Camping's gone cool

Those people planning to take their car abroad on the ferry and go on a camping holiday are indulging in a growing trend, according to industry experts.

A guide book producer says that equipment available today is better than in the past - with reliable tents guaranteeing a dry night's sleep and air mattresses making rest more comfortable.

In addition, more specialist campsites offering services such as the opportunity to stay in tepees or camping pods has brought camping "to a wider audience", said editor of the Cool Camping guide book series Jonathan Knight.

Mr Knight commented: "There's also the fact that people just want to get away from all the madness of a busy, stressful city life. There's all those elements coming together."

He concluded that among certain sectors, camping has always been "cool", however, the "majority" of people are now interested.

European campsites recommended in the Telegraph include areas in Costa Brava, the Cote d'Azur, Normandy and the Loire.