Peak District Kids writer: Lizzie Sansam
This Ready Camp review is a paid collaboration.
There aren’t that many Peak District glamping sites that cater for families, so when Peak District Kids was invited to check out the Ready Camp glamping tents at Crowden Camp & Caravanning Site, we jumped at the chance. Read on for Lizzie Sansam’s Ready Camp review.
Having never ‘glamped’ before, I didn’t really know what to expect before arriving at Crowden Camping & Caravanning Club site. On arrival it was clear we were in for a treat. The pure joy of arriving to your impressive safari tent all ready and waiting for you cannot be underestimated!
In the north of the Peak District, just a 10 minute drive from Glossop, Crowden campsite is a fairly small, well-equipped site, with stunning views in several directions. It is the perfect location to explore various walking routes along and around the Pennine Way or the Longdendale Trail.
Ready Camp
We’ve camped many a time, though usually in a small tent which you can’t stand up fully in. Staying in one of the two safari tents at Crowden was nothing like this. We are a family of 4, and there was plenty of room, with a large living/dining space, and two separate bedroom areas which can be completely zipped off.
The large dining table seats 6, and the kitchenette is well equipped for the nights when you want to cook, with a microwave, fridge (and small freezer compartment), kettle, toaster, and double hob. All the necessary pots, pans, and crockery are also provided.
There is a small shop on site, but this only really sells snacks, ice creams, soup etc, and with no convenience store nearby, come prepared with food to cook, or take the 10-minute drive to Glossop where there are several grocery shops.
There is one small two-seater sofa, though with 6 incredibly comfy camping chairs (stored under the beds), we spent most of our time chilling on the decking area outside, at the front of the tent.
The two bedrooms were spacious; one with a double bed, and small hanging rail and storage compartments for clothes, the second could sleep 4 people with a triple sleeper bunkbed (double bed at the bottom, single at the top), and a pull-out trundle bed underneath. A great surprise though, was the surprisingly comfy mattresses, and blackout lining in these parts of the tent, which meant no unnecessary early starts!
Just be sure to take your own bedding, pillows and towels, as this is not included.
The safari tent has lighting inside and out, and also a small oil-filled radiator for chillier nights. We did use this as it was unusually cold for June, and with the tent fully zipped up and the radiator on we were warm and toasty within 15 minutes. This alongside the hardwood floor inside the tent made it feel a completely different experience to our usual camping trips!
The facilities
The toilet and shower block were clean and we never had to queue. Make sure you accompany children as there is a code pad to enter the building which is quite high up, and tricky for small hands to reach once inside! There is also a large parent and baby room separate to the main toilet/shower facilities.
There is a pot wash area, and a laundry/boot drying room with a large washing machine and tumble dryer.
The reception and shop are small, but well stocked with plenty of snacks, ice creams, and hot drink making facilities. There are a few picnic tables just outside the reception.
There is also a large library of DVD’s and books which you can rent or buy here.
There is no playground on site, and be aware that ball games / kites / frisbees etc are not allowed. Which is unfortunately very typical of Camping & Caravanning sites.
The camping area
The site is split slightly into 2 halves, with trees down the middle. The reception is right by the entrance, and toilet / shower / water facilities on the same side slightly further down. It is a small site though, so only a 1 minute walk to any facilities.
The site has the two Ready Camp glamping safari tents, and then a mix of grass pitches with or without EHU, and hard-standing pitches with EHU.
Pets are allowed, and although there is no allocated dog-walking area. There are plenty of footpaths to explore on foot nearby and around the site.
Things to do nearby
Being so close to the Pennine way is a great opportunity to bring your bikes to this site. There are several reservoirs which can be explored by bike too, the closest to the site being Torside and Woodhead.
Glossop Sailing Club is on the South side of Torside Reservoir, just a 4-minute drive from the campsite. Here you can do sailing, canoeing, kayaking, or windsurfing.
However, it should be noted that this is a rather remote area of the Peak District and you are a fair drive away from the main Peak District attractions. But if you want to get away from it all and immerse yourself in nature, then this is the perfect location.
Final thoughts for this Ready Camp review
Make sure you bring your bikes and hiking boots (and wetsuits!) to take full advantage of everything the immediate area has to offer.
With pretty surroundings, on a peaceful site, and the ease that comes with arriving to a gorgeous safari tent all kitted out, we would definitely give glamping another go with Ready camp at Crowden!
How to book Ready Camp at Crowden
Head over to the website and book direct.
You may also like to read:
Best family campsites in the Peak District
Peak District glamping for families
Best Peak District reservoir walks