Typical British weather. Wet during the school holidays and delightful during lock down. On the upside, thank goodness for sunny days so we have been able to enjoy the outdoors space we have while at home.
This week we’ll be continuing to make the most of staying at home by taking part in the Big Little Tent Festival with the Caravan and Motorhome Club. Read on to find out how you can join in with #BLTF20 on Wednesday 15 April 2020 and throughout lockdown.
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Tin Box camping adventures at home
Our back garden is a bit of a state at the moment because we are giving it a makeover. When else would a travel blogging family have time other than now?!
Mr Tin Box has been shifting soil, levelling our lawn and creating spaces for our patio furniture and raised flower beds. We even have a new vegetable box ready to be planted. Next up is decking when we can get hold of some.
It’s a bit of a mud pit but we have had just enough space to get out the paddling pool, bounce on the trampoline, make dens, barbecue, fuel the wood burner, set up our disco box and sing along to last year’s Glastonbury on YouTube.
You can follow what else we’ve been up to during lockdown on Instagram.
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Meanwhile our poor Tin Box – our VW T5 transporter – is sat waiting for this year’s adventures to begin.
We had hoped to hop on a ferry to Spain and travel back up through France this summer. Sadly those plans are on hold for now. If we can’t revive our road trip this year then we really hope we can do it in 2021.
So in the meantime, we’ve been making the most of Tin Box on our driveway. It has provided a much needed change of scenery for meal times and pretending we are on our hols.
The Caravan and Motorhome Club is encouraging other van families to do similar with the first Big Little TeaTime Festival – a spin off from the annual Big Little Tent Festival.
If you have a camper van, motorhome or caravan stored at home you can take part in the Big Little TeaTime Festival too.
Big Little TeaTime Festival
The Big Little TeaTime Festival is happening every Wednesday until mid-May. While eating in your van why not connect with other members of your family and friends from your driveway using video messaging.
We have used FaceTime to chat to the Tin Box grandparents individually and are planning a Zoom call with the whole family incorporating a Kahoot quiz.
While we can’t actually be with each other, we can still connect, share the fun, and make lasting memories. Here’s where to find out more about the Big Little TeaTime Festival.
Big Little Tent Festival 2020
Even if you don’t have a Tin Box you can still join in with the Big Little Tent Festival. On Wednesday 15 April families across the country will spend the night under canvas and camp out in the garden.
Big Little Tent Festival started in 2015 as a way of encouraging people who had never been camping to try it in their back garden with all home comforts close at hand. We’ve taken part a few times as a fun thing to do while not away camping for real.
Read about what we got up to during Big Little Tent Festival 2016.
Download your free #BLTF pack for a chance to win
In 2020, the Caravan and Motorhome Club is offering free downloadable festival packs which include a variety of hints, tips, recipes, activities for the kids, as well as bunting, wristbands and flags which will keep everyone occupied for weeks to come!
When you download a pack you will also be entered into a prize draw for the opportunity to win one of six Cotswold Outdoor tents worth £190 each.
Plus share and upload photos of your very own Big Little Tent Festival or Big Little TeaTime Festival for your chance to win a £50 Marks & Spencer voucher.
Who’s in?
More camping and caravan blog posts
Camping comes in many different shapes and sizes. If you are going glamping or away in a caravan, motorhome or camper van then you might also like to check out these other posts:
- What to pack in your camper van
- Glamping packing list
- Packing list for a mobile home holiday
- Packing for a family camping trip
- 10 pro camping tips
- Caravan equipment checklist
- Our full guide to caravanning with kids
- Caravan beds for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers
- What to pack for caravan holidays with babies
- Essentials for caravanning with a toddler
- Camping games
- What’s the difference between a caravan and camper van?
- Why get a camping trailer?
- Top tips for buying a camper van
- What to pack for a camper van holiday
Disclosure: I have worked with the Caravan and Motorhome Club to promote Big Little Tent Festival in previous years but am not receiving any compensation for promoting it in 2020. I just thought you might like some fun ideas for things to do at home during lockdown. Have fun and stay safe!