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'Glamping' - glamorous camping - the new craze sweeping recession-hit Britain
Balsamic vinegar and parmesan – 2009's camping essentials
Celebrity chefs turned pubs into gastropubs, Glastonbury transformed the humble Wellington into a must-have fashion accessory – and now it seems camping has had a similar makeover.
Glamorous camping or "glamping" has officially hit Britain.
It's out with tiny tents, wafer-thin bedding rolls and camping beds, and in with yurts, AeroBeds and luxurious down sleeping bags.
With the Met Office predicting a "long, dry summer", and a combination of the recession and the weak pound dampening our desire to go abroad, VisitBritain research has revealed that five million of us are planning to holiday in the UK this year.
The Camping and Caravanning Club is forecasting one of its busiest summers on record.
It seems that hanging out in tents no longer means you're a hardy, welly-wearing type, but a chilled, eco-friendly, fun-loving spirit.
Think Jamie Oliver, rather than your parents fighting over tent pegs.
Ed and Kate Douglas, authors of The Camping Book, say the best campers are those who welcome a little bit of luxury into their camping lives and are resourceful about doing it.
According to a recent survey, the average camping kit is now worth around 1,000, with people splashing out on sat navs, iPods, posh tents, hi-tech camping stoves and luxury food, to make their trip more special.
"Camping has been styled," says Ed. "I had this very strange experience a couple of years ago, going to one of my favourite campsites in Pembroke. The farmer said 'Sorry, we're full', which had never happened to me before.
"Eventually he let us stay in his field, by his house and I went down to the field where we normally stayed and I'd never seen anything like it.
"There were prayer flags and mobiles and beautiful yurts – it was like Primrose Hill had gone camping, it was great!" In this eco-aware age, it's now become cool to get back to nature.
"There's been a real burst of interest in nature generally, that feeling that it's authentic," Ed says.
"Then there's the whole real food thing, I think it's all wrapped up in that."
Some people may still shun the great outdoors, claiming they can't live without a decent shower and a good night's sleep, but Ed Douglas says that excuse won't wash any more.
All Camping and Caravanning Club sites have great facilities and there's such a range of bedding options, you're bound to find something that suits you.
"You don't have to have a bad night's sleep and fresh air is tremendously good for getting a good night's rest, Ed says.
"But don't try and make it as comfortable as being in a hotel, because it's not. Go and stay in a hotel!"
If camping is for you, the Douglases suggest bringing a little glamour to your trip by...
Finding a site with unusual tents, such as teepees or Mongolian yurts.
Adding romance to outdoor life with a few candles.
Decorating your tent with flags or fairy lights.
Star-gazing. Pack a telescope or some binoculars and star map.
Camping has changed a lot since Ed first went with his school friends, some 30 years ago.
"You basically ate the same things and slept in the same tents. The tin opener was your best friend, and when things got wet they stayed wet."
Luckily, things have moved on and we don't have to rely on eating cold baked beans from the tin anymore.
In their book, the Douglases include olive oil, balsamic vinegar, coconut milk, cous cous and parmesan cheese in their list of larder essentials.
"I don't move without a decent espresso," Ed says.
"The gear is so good now and there are so many useful things to make life easier, why suffer? It's just a question of planning. Food tastes better outside and why go back to that '70s childhood with tins of ravioli? That's grim!"
There are numerous ways to keep food fresh, including in-car cooler boxes and mini fridges, so cook yourself up a gourmet camping feast. And for an added luxury, don't forget to bake a cake at home to take as a campfire treat. The tin opener was your best friend, and when things got wet they stayed wet.”
Luckily, things have moved on and we don’t have to rely on eating cold baked beans from the tin anymore.
In their book, the Douglases include olive oil, balsamic vinegar, coconut milk, cous cous and parmesan cheese in their list of larder essentials.
“I don’t move without a decent espresso,” Ed says.
“The gear is so good now and there are so many useful things to make life easier, why suffer? It’s just a question of planning. Food tastes better outside and why go back to that ‘70s childhood with tins of ravioli? That’s grim!”
There are numerous ways to keep food fresh, including in-car cooler boxes and mini fridges, so cook yourself up a gourmet camping feast. And for an added luxury, don’t forget to bake a cake at home to take as a campfire treat.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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