For numerous parents residing in London, the journey of raising children often feels laden with limitations. Jen Ablitt, a 48-year-old mother of a four-year-old daughter, articulates this sentiment: “It’s always ‘don’t touch that,’ ‘stop there,’ or ‘don’t run.'”

Yet, when they embark on camping excursions into the countryside, her urban child experiences an entirely different reality. “They just take off and you can give them more freedom,” she notes.

Ablitt is part of an increasing trend among families choosing camping or caravanning holidays this summer—affordable alternatives to more expensive vacations that also provide opportunities to reconnect with nature.

Camping and caravan trips tend to be more budget-friendly compared to other domestic accommodations. Recent statistics reveal that 62% of adults in the UK are exercising caution with their finances due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis (according to data from the British Tourist Authority). As a result, economical holiday options are becoming increasingly attractive.

The Guardian recently sought personal anecdotes about camping experiences across the UK; here are some budget-friendly adventures shared by families who embraced nature and took a break from their daily routines.

‘The Worldwide Appeal of Camping for Kids’