Total novice here......help please!!

[Ulysees]

Hi, I'm a total novice re:camping, only ever did it once as a teen with a church group.
Anyway, I always wanted to take the boys camping but dh (now ex) wouldn't entertain the idea so we never got round to it.
Now I'm really fancying it again and the boys (7 and almost 10) really want to go too.
I was in Millets yesterday buying some walking boots and had a look at the camping gear. They had a family pack with airbed, tent, sleeping bags and roll mats for £79. I know it won't be the best but I can't afford a lot. I just thought it'd be a good idea to buy now.
I'd really appreciate any tips, links to threads...just anything really.
I don't even know how to put up a tent but my bf is an avid camper and is over from the US soon so he'll show me that bit. I'm going to have a practise on putting it up before I actually go. No doubt that'll be next year?
I'll be using public transport to get to a site so I need to keep equipment to a minimum. The boys are good at carrying things though. We'll probably go somewhere local to start with and just do a weekend.

[dustystar]

The best thing would be to borrow as much as you can for your first trip to see if you like it before spending money on equipment.

[Ulysees]

that's a good idea. Only thing is if I do like it then it'll be high season and it'll be much more expensive for the tent etc..
Plus I don't know anyone with a 4 man tent. My brother has a small tent but he's the only one I know?
I'll ask around though.

[dustystar]

Have a look at freeads etc too. You can get some good deals on there.

[1sue1]

How about this, seems to be going for 30-40 if you look at feedback :

cgi.ebay.co.uk/Deluxe-4-Man-Festival-Tent-Pack-air-beds_W0QQitemZ230168837360QQihZ013QQc ategoryZ36119QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Ulysees]

thanks 1sue1 I'll keep an eye on this.

[Twinsand1]

Hi Ulysees

We are fairly new to camping as a family. We have away a couple of times as we absolutely love it. Have you tried website www.ukcampsite.co.uk It is totally dedicated to camping with lots of discussion sites for all aspects of camping. We always go there for our advice, as there will always be someone with some advice for you.

Good Luck with your camping.