It really doesn’t take much to convince me to go camping.

I find there really is no better way to escape the stresses, limitations, traffic, concrete jungles and overcrowded footpaths of city life than to pitch up a tent and cosy up between layers of blankets and pillows, with nothing other than fresh air between you and the sounds of the birds singing.

Last weekend I had the most delightful weekend camping in the Surrey Hills as part of the #weekendbasecamp campaign with The North Face. My friend Lydia and I packed up (including all the fairy lights and pillows we could find) and headed to an area of outstanding natural beauty located just a 40-minute train ride outside of central London. We pitched up at YHA Holmbury St.Mary’s and it was perfect.

For me, camping really does take you back to basics. We so often get lost in a world that has become so technologically advanced that we forget the simple pleasures in life and find ourselves constantly striving for some far off state of happiness.

The danger is right there.

We always strive for what we don’t have yet, instead of simply observing and appreciating what we already do have. Camping and being in the wild gives me the perspective and time to refocus my mind and remember what life is really about.

During my weekend in Surrey, I found myself excited over things that I haven’t been excited about since I was knee high, such as…

…the sounds of thousands upon thousands of leaves rustling above me as the last yawn of sunshine glitters through the gaps.

…watching kids learning to operate the diablo and playing ball with each other.

…youths playing card games with a cup of hot cocoa during their Duke of Edinburgh challenge.

I felt liberated by the freedom and playful nature of fellow campers. And most of all, I had some time out to relax and breathe in the fresh air.

It felt bittersweet.

These games, the incredible nature we are surrounded by and this way of living is so pure and accessible to every one on this planet. Yet we overlook their importance on a daily basis and have built a world that stares at screens instead of stars.

Camping is the best reminder of where our priorities lie best and I hope this post inspires you to grab your friends and head out into the wild for a night…

My camping equipment and clothes were courtesy of The North Face.

Get prepared for your summer weekend experience and shop the collection at TheNorthFace.com

Without further ado, come and join us on our weekend basecamp adventure…

My #weekendbasecamp photo diary…

Photos by Lydia Collins and myself… #dreamteam

I hope this has helped you plan a UK adventure!

Other posts you may like if you’re thinking of planning a UK adventure:

• My weekend guide to Brighton
• An epic 4 day Cornwall roadtrip
• 10 ways to save money for travel
• 10 reasons I love hostels over hotels
• A guide to the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge

Need to book accommodation? Here’s £30 off your first AirBnb booking – my budget travel godsend!

Or search for the best hostels or hotels here

Have you been camping in the Surrey Hills?

Where’s your favourite place to camp in the world?

What did you think? Where did you visit? I’d love to know! ?

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*This video was made in collaboration with and is sponsored by The North Face as part of their #WeekendBasecamp campaign – a campaign encouraging people to spend more time in the outdoors. As always, the creativity, opinions and content you see in this post are all my own.