Ever wanted to take the family away across the Channel to enjoy French food, Spanish sunshine or Italian culture?

It need not break the bank.  A budget way to take the whole family abroad is by driving to one of the very many European camp sites which have tents already set up for holidaymakers to use.  If you have visions of wet canvas and sleeping on stony, lumpy ground, then think again.  Several holiday companies have set up sites with large spacious tents which can sleep up to six people.  Beds and mattresses are provided in the sleeping area of the tent and there is usually a hanging rail for clothes too.  The living area has a small working kitchen, complete with cooker, hob, cupboards and all the usual kitchen utensils needed for a self-catering holiday.  There’s a big table and comfortable garden chairs to sit and eat around.  An electricity supply allows families to play games or read books well past nightfall. The spacious grassy area around the tent is available to soak up the sun’s rays or to allow toddlers to play nearby.

The camp sites themselves can vary greatly in size and amenities provided.  All will have good showers and washing areas, as well as washing up facilities and water stand pipes.  The bigger sites may also have games rooms, cafes and takeaway food bars, tennis courts and swimming pools.  Many sites operate children’s clubs for school aged children, especially during peak times.