Thinking about giving camping a go? Whether you’re planning your first night under canvas at a Cornish campsite, heading to a site on the South West Coast Path, or just starting out with camping in the UK, getting the right kit makes all the difference. You don’t need to spend a fortune — you just need the right essentials. Here’s our recommended beginner’s starter package, hand-picked by the team at Newquay Camping Shop in Newquay, Cornwall.
The Tent — Vango Iris 500 — £299.00
The Vango Iris 500 is the ideal first family tent. It sleeps up to five people, has a generous living space for cooking and relaxing, and uses a colour-coded pitching system that makes setup straightforward — even if you’ve never pitched a tent before. Durable, waterproof, and built to handle the unpredictable British weather — including those breezy Cornish evenings. A brilliant starting point for families new to camping in Cornwall or anywhere across the South West.
The Sleeping Bag — Vango Stellar Single Sleeping Bag — £34.99
A great night’s sleep starts with a good sleeping bag. The Vango Stellar Single is a well-made, warm sleeping bag with Grade A quality fill, a double-layer construction, shaped hood, and an auto-lock two-way zip to seal in warmth. Available in Oasis, Black, and Harissa — comfortable, packable, and excellent value for a first sleeping bag. Perfect for UK summer camping, including Cornwall’s mild but sometimes cool nights.
The Sleeping Mat — Outdoor Revolution Camp Star 100 Midi Self Inflating Mat — £74.99
Don’t underestimate the importance of a good sleeping mat — it’s what stands between you and the cold ground. The Camp Star 100 Midi is a quality self-inflating mat with a flat foam core and OR’s patented Cyclone Valve for easy inflation and deflation. Open the valve, let it self-inflate, give it a few extra puffs, and you’re done. Whether you’re camping at Newquay, Padstow, or anywhere across Cornwall, a proper night’s sleep makes the whole trip.
The Stove — Outwell Appetizer Etna Sola Gas Stove — £26.99
Every camping trip needs a way to boil the kettle and cook a meal. The Outwell Etna Sola is a compact, lightweight single-burner gas stove with a 2,000W burner, built-in cartridge compartment, and anti-slip rubber feet. Simple, reliable, and easy to use — perfect for beginners. Pick up a Go System 4 Pack Gas Canisters 220g to go with it and you’re ready to cook from day one. Both available in store at our Newquay shop or online with free UK delivery.
The Chair — Vango Fiesta Chair — £14.99
Every camper needs somewhere to sit and soak up the view — and Cornwall has plenty of those. The Vango Fiesta Chair is a brilliant value folding camping chair with a steel frame, Endure fabric, soft arms, and a built-in cup holder. Folds down compactly for easy transport, supports up to 120kg, and comes in a range of colours. At £14.99, it’s one of the best-value camping chairs on the market.
The Light — Outdoor Revolution Lumi-Lite — £9.99
Once the sun goes down on a Cornish campsite, you’ll be glad you packed a lantern. The OR Lumi-Lite is a rechargeable camping lantern with multiple brightness settings, up to 8 hours battery life, and a USB charging point. Use it as a roof light in your tent, a portable lantern around the pitch, or a night light for the kids. At under a tenner, it’s a no-brainer addition to any starter kit.
Your Beginner’s Starter Package — At a Glance
| Item | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tent | Vango Iris 500 | £299.00 |
| Sleeping Bag | Vango Stellar Single | £34.99 |
| Sleeping Mat | OR Camp Star 100 Midi | £74.99 |
| Stove | Outwell Etna Sola | £26.99 |
| Chair | Vango Fiesta Chair | £14.99 |
| Lantern | OR Lumi-Lite | £9.99 |
| Total | £460.95 |
Ready to Get Started?
All of these products are available online with free UK delivery, or come and see them in person at Newquay Camping Shop in Newquay, Cornwall. We’re one of the leading camping retailers in the South West, and our team are happy to help you find the right kit for your first camping adventure — whether you’re heading to a local Cornish campsite, exploring Dartmoor, or venturing further afield across the UK.
