Book your site and pitch in advance but also work out how long your journey is likely to take (especially when the schools are on holiday). Allow ample journey time so that when you arrive, you have time to choose the right pitch and set up. You don't want to be doing this after a long journey when you’re tired and hungry.

Write a check list whilst thinking 'how can I minimise'. Buy a few large plastic boxes with lids. These are not only great for packing but also become storage and washing up carriers when you’re on site. Pack some spare (old) rugs, these are ideal for inside or outside the tent and on hot days, throw them over the top and they will keep the interior cool. Take lots of tea towels, clothes pegs, toilet paper, kitchen towels, plastic bags and bin bags.

This is especially important when you are staying for a number of nights. Take time to drive or walk around the site and check out - the ground (ideally it will be flat and free from ant nests, thistles, sticks and rocks), your neighbours, the ‘walk past’ (are you going to be on the main route to the toilets or bar), are you in a sheltered or exposed spot, are you in a dip at the bottom of a hill (not great if it rains heavily), if you’re by a river or lake will this mean an evening shared with clouds of flying insects? Look out also for potential ‘future hazards’ such as overhanging tree branches.

If you go expecting rain, you won’t be disappointed when it does. However, if your tent is put up properly you can still have a great time. Make sure you have packed books, torches, packs of cards and other simple games (but avoid games with lots of small pieces). If it’s warm and you do need to walk to the loo or shop in the rain, remember that skin dries a lot faster than clothing!

Keep it simple and think more about foods to heat up rather than complex recipes. Pack your cool boxes with previously made frozen meals such as stews or curries. Freeze skimmed milk cartons as well. These will gradually defrost and be ready for use when you need them. Otherwise, just cook what you buy that day. In the weeks before, collect sachets of tomato sauce, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, etc. This will really cut down on the number of jars and containers you have to take.