New member, novice camper - looking for nice wkend with my girlfriend

[nix]

Hi guys,

I have been given the reponsibility of organising a nice weekend of camping with my girlfriend and need some help

We're set to spend 2 nights somewhere and are looking for the following, any help is GREATLY appreciated;

Not too much of a drive from North London (ie. no more than 2/2.5 hours preferably)
Will need to pitch a tent (no caravan)
Great scenery
Walking distance from a pub
Good shower/toilet facilities
Allowed to have BBQs
Quiet
Ideally close to a lake perhaps

So far The New Forest is an option but I can't imagine you're allowed to have BBQs there nor is it close to any lakes as far as I'm aware.

Thanks in advance,

Nick

[LoveCamping]

Hey there, couldn't resist replying to help out. it's a bit of a nightmare to find the right campsite at the moment - there are almost too many but hardly any decent places to search for them. I recently found a website called Campingninja which looks like they are doing something right. Basically you can search for campsites based on pretty much all of the things you want above, find a campsite and book it from there online. I used it to go to a great campsite just by New Forest - Gundry's Farm - has everything you require above and really friendly owners - pubs and lakes nearby (walking distance). Here's a link Oh, and we bbq'd all the time!! Brilliant.

Loads of other New Forest options on Campingninja too that I can see. Another link: Campsites near New Forest :: Camping Ninja

I really fancy the Swanage Bijou one (they have a great deal with a nearby spa - could be good for girlfriend) but wasn't available last weekend - think it is in the Summer so I'm gonna book it soon.

Or I love the look of Forgewood in Kent - looks really beautiful and loads of space in the woods - they actively encourage fires and bbqs!

Anyhow - have a look yourself on Campingninja.com Ha, i sounds obsessed - it's just that all the other websites and directories are quite horrible to use and I want to encourage these guys....

Better get back to work before someone sees I am not entering data into a database!

Gem

[Beth]

Hi there!
I've just reccommended the same site in another thread, however, here it is again! The Forestry Commission sites in the New Forest do allow BBQ's as long as they are contained and safe!

Those that are not labeled as "Natural" do have good shower+Toilet blocks, and also have a nice 'wilderness' look, without leaving you stranded! As the pitches are first come first serve, getting there early and driving around checking them out is a must, that way you can have best pick of the lot!

Good luck finding that perfect spot