In these dizzyingly technological times, one can't help but feel we've all become... well... a little soft. Show a kid an iPad, they'll be yougoogling and myfacing before you can say 'angry-moshi-monster-birds'. But ask them to trap a squirrel with little more than a toothpick and pair of old stockings... (exasperated sigh). We jest of course. But so reliant on gadgets and gizmos have our littl'uns become, we feel it's about time we got them reacquainted with making dens and getting muddy. So if, like us, the only tweets you want to hear are strictly those of the avian kind, we think we've found the perfect spot.
Calling all budding bushmen and tiny Tarzans – Big Hat Bushcamp invites you to 'go native' and learn traditional survival skills, less than an hour from the capital. The brainchild of former British Army captain and all-round action man, Ian Brember, Big Hat Bushcamp offers family-orientated woodland bushcraft courses on a secluded woodland spot in north Surrey.
With an array of bespoke courses (ranging from three hours to full weekends) on offer, Big Hat Bushcamp is both a fun and educational way to learn bushcraft from leading all-terrain experts. Campers of all ages are invited to invoke their inner Ray Mears, trying their hand at archery, orienteering, foraging, wilderness first-aid and much more. It’s all done in a family-friendly, approachable way – ideal for children who want to be explorers but parents who want to stay comfortable and not end the day eating live worms or drinking water out of old socks.
For an authentic castaway experience, one of the real highlights is always building your own shelter among the trees. Constructed by your own two hands, it’s the perfect spot to relax in the evening while tucking into your very own baked bread and yummy campfire food, cooked on the 'matchless' fire you've lit yourself. Grrr!!! You don’t have to sleep in the shelter (though one or two visitors have), instead you can bring your own tent, borrow one of the family tents on site, or use the camp’s tarps and hammocks to build a weather-proof ‘basha’ for the night. Larger groups can also sleep in the main, wood-fire heated safari tent at the centre of the site.
The setting, too, lends itself to the sort of activities on offer. The thick ferny woods feel like a rather British jungle, belying the fact that you’re less than a mile from the M25. A convenient outcome is that, when the outside world beckons, there’s still historic Runnymede and Windsor just down the road and no shortage of places off site to visit. Yet, when you want to stay hidden you can simply kick back among the trees and enjoy your newfound skillset. And when you're toasting your umpteenth marshmallow over the flickering flames and toying with your handmade commemorative survival bracelets, you'll be glad you heeded the call of the wild.
Historic Runnymede (01784 432891), location of the signing of the Magna Carta, is a great location for a picnic on its sunny willow-fringed riverbank. The hauntingly beautiful Air Force Memorial is also well worth a visit, not least for the expansive views over the capital. The Great Cockcrow Railway (01932 565474) is a cute miniature railway which has been in existence since 1946. For something more high-octane, Thorpe Park (0843 557 3627) and Legoland (0871 222 2001) are both within easy reach.
It's all about the campfire cooking here. Ingredients and instruction are included in the course price. Try your hand at dutch oven mac and cheese, griddle pancakes, stick bread, or campfire pizza. For quality local produce, the Hardwick Lane Farm Shop (01932 564930) is just across the road, while The Kingfisher (01932 579811) in Chertsey serves up pub grub favourites