Christchurch, United Kingdom
Out & Wild Family Friendly CampOUT - 21st to 23rd Aug - OPEN
A family friendly queer camping weekend at Avon Tyrell, Hampshire
Overview
Join us at Out & Wild's first CampOUT that is family friendly . We have secured the WHOLE of a woodland area at the stunning Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre on the edge of the beautiful New Forest. There are over 50 pitches available for a mixture of tents and campers, some with electric hook up. There are also twin rooms (and you can order extra camp beds, subject to availability) in a lovely cabin. There will be some free activities (especially for under 5s) and options to join paid activities in the day (including kayaking, high wires, foraging, bike hire, zip wires) plus campfires in the evenings. This weekend is open to all, but especially design for those who want to bring children (of all ages). For adults there will be yoga sessions and a hike on the Saturday. Plus, NEW NEWS! - you can contact Avon Tyrell direct to extend your stay before or after the event
Hosts
Polly Shute
Polly is the Founder of Out & Wild. She has a deep passion for creating new fun, safe and supportive spaces for the queer community and especially LGBTQIA+ women and those who are non-binary.
She runs the festival as well as Pride Swims and Pride Wellness and is a Manifest coach and lead.
Jules Winters
Hi , I am Jules, currently a property manager but previous roles include Montessori nursery nurse, support worker for learning disabilities and carer. Love the outdoors, walking, caming in VW microcamper, and new dog owner of a Jack Russell Nellie, although not sure who owns who at the moment.
Tracy Wilkes
Hi, I’m Tracy (she/her), one of the London leads for Out & Wild, co-founder of Late Bloomers UK supporting people who came out later in life, and admin for Dogs and Dykes. I’m really excited to be supporting Polly with the family camp this year.
I have three children, and something I’ve really felt since I came out is that a lot of queer spaces are centred around adults, so it means a lot to be part of something that makes space for families to just be together and feel included. I’ll have my 17-year-old daughter and my 10-year-old son with me (my eldest is 21 and doing his own thing now), and we’re all really looking forward to being back camping again.
My daughter is studying childcare at college and is naturally brilliant with younger kids, so I have a feeling she’ll end up being adopted by a few little ones over the weekend.
In true Tracy fashion, I realised a bit late that I no longer had access to my ex’s camper from last year… which led to me buying a tent, then realising it wouldn’t fit in my car, and somehow ending up with a VW Caddy so I can transport everything and have a little escape pod when needed
Alongside this, I’m really passionate about creating spaces that feel genuinely safe, inclusive, and easy to be in — especially for those who might feel a bit overwhelmed or unsure at first. I’m AuDHD, so having a space where people can show up exactly as they are, without pressure, really matters to me.
I’m really looking forward to meeting those of you I haven’t crossed paths with yet and sharing a lovely, relaxed weekend together
Schedule
Arrival is from 2pm on Friday 21st. You will need to be packed up by 11am on Sunday but you can stay on all day and use the facilities. Please note you can contact the venue direct if you would like to pay to extend your stay.
Arrival is from 2pm on the Friday 21st. Our hosts will already be there to meet you and we will set a whatsapp group before hand so iyou can chat with others attending. We will send a map in advance you know where to find us.
Avon Tyrell Woodland pitch
On Friday and Saturday we will have campfires. On Friday we have booked exclusive hire of a large campfire by the lake. On Saturday we will have a campfire by the pitches.
Avon Tyrell Woodland pitch and lake
Accommodations
Camping space no EHU - please note price is per tent not per person
21 - 23 August 2026
Space for a tent for up to 5 people
Camping space no EHU single occupancy - please note price is per tent not per person
21 - 23 August 2026
Subsidised space 1 person only
Van space no EHU - please note price is per van not per person
21 - 23 August 2026
Space for up for up to 5 people (including an awning) foe 2 nights
Van space with EHU - please note price is per van not per person
21 - 23 August 2026
Space for up for up to 5 people (including an awning)
Twin room -please note price is per room
21 - 23 August 2026
Twin room with access to shared bathroom and a large living space (with cooking facilities)
Extra camp bed for twin room
21 - 23 August 2026
Twin room - sharing (you will be with one other person)
21 - 23 August 2026
Twin room with access to shared bathroom and a large living space (with cooking facilities)
Saturday Day Ticket adult (no accommodation)
21 - 23 August 2026
Join us from 10am to 10pm
Saturday Day Ticket child (no accommodation)
21 - 23 August 2026
Join us from 10am to 10pm
Gallery
Venue
A unique heritage and beautiful site feature a range of accommodation options, including a Grade I listed calendar house, lodges and camping areas.
Avon Tyrell centre is well equipped to accommodate groups ranging in size.
- On site outdoor adventure activities
- Beautiful lake for fishing
- Multiple facility blocks with accessible changing
- Café Explore with FREE Wi-Fi (Select opening hours)
- Reception and Shop
- Outdoor Dining/Communal Fire Pits
- Sports Court for Football, basketball, netball and more.
- Range of self guided activities including; table tennis, bouldering wall, play areas and frisbee golf.
- Bike fleet for hire and on site bike tracks (red route and blue route)
Build confidence, increase motivation, and encourage self and group development.
Trip Tips
Bring camping chairs - they will be fab round the fire pits. We will bring a few spares
Its a good idea to bring chairs and a table. But there will be some wooden benches you can use
Book your activities early - you can book here https://bookings.avontyrrell.org.uk/
FAQs
The price is per pitch or room, it covers up to 5 people in a tent or a van and up to 3 people in a room. Please note rooms come with twin beds but a campbed is available if required. Just let us know
There are no real restrictions to tent sizes, but please stick to six person tents. And yes you can bring an awning/add on tent for your van.
Yes. But please contact us if you have specific queries. These are the details from the site HERE
Yes, all are welcome, but please bear in mind a lot of the activities will be designed for families.
Yes for camping or vans but not for the accommodation. Dogs must be kept on leads.
You can arrive from 2pm on the Friday. You do need to have packed up by 11am on Sunday but can still stay on site and enjoy the activities. Your hosts will be there until 3pm on the Sunday. If the weather is good we will organise a picnic lunch.
Yes! If you would just like to join us and not stay on site. You can pay for adult and child day tickets on the Saturday. You do need to leave the site by 10pm.
We do not issue refunds unless the event is cancelled but you can resell your ticket
