It’s that time of year, when we’re all starting to slump into exam fever, that we look ahead to the light at the end of the tunnel: summer.
But with funds dwindling, maybe it looks like your student loan isn’t going to stretch to a summer getaway – how depressing! Maybe you won’t be able to splash the cash on a high-class holiday or a month of transatlantic travelling, but that doesn’t mean you should sacrifice a summer break. Camping is the new cool go to for those who are a bit tight on their pennies. Experiencing the great outdoors with an equally great group of mates is the way to go for a guaranteed good time. Whether you’re a foodie, surfer or an adventurer, there’ll be a UK camping holiday for you!
For the foodies
Getting a bunch of your big-bellied mates together for a foodie holiday is the perfect was way to escape uni stresses. Camping offers a unique opportunity to get creative when it comes to cooking. With the likes of Bear Grylls making alfresco cooking cool, why not take along your own camping stove or really go rural and use an open fire.
But if you’re more keen for some more structured outdoor foodie fun, try the picturesque Koa Tree Camp in Devon. Rent out a large luxury yurt with a group of mates to really cut costs. With a whole itinerary of cooking courses, late-night cinema and pizza evenings, as well as guest chef appearances, it’s the perfect opportunity to put your and your foodie friends’ culinary skills to the test.
Super for surfers
Are your mates surfing mad? Camping gives you the perfect opportunity to get wet ‘n’ wild with your pals without the worry of expensive accommodation. The UK is full of great surfing spots, but by far the most popular is the beautiful and rugged coastline of Cornwall.
You might think it’s all cream teas and picturesque towns, but Cornwall is a great place to go for some summer sun (if the Great British Summer is playing ball, that is!) and a spot of partying too. Those who like to combine music with their passion for surfing flock to Boardmasters, an award-winning music and surfing/skateboarding festival, which is hosted every August. For those who may not have the cash for a pricey festival ticket, Newquay is still the place to go for groups that like to surf by day and party by night. Rosecliston campsite, a mere 10 minutes away from the renowned Fistral beach (pictured), even offers ‘mates rates’ discounts for large groups of students.
Avid adventurers
Maybe your mates are more keen to get off the beaten track? For those who want to set themselves a challenge, going on a hiking holiday can be a great way to let off some steam with uni friends. Whether you shoot to the Scottish Highlands or make the journey to Lake District, you’ll be sure to see some beautiful sites along the way.
There are few places as beautiful – or as cheap – as Wales. Set your group the challenge of climbing Snowdonia (pictured), and base yourself at the brilliant Bala campsite to really make the most of the scenic surroundings. And to make sure you really cut costs, it’s a good idea to shop around for tents, and invest in a large one to share with friends.
So there you have three different types of camping holiday, and some cost-cutting tips to make sure you have a guaranteed good time that won’t break the bank!
Jade Attwood is a travel content writer for The Camping and Caravanning Club, producing articles for a broad range of travel blogs and student publications