Best place to buy camping stuff - only a few days to get sorted!!

[GColdtimer]

Camping newbie here. We have a tent but nothing else (borrowed everything last year).

What is the bear minimum I will need for Camp Bestival and where is the best place to buy it all. Help, I am running out of time!!

[Blu]

Where do you have close to you?

A GoOutdoors? a Decathlon?

Big branches of Halfords can be good - though the gear is a bit crappy, IMO.

Argos can be good too.

Tent, mats, sleeping bags, rug - bare minumum if you do all your eating and drinking from stalls.

Nice to haves: camp chairs, cool box, stove - with kettle, pan / frying pan, plates, pans, cutlery.

Have a look on here at people's packing lists and see what you neeed / want

Will you be be lugging stuff on a trolley from the car?

[GColdtimer]

Thanks. We have a go outdoors pretty close. Have borrowed a sack truck - my friend and i are sending DHs down to set up the tent on the Thursday and we are coming down with kids on Friday (not sure who has better desk!).

Think I would like to at least make a cuppa but not fussed about cooking, just accept we will spend a fortune!

[GColdtimer]

Deal. Not desk!!

[lk26]

Go outdoors price match and then deduct another 10% so check out on tinternet first.
Aldi stuff is also good just depends on when they have they have camping stuff in.
Have fun :)

[Haroldhadrada]

Hi Twofalls
We go to CB most years (this is 5th time), you'll have a great time! In answer to how much you need, the basics are a tent, air or roll up mattresses and sleeping bags, a picnic blanket to sit on outside the tent, a lamp / torch and toilet roll (a must since it runs out by day 2!). You don't have to take any cooking stuff if you don't want to but you will then be at the mercy of CB for all your food & drink which will prove v expensive (albeit yummy!). I would suggest as a minimum if you are not planning to do all your eating in the arena the following: camping kettle, plastic cups, a one gas ring stove, plastic plates, plastic cutlery, matches, wooden spoon, pan, plastic glasses for wine (wine must be decanted into plastic bottles before you go), bucket (for washing up and washing in - a bit yukky but saves on equipment!), water carrier, washing up liquid, tea towel, bucket with a lid to save nighttime loo trips, camping chairs to sit in, drink wine, eat and take in the sights! CB is very full on, so we tend to get up relatively early, eat breakfast and then spend day in arena, come back for a couple of hours late pm to eat, people watch and grab a jumper before going back in. Buying a programme when you arrive is a must so you can plan your days out. It is a l

[Haroldhadrada]

Sorry, posted too soon! It is a long haul from the car park to the camp so keep everything as light as possible (unless you have lots of adults to help you). D

[Haroldhadrada]

Don't take too many clothes, woolly tights and short skirts / shorts rather than jeans, a few lightweight tees / tops, a lightweight cardi and one thick jumper, plus a waterproof layer. Rucksacks rather than cases / holdalls and don't forget the pump if you are taking inflatable mattresses (rechargeable type better than one you have to plug into the car. Take pasta / pesto / ready made spaghetti Bol for quick meals and individual cereal packets for kids to eat out of the packet. Cool box v useful for keeping things in (freeze your milk and bacon and they will keep cool and slowly defrost). Finally there is a camping shop and grocery stall on site in case you forget anything but not cheap! Hope you have a great time!

[GColdtimer]

Fab thank you so much, that is so helpful! Excited (if not a bit nervous!!).