Camping experiences pitched for families
Considering an overseas family camping experience? Here are two options:
The Wonder of Warwick
Warwick Castle in the county town of Warwickshire, England, is a medieval castle developed from an original built by William the Conqueror in 1068.
With jousting contests, magic shows and knights in shimmering armour, camping on the castle grounds, by the banks of the River Avon, is a real adventure.
I’m calmly sipping gin and tonic in the evening sunshine while watching my four-year-old son yell “Die!” as he rages toward his opponent with a lance, before decapitating him with a broadsword.
His enemy may be stuffed with straw, but to this budding warrior, “knight school” is 100 per cent real.
It’s quite easy to keep up the illusion; jaunty lute music is playing in the background, and his instructor is completely in character. And we’ve just unpacked our modern gear inside our immaculate “campaign” tent, complete with banner, bow and arrows, storage trunks and fur throws.
Welcome to medieval glamping at Warwick Castle – and make-believe on a scale to rival Disney.
There are 38 campaign tents like ours, and three king’s tents (with four-posters) dotted among the trees in a wooded glade along the banks of the sleepy river Avon, on the edge of the castle grounds.
As part of our overnight stay, following a whole day exploring the castle, we’ve just eaten an enormous feast in the banqueting tent, with a full hog roast, and beer and wine by the goblet.
Now the evening entertainment has captured the children’s imagination and attention. As well as knight school, there are archery lessons and “jester school”, where my daughter is two hours into a chaotic attempt at juggling, magic tricks and spinning plates.
It’s 10 o’clock before we coerce them to bed, with castle staff on hand to supply warm milk. The sleep of kings follows, as they snore happily in their small truckle beds, wrapped up in furs and still clutching their complimentary swords.
One of the perks of our glamping weekend is exclusive access to the castle earlier than the masses. So it’s with a sense of privilege that we cross the wooden bridge into the grounds and stroll up the peacock lawn the following morning, bodies freshly showered and bellies full of cooked breakfast.
We have half an hour to savour the peace of the castle courtyard, and to climb the battlements and walk the ramparts unfettered by crowds.
There has been a castle here since William the Conqueror built one in 1068. Owned by Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, among others, and involved in the stories of Joan of Arc, Lady Jane Grey and Emma Hamilton, a visit here is a vivid immersion in British history – from the War of the Roses to the Civil War, Georgian largesse to Victorian engineering.
Merlin Entertainments, who bought the castle in the 1970s from the Greville family, have used all their theme park experience to bring the juiciest aspects of this history to life – with a little help from one or two waxworks from Madame Tussauds.
Our first call this morning is to pick sides (we go for Yorkist) as we watch the raising of the portcullis. With the Horrible Histories challenge in situ at Warwick all summer, we then have a go at the game of operation, Middle Ages-style, and experience the terror of the Victorian schoolroom.
A two-day pass comes with the glamping experience and means you can plan and pace your activities; we saw the birds of prey soar yesterday and today, we’re not going to miss the firing of the world’s largest working trebuchet.
Fresh from disappointment at the longbow challenge, we watch our children gaze open-mouthed as an enormous fireball is hurled through the air by the “knights” below.
It will make other history lessons, and other camping holidays, seem incredibly dull by comparison.
Special Spanish Escape
What do you think of when someone says European “campsite”? I used to picture a walk to the loo at night, freezing in a tent with two jumpers on and a long drive to get there.
Fast forward to lazing on a sunlounger in a warm Spanish breeze, sangria in hand, outside my air-conditioned caravan home, kitted out with all mod cons – having got there by plane. Bliss!
We’re staying at Castell Montgri, a huge campsite in the lively town of L’Estartit in the Costa Brava region of North East Spain.
With three pool complexes, I knew it would keep my stepson Joe, 14, busy and I suspected I’d enjoy it as an adult, too.
So, what has it got? Well, the Ombra pool complex has water slides for the young and young at heart, as well as a restaurant where we enjoy paella on the first night.
Up the hill is Panorama – with a huge pool that attracts serious swimmers who take a dip early in the morning before the kids get stuck in. It also boasts a superb view across to the Mediterranean.
But my favourite is La Bassa, which has waterfalls and looks like a rock pool. Hidden among pine trees high up a hillside, you’d hardly know you’re on a campsite. And the sun loungers are a stone’s throw from a bar serving drinks and snacks.
Another bonus is Eurocamp’s Base activity club for teenagers. Joe enjoys meeting new mates after plucking up the courage to sign up – and he attends lunchtime and evening sessions most days from then on.
Once fully settled in, we check out the nearby town of L’Estartit. It has the usual shops, restaurants, bars and ice-cream parlours, but the posh marina means it’s a cut above the typical Spanish seaside resort you might think of when you hear the word “Costa”. The main attraction is the vast sandy beach.
Having a hire car gave us the freedom to explore more towns further south.
If you fancy some history, visit Pals. It’s a hilltop rabbit warren of medieval streets with an ancient church, castle, and stunning views.
Also highly recommended are Llafranc and Calella. Tucked away in a rugged section of coastline, the two towns are linked by a lovely seaside walk.
We stumble upon an ancient Iberian settlement of Sant Sebastia de la Guarda in the hills above the two bays, with magnificent panoramic views. The site dates from the sixth century and has been recently excavated to show how villagers once lived.
On our last full day, my partner Dave, and Joe, get up early to climb to the hilltop Montgri Castle, built about 1300, which towers above the campsite and L’Estartit.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Castell Montgri england spain warwick castle WarwickshireLatest News
Voyages celebrates 40 years at Uluru with two new immersive experiences
No plans for celebrating your 40th this year? Here's a hot tip from us.
SkyDeck: The inflight entertainment you could never have imagined
Forget those external cameras you can live stream while in the air... With SkyDeck you can check it out for yourself.
Second Boeing whistleblower dies of ‘mystery infection’
Joshua Dean died from a fast-growing mystery infection on Tuesday.
Aussie winners of American Airlines ‘Sell Your Way to the USA’ announced
Show me the money! For the winners, Sell Your Way to the USA was worth getting involved in.
ANZCRO celebrates 30th with special edition of iconic New Zealand Book
Choice bro! ANZCRO celebrates its 30th with a special edition of its iconic New Zealand Book. Chur!
Room to move at Cairns Harbourside Hotel with ‘spacious’ new family package
Moody teens can eat two-minute noodles while younger brothers and sisters get to eat free with mum and dad. Win, win!
A&K unveils lavish around the world wildlife adventure in private jet
The kind of holiday that if you need to ask the cost, you probably can't afford it.
Flight Centre and Reforest hit one million trees target early
Nice one Flight Centre, we think you've earned an early Friday knockoff.
New cruise options spearhead stacked APT 2025 program
Just in case you thought you were running out of cruise itineraries, APT's here with a fresh batch.
Travel Weekly announces a new team to helm Australia’s No.1 travel trade title
Some shameless self-promotion from us, but we thought you needed to know who's bringing you the news.
IHG reveals plans for Brisbane’s first Kimpton in 2028
Just another reason to book that trip to Brisvegas. But don't jump the gun, it's not open until 2028.
Cruiseabout’s first store in five years opens in Perth
Perth gets a break from being behind the rest of the country with the addition of the first Cruiseabout store.
ATAS complaints process acknowledges non-economic loss
A High Court case win over 'disappointment and distress' on a cruise gone wrong prompts ATIA complaints change.
Cunard previews new Queen Anne
Yep, this one does exactly what it says on the tin.
Bunnik Tours unveils latest expansion to Iceland
Just as the Icelandic vikings did many years ago, Bunnik is expanding into new territories.
Australia’s first glamping retreat turns 25
25th anniversary gifts usually come in silver. Ours comes in the way of a news story.
Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun
If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]
Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull departs
Turnbull hints her new role will see her staying in the tourism and hospitality industry and who can blame her?
DriveAway launches Brit-Euro Blitz campaign
If agents can put the foot down quick enough and get involved, there are some great prizes to be won.
Fly and Stay Free with the Great Southern
Unlike those dodgy scam phone calls you're getting more and more of, there's no strings attached to this deal.
Sober travel and TikTok guide Australian Gen Z trips
Can you call it a sober holiday if you enjoy a few glasses of red on the flight? We think yes.
Travel DAZE Exec Agenda REVEALED: top execs to speak on airline competition
As the industry reels from Bonza's implosion, it is more important than ever to ask the big questions.
TTC: Deals are driving up demand for September trips
The latest market research from TTC Tour Brands shows interest in international leisure travel remains high for 2024, with 77 per cent of Australians over 18 still planning trips this year. Notably, 28 per cent of those travellers are eyeing September for their journeys. Europe continues to be the most popular destination, with 68 per […]
Skroo says Rex will need deep pockets to fill lost Bonza slots
The door is open for Rex, and anyone else who wants to launch a regional Aussie airline...
Sno’n’Ski Holidays unveils 2025 mega famil to Colorado!
Let the games begin - this is certainly not a famil that you will want to miss!
Walk Japan launches Kyoto: Mountains to the sea walking tour
There are two types of people, one who enjoys walking on holiday and another who enjoys sipping Mojitos by the pool.
Which destination had a 48% boost in bookings following 10 MILLION TikTok views?
Here's a clue: it's not Malabar Beach.
Asher Telford appointed General Manager of SeaLink Whitsundays
Telford has plenty of reasons to smile after SeaLink doubles down and makes him GM after buying his tourism operation.
Qantas ‘working urgently’ to fix app data leak
Qantas is looking into customer reports that passengers have this morning been able to access other passengers’ personal information on the airlines app. X user Lachlan posted that he was able log into different accounts every time he opened the app. My @Qantas app logs me in to a different person each time I open […]
Hilton Expands Presence in North Queensland with the signing of Hilton Garden Inn Townsville
Heading to a North Queensland Cowboys clash? Hilton Garden Inn Townsville is set to open, but not until 2026.
Rail Europe ANZ: making dream journeys come true
Rail Europe's running a lottery! You're not going to win millions, but you might just snag a free holiday.
UPDATE: Bonza hole deepens as administrators investigate financial affairs
Administrators dig deeper as struggling airline unlikely to be revived.
Revamped Wailoaloa Beach hotel opens as Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa
Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa is open and ready for bookings after the first phase of a multi-million-dollar transformation. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium collection, the transformation has seen the completion of 106 guestrooms showcasing contemporary interiors reflective of the premium Crowne Plaza brand and is a first for the […]
Nielsen Data reveals brands spending big to attract Aussie tourists
Trip A Deal, Virgin and Ignite Travel walk into a bar, blow their cash on travel advertising instead of the pokies.
Kamalaya Koh Samui clinches clutch of wellness awards
Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa has so far clinched five prestigious awards in 2024, including being inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ at the World Spa & Wellness Awards in London. Founders of the Koh Samui sanctuary and spa John and Karina Stewart expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the awards. “We are profoundly honoured […]
Jetstar offers 200,000 return for free flights to celebrate 20th anniversary
Jetstar hits 20 and everyone else gets the presents with free return flights to domestic and international destinations.