So you are new to this area or new to the world of camping and don’t know where to start? Here!
St Albans has several outdoor stores which stock everything from family tents to childrens’ walking boots and compasses. Below is a list of our local stores, followed by a list of nearby campsites (where you can test out your camping skills!) and some helpful websites and magazines.
COTSWOLD OUTDOORS; Helpful staff and good quality products. Lightweight tents for backpacking, a large range of equipment, Duke of Edinburgh products and outdoor clothing. See their website for the list of products.Located near town centre on Victoria St. Free Parking outside store. Tel 01727 847888 www.cotswoldoutdoor.com
MILLETS; Small store but contains quality outdoor clothing, camping gadgets, some small tents, accessories and footwear. Helpful staff too! Located in town centre just off Market Place (nearest parking Christopher Place Car Park). Tel; 01727 856 328 www.millets.co.uk
PJ CAMPING; Large store (part of a chain) containing everything you would need for your camping holiday. They have a large outdoor exhibition area to enjoy with a variety of party tents, family tents, festival tents and weekenders. Luggage, sleeping bags, cooking equipment and chairs as well as large array of gadgets sold in store and there is free car parking on site. Address; Notcutts Garden Centre, 605 Hatfield Rd, Colney Heath, St Albans AL4 0HN. Tel; 01727 850901. www.intertent.co.uk
HALFORDS; Contains section for outdoor pursuits including some tents, gazebos and accessories. Located in St Albans retail park, near the town centre. See www.halfords.com or tel 01727 853 444
CAMPSITES NEARBY
Hertford Camping and Caravan Club Site; This large, conservation site is just 30 minutes from St Albans (beside the historic town of Hertford). There is a large choice of pitches on grounds which is partitioned into several areas. High quality toilet/shower blocks, shop, playground, serviced pitches and helpful staff. Non-members are welcome too. Tel; 01992 586696
Grafham Waters Caravan Club Site, Huntingdon (has a tent meadow beside main site) This is about 70 mins drive from St Albans. A favourite for our kids, it has a lovely playground and swimming pool, yet is surrounded by fields and the large lake of Grafham Waters. Sailing and other water sports nearby. The Fish n Chip van visits on Friday evenings. Tel; 01480 810264. See www.ukcampsite.co.uk for reviews on this and all other sites.
Lee Valley Campsite; Basic site but has good facilites and the friendliest staff I ever met. This is a 25 minute drive from St Albans (assuming the M25 is flowing). It is a good if you want to experience the Olympic Training Centre and some of the Lee Valley Olympic events. There is a cinema and golf course by the site. Tel; 0208 8036900
HELPFUL WEBSITES www.gocamping.org and www.outandaboutlive.co.uk is full of allsorts of outdoor persuits/tips/events as well as a forum for you to join. Also, for overall reviews and details of every UK site, click www.ukcamping.co.uk
CAMPING MAGAZINES
‘ Camping’ (monthly) and ‘Go Camping’ (annual) are available from WH Smith ,PJ Camping or can be ordered online from www.outandaboutlive.co.uk
Please feel free to add your tips or experiences relating to the above information. Happy Holidays!
