will do.

(by the way co-founder Geoff Vaughan is from Devon hence the cream tea 'regulations' at Campingninja HQ!)

To find your perfect campsite in Devon click here and use our advanced filters.

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