7 Off Season Camping Activities

9 February 2018

As the wintry and wet months close in, it can be increasingly difficult to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.

Even for the hardiest of campers, spending a night shivering in a damp tent just isn’t that appealing, so what can you do to get your fix of the great British outdoors during the off-season?

Whether you’re after some adventure or just want to spend some relaxing time in the countryside, here are seven off season camping activities to enjoy.

Scavenger Hunt

Did you know that up and down the UK there are loads of treasure hunts that you can take part in?

No matter where in the UK you live, or are planning to visit, there’s sure to be a scavenger hunt you and your family can try. Check out this post from BuzzFeed for some of the best.

They’re a lot of fun and a great way to get out of the house and explore somewhere new, or even help you to see somewhere you already know in a new light.

You could even create your own for the kids, if you’re feeling creative, and you can make it as easy or as challenging as you’d like.

Bird Watching

Winter is a really great time for bird watching because of the lack of leaves on the trees, so why not take a stroll round the countryside and see what you can you can spot?

You can also see huge flocks of starlings swooping through the sky, especially in the early evening before they settle to roost, which is one of the most spectacular sights of the autumn and winter months, making it one of the great off season camping activities. Be sure to check the RSPB website to see if there’s a reserve near to you.

Stargazing

Winter is a fantastic time to go stargazing as the sun goes down and it’s a fun way to get the kids engaged with a bit of science.

No matter what your age, it can be a profound experience staring up at the night sky and realising just how small we are in the grander scheme of things.

Be sure to download a Star Chart app so you know what to be on the lookout for!

Falconry

For something a bit different which will still give you a bit of a connection with nature, how about giving falconry a try?

Falcons are pretty incredible animals and falconry is an ancient activity which has been practised for thousands of years.

There are many centres around the country which offer experiences, not just with falcons, but with other birds of prey such as owls, kestrels and golden eagles.

Walking

Winter is a great time to wrap up warm, stick your walking boots on and go for a walk. The scenery and wildlife around the country are completely different during the winter and the bracing air will do you some good!

Here are some of the National Trust’s favourite walks, featuring some great views and routes.

If you fancy challenging yourself you can also try hiking, but be sure to take necessary precautions if the weather is bad.

Mountain Biking

If you want to get the adrenaline pumping while experiencing the outdoors, how about mountain biking?

It’s all the more fun in the mud and sludge that winter brings, although that does also make it a bit more dangerous, so be sure to take extra precautions. More Dirt has a good list of trails around the UK for you to check out.

Horse Riding

A unique way to experience the countryside is on horseback, with riding centres around the country offering scenic rides no matter what your ability level or previous experience.

It’s a nice way to experience the scenery, while letting somebody else take on all of the legwork, and it can be very relaxing (unless you want to take on some more challenging terrain!).

So, even when you can’t quite face camping, there are plenty of ways you can experience the great outdoors in the UK.

You can also choose one of our glamping pods, meaning you can still enjoy that camping experience, but with a bit of extra comfort!