My First Post!
Easter came early this year — start of April — and if we’re honest, this trip was booked more in hope than expectation when it came to the weather. Wanted to book early to ensure we had electric hook-up. You never know the weather this time of year. As it was a long weekend, we could travel further than usual, and the site has been on our list for a while.
We also have a new awning. After leaving the old one in a campsite in Burgundy, we were looking forward to what product updates had happened in the intervening 10-years. We wanted to try it out, and find out what we’ve forgotten to bring before we go on a longer trip later this summer.
Arrival: A Better Start Than Expected
Rain was forecast for Friday afternoon, but we got lucky for a change. Clear skies on arrival meant we could get set up without a rush — always a big win when you’re pitching for the first time with new gear.
Kingsdown Camping is a simple, well-placed site near Deal. Close enough to walk if you’ve got the time, or a quick bike ride if you don’t.
The Setup: Awning + Layers = Survival
This was very much a trial setup:
- New updated awning
- Small fan heater
- More layers than you think you’ll ever need – which by the record, I had an epic fail…
The key takeaway is straightforward — the awning isn’t a luxury this time of year, it’s the difference between coping and actually enjoying the trip. There are different set-ups depending on the campsite and theme for the weekend.
It gave us:
- Space to move
- Somewhere to store gear
- A buffer from the wind to stay dry and water
Top tip: bring a long electric hook-up lead. You never quite know where your pitch allocation will land — and that applies just as much in the UK as it does in France.
Saturday: Wind, Bike and Deal
Saturday brought an amazing sunrise over the channel, lots of wind and a proper reminder that it’s still early in the season.
We took the bikes into Deal — quicker than walking and easier for carrying supplies back. On a warmer day, it’s the kind of place you could easily lose a few hours (and a couple of beers), but this time it was more functional than leisurely.
Sunday: Cycling Towards Dover (Very Briefly)
There is a cycle route called National Cycle Route One running alongside the campsite that heads towards Dover. It’s about five miles or so.
Worth knowing:
- It’s a steady climb heading out
- You earn the downhill on the way back – strangely enough was a lot quicker!
We made it as far as above the castle, looked at what lay ahead, a big down hill, and made a sensible call — turn around and enjoy the ride back. When we got back, the sun was out, marvellous. As soon as it dived behind clouds, back inside in the awning for warmth and food.
Final Thoughts: Early Season Reality
Blink and it’s Monday morning.
This trip wasn’t about perfect conditions — it was about testing the new awning, and what works when conditions aren’t ideal.
And the conclusion is simple:
- The awning really earns its place this time of year – review to come later
- Early-season camping is about preparation, not luck
- But a bit of luck with the weather always helps!
- Kingsdown campsite has an amazing view over the sea, lots of green space, with immaculate shower/toilet blocks.
- Would we return? Deal is worth another visit.
- Next time will make time to visit the nearby pubs. Purley for review purposes of course.