The UK is a wonderful place to adventure year-round thanks to the relatively mild climate, lush greenery and diverse landscapes. To make the most of family adventures, find out how to factor in the British weather on holiday so you are ready to adapt to whatever Mother Nature may give you.
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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 things like 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 what the skies look like!
1. Check the Forecast
As soon as you can, check the weather forecast for your holiday time and destination and keep checking it as departure time gets closer. Though it can obviously change at short notice, familiarising yourself with the forecast means you can prioritise equipment and pack appropriately for the weather. For example, hot weather requires hats and perhaps portable shade options, and cooler weather will need extra layers, so it helps to be prepared!
2. Get the Right Equipment for the Weather
Whatever the weather, appropriate equipment can improve any camping trip. For example, if the forecast is dry but breezy, perhaps you should pack some extra windbreaks and make sure you have enough strong tent pegs suitable for windy days. Or perhaps the forecast is a bit drizzly, so maybe you would like to bring an awning to cover a communal area for daytime activities like cooking, eating and socialising.
Items such as storm pegs, a strong tent, and warm, waterproof clothes proactively prepare you for any weather changes, and keep you comfortable and confident in your camping set-up. We recommend a visit to your nearest outdoor or camping shop to stock up on weather-specific camping essentials.
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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.
3. Shelter Your Camping Pitch
Try to figure out which direction the weather is predominantly coming from, then set up your camp ‘facing away’ from it. Pitch tents with doors on the sheltered side, and make use of what you have to create barriers to strong weather. If it’s sunny and hot, look for spaces with a nice fresh breeze or a bit of natural shade from trees, bushes and hedgerows.
Use What You Have
Create impromptu windbreaks with vehicles or tuck yourself into areas sheltered by hills, trees, bushes, or hedgerows away from the prevailing weather. 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 – guy lines are your secret weapon to staying secure in unpredictable weather and you’ll feel like a camping expert!
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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 some extra covered space and let you dive straight into holiday time without the set-up.
4. Explore Shelter in All Forms
When planning your family camping trip, see what kind of shelter facilities the site offers. Campsites may have things like covered leisure areas and cafes where you can get a change of scenery, or 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 there are warm, dry places to spend time in case your family needs a change of pace from the outdoors.
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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 toddler’s play area.
5. Holiday Activities Whatever the British Weather
When planning your trip, consider the types of activities available and if the weather could impact them. Check with the campsite or activity provider about what kind of clothing to bring, and what they do in case an activity can’t go ahead due to weather. Generally speaking, the weather is often quite manageable so it shouldn’t present too much of an obstacle to your family adventures if you prepare accordingly.
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Basecamp is walking distance to Mendip Activity Centre, one of the top outdoor activity providers in South West England. Mendip activities are on the sheltered side of the hill and take place no matter what, so your family will be sure to get some memorable adventure time in.
Top Tip: Book your activities when you book your camping trip so your family can do as many adventures as possible! While there are activities available on the day, if your family has always wanted to try something specific like Caving or Axe Throwing, it’s definitely a good idea to book ahead of time so you can be guaranteed a spot at your chosen time.
6. Keep a Positive Mindset
The best trips happen when you go in with a positive mindset, ready to adapt to whatever may come your way. Take the time to check the weather and prepare accordingly, plus do your research so you know what facilities to expect at the campsite. It will be easier to adapt if you need to, and you can relax no matter what British weather crops up on your holiday.
British Weather on Holiday at Basecamp
Our team has experienced all kinds of weather while camping and they’ve poured that knowledge into creating the most comfortable, yet authentic, rustic family campsite you can find. With welcoming sheltered areas, warm showers and loads of all-weather activities and free weekend entertainment, your family can choose any adventure whatever the weather at Mendip Basecamp.