A CAMPING trip can be hard work. Especially if you have kids – the sheer amount of stuff you have to pack and think about can be overwhelming. And never more than in autumn, when it might be muddy, wet, and cold.

However – camping in autumn can be amazing. The trees have never looked better, it’s darker for longer (no more 4am wake-up calls with the birds, hurrah!) and there are ample opportunities for doing wonderfully picturesque hikes, nature trails, star spotting, and having campfires.

Local camping has some tremendous advantages in the ‘off peak’ season and here’s why:

Sites will be virtually empty and incredibly good value off-season. Fewer screaming kids, stag parties, dogs running riot – pick your pitch and enjoy the peace.

You will still be close to familiar shops and pubs – making it easy to stock up or just pop out and grab a carvery before strolling back to your cosy tent and getting tucked in for the night.

You are within striking distance of home if the weather turns awful and you desperately need to call it a day, or if you’ve run out of clean dry socks.

There are some fab sites locally to Worcester – and a little further afield. Personal favourites of ours are the Withies in Shropshire, and Beeches Farm in the Wye Valley.

Camping is a great budget-friendly way to spend time together as a family, and September is an ideal time to get away. There are tons of hidden gems in your local area – you can have a brilliant time exploring and much less time stuck in your car.

Get out there this autumn and enjoy the crisp air, the stunning colours, and the cosiness this beautiful season has to offer.