The UK is a wonderful place to explore year-round thanks to its mild climate, green landscapes and varied scenery. To make the most of your family adventures, it helps to plan for British weather on holiday so you can adapt to the conditions as they arise.
Summary
- Practical tips for managing British weather on holiday
- Simple ways to prepare your family for changing conditions
- How to shelter your pitch and choose weather‑friendly activities
- How Mendip Basecamp supports families in all weather
Table of Contents
- Summary
- Top Tips for Managing Weather on a Camping Trip
- British Weather on Holiday at Basecamp
- Frequently Asked Questions: Camping With British Weather
Top Tips for Managing Weather on a Camping Trip
In the ideal world, every camping trip would be perfectly suited to your weather wishes. However, nature is its own entity and needs elements such as wind, rain, clouds, and sunshine to create the beautiful landscapes we enjoy every day. So, it’s best to make sure you and your family are prepared to adapt to the forecast so everyone can have fun regardless of the forecast!
Tip #1: Check the Forecast
Check the weather forecast as soon as you can and keep an eye on it as your holiday approaches. It may change at short notice, but knowing the general outlook helps you prioritise equipment. Hot weather means hats and shade, and cooler weather means extra layers. Being prepared makes packing easier.
Tip #2: Get the Right Equipment for the Weather
Whatever the weather, appropriate equipment improves any camping trip. Dry but breezy weather may need extra windbreaks and strong tent pegs, and drizzly weather may call for an awning to cover a communal area for cooking, eating or relaxing. Storm pegs, a sturdy tent and warm waterproof clothing help you stay comfortable and confident.
Basecamp Bonus
Have you forgotten any essentials? Campsites like Mendip Basecamp will have well-stocked camp shops with almost everything you might have forgotten, including storm pegs.
Tip #3: Shelter Your Camping Pitch
Try to work out which direction the weather is coming from and pitch facing away from it. Put tent doors on the sheltered side and use natural features to create barriers. On hot days, look for natural shade from trees, bushes or hedgerows.
Use What You Have
Create impromptu windbreaks with vehicles or tuck yourself into sheltered areas. Make sure tents, awnings and windbreaks are snugly pegged down and secured with guy lines. If you’re not sure about guy lines and how to use them, we recommend watching a YouTube video – they are your secret weapon to staying secure in unpredictable weather and you’ll feel like a camping expert!
Basecamp Bonus
There are no set pitches at Basecamp, so you are free to choose where to pitch upon arrival! That means you can find the most naturally sheltered area, plus the car is nice and close to your tent, so it’s easy to unpack and you can make use of it as a windbreak if you want to. Alternatively, we offer comfy pre-pitched options like bunk tents, bell tents and safari tents, which offer covered space and let you dive straight into holiday time without the set-up.
Tip #4: Explore Shelter in All Forms
Check what shelter facilities the campsite offers. Covered leisure areas and cafes give you warm, dry places to spend time if your family needs a break from the outdoors, and shops where you can pick up camping essentials like extra pegs or firewood. If you have young children, it can be helpful to know that you can pick up last-minute supplies and find warm, dry places to spend time in case your family needs a change of pace from the outdoors.
Basecamp Bonus
At Mendip Basecamp, we have several such sheltered spaces, including the Pavilion, which features free live music on weekends and serves delicious cider, beer, chips, pizzas and more. It’s also home to the camp shop and chill-out area with comfy sofas, USB charging ports and a toddlers’ play area.
Tip #5: Choose Activities That Work in Any Weather
Think about how the weather might affect your planned activities. Check clothing requirements and what happens if an activity needs to be rescheduled. Most weather is manageable, so it shouldn’t stop your family adventures if you prepare.
Basecamp Bonus
Basecamp is a 5-minute walk from Mendip Activity Centre, one of the top outdoor activity providers in South West England. Activities take place on the sheltered side of the hill and run in most conditions. Book activities when you book your camping trip to secure your preferred sessions. If your family wants to try something specific like Caving or Axe Throwing, booking ahead guarantees a spot.
Tip #6: Keep a Positive Mindset
A positive mindset helps with any holiday. Check the weather, prepare accordingly and research campsite facilities. It is easier to adapt when you know what to expect, and you can relax no matter what weather appears on your holiday.
British Weather on Holiday at Basecamp
Our team has experienced all kinds of weather while camping and has used that knowledge to create a comfortable but rustic family campsite. With sheltered areas, warm showers, all-weather activities and free entertainment, your family can enjoy any adventure whatever the weather at Mendip Basecamp.
Frequently Asked Questions: Camping With British Weather
How do you plan for British weather on holiday?
Check the forecast, pack appropriate equipment and choose a sheltered pitch.
What equipment helps with wet or windy weather?
Storm pegs, windbreaks, waterproof clothing, sturdy tents and awnings. Plus, hats, sun shades and suncream are useful for hot days.
How do you shelter a camping pitch?
Use natural features, vehicles and careful tent placement to reduce exposure.
What activities work in bad weather?
Caving, Axe Throwing and most Mendip Activity Centre sessions run in varied conditions.
What weather facilities does Mendip Basecamp offer?
Sheltered spaces, warm showers, a camp shop, the Pavilion and pre-pitched tent options are options; you can find out more about our facilities here.