Whether you’re looking for something small and intimate, a free party, or you want to see big names in a safe, secure environment, you’ll find your perfect experience here says Kate Hodges. Get that tent packed, put on your best floppy hat and let’s go!
If You Want an Event Geared Towards Families
Trill On The Hill - East Devon, 26-31 July
Family Camp on the Jurassic Coast is the perfect escape from everyday life. Join up to 10 families for a special wild camping experience in rural East Devon. Cook on a campfire, gaze at the stars, run wild through the woods, track creatures of the night, make music, whittle, weave, wallow. Hosted by the founder of Neal’s Yard Remedies, this is a wild camp – there’s cold running water, compost loos and some ingenious hot bucket showers! You’ll prepare your own meals and share a communal feast on the last night.
Camp Bestival - Lulworth Castle, 31 July-3 August
Designed by families especially for families, Camp Bestival combines all the fun of a fantastic family camping holiday with action-packed festival adventure. Activities include making huge dens in Tinkertown, bread making, workshops that will introduce you to new skills including printing and sashiko, and fields upon fields of rides, circus acts and sports. Music is stellar, with shows from Tom Jones, Basement Jaxx, Sugababes and Mr Tumble.
Wildwise Family Camp - South Devon, 1-6 August
Choose from a menu of immersive activity that will take your connection to the natural world to a whole new level. More of a holiday than a festival, this is about building community, forming new friendships and learning new skills. There’ll be scavenger hunts and green woodworking, nocturnal games, den-making and stories around the campfire. All main meals included.
Gloworm Festival - Thoresby Park Nottinghamshire, 8-10 August
This festival has been especially created for grown ups and their little people aged up to 13 years old. It’s high-energy, silly and lots of fun. Now in its 9th year expect workshops and classes, lots of tribute bands, forest schools and medieval camps, wrestling workshops, over-sized arcade games and drumming.
On The Hill Summer Family Camp - Oxen Park Farm, South Devon, 13-18 August
Now in their fifth year, these camps are held by a warm and creative hosting team, with diverse facilitators, and many families return every year. Each day starts with a morning circle followed by workshops in rural crafts, gardening and cooking, clay play, firebuilding, drumming, singing, yoga and treasure hunts. There’s also plenty of down time for reading a book by the wildlife ponds, swinging in the hammock or wandering up the hill at sunset. And a wood fired hot tub built by young people!
Camp Kindling - Sevenoaks, Kent, 15-18 August
This event brings together adventure with a full festival experience in a truly magical setting; a forest full of tall, breathtaking trees. Choose from more than 100 activities by day, from hot air ballooning to axe skills and over 50 live bands, DJs, comedians and stories by night including Dick and Dom and The Cuban Brothers.
Greenbelt Festival - Boughton House, Nr. Kettering, 21-24 August
The theme at Greenbelt this year is Hope in the Making; a vibrant blend of music, arts, activism, and spirituality. The lineup features a diverse array of performers, including Adjoa Andoh, Brian Eno, Jordan Stephens and Kate Rusby.
Families are at the heart of Greenbelt, with heaps of activities designed for children and young people. The festival boasts dedicated spaces like the Make & Create venue for arts and crafts, TaDah! for all-age performances, and The Lawn for outdoor games such as ultimate frisbee and Quidditch. Younger children can enjoy the Play Tent, filled with toys and ride-ons, while older kids can participate in the Late Night Village, offering evening entertainment. Go for the eclectic music lineup and extensive family-friendly offerings.
Summer Camp - Hawarden Estate, North East Wales, throughout the summer
This is a series of intimate, luxurious events - an opportunity to reconnect with the outdoors whilst staying in one of the most beautiful places in the country. Each weekend is themed; family, wellness, and craft, while a guest chef will host a feast cooked over fire, while there’s a chance to learn new skills; robot building, floristry, collage, mending or kayaking.
If You Want to Find Your Folk
Folk In A Field - Nr. Swaffham, Norfolk 3-6 July
Set in a remote woodland clearing, for ten years, Folk in a Field has brought together a diverse mix of folk and roots. This laid-back family friendly festival is headlined by 3 Daft Monkeys and Gaz Brookfield and the Company of Thieves, while for kids there’s an open mic stage, mud kitchen, circus workshops, clay play and Hercules, the giant rocking horse.
Into the Valley - Bromyard, 19 July
Formerly Nozstock, this down-scaled event is smaller, but perfectly formed. Now in its 27th year, and for one night only, come to hear ska, folk, drum n’ bass and classic roots and scrub-a-dub. No huge names, just lots of like-minded people.
Folk By The Oak - Hatfield Park 20 July
This vibrant, family-friendly day of folk, roots, and acoustic music boasts a stellar lineup, including Bear’s Den, Kate Rusby, Fisherman’s Friends, and Orchestra Baobab on the Main Stage, while the Acorn Stage features rising talents like Project Smok and the London Youth Folk Ensemble. Families will find plenty to enjoy beyond the music. There’s circus skills, storytelling, singing workshops, climbing walls, archery, and fairy dancing. Many of these activities are free of charge. Additionally, the festival encourages attendees to bring their own picnics, and a variety of food stalls will be available, offering everything from world street food to traditional festival treats.
Stainsby Festival - Stainsby, North Yorks 18-20 July
This not-for-profit event has, since the 1960s, been run entirely by unpaid volunteers and is all about live music and performance, featuring mainly folk and world - and no recorded - music; this year Kangaroo Moon and Keith Donnelly and Lauren South are playing. Situated on a lush, green site with views out to the National Trust's Hardwick Hall, the site returns to pasture after the festival.
Green Gathering - Chepstow 31 July-3 August
Powered by wind, sun and people this original off-grid festival brings an eclectic array of artists to the stage; this year Billy Bragg, Beans on Toast and Martha Tilston top the bill. There’s also crafts, campaigns, permaculture, kids' area, green markets and more. The large, central Children’s Garden has shady trees and grassy lawns to run around in, surrounded by tents packed with activities and kids' hang-outs. The Teens Space has circus skills, crafts, music and games.
Harlequin Fayre - West Norfolk 1-3 August
Expect space, woodlands and calm with a fun, safe and thoughtfully designed children’s field powered by sun and people. Try cacaopowered ecstatic dance, bring your own instrument to Scrap Racketeers and lounge in the Red Tent. Or you might discover the world’s smallest natural history museum, woodland play sessions or the medieval village.
The Magpie’s Festival - Sutton Park, 8-9 August
Run by Yorkshire-based allfemale folk band, The Magpies, the local community is central to the festival's ethos. The super-relaxed festival focuses gender equality in the music industry, achieving gender parity in both line-up and staff, as well as providing a safe and comfortable environment for female musicians and festival goers and a gentle introduction to folk for younger festival-goers.
Rainbow Camp - Forest of Dean, 15-25 August
This is an eclectic, joyous gathering which is all about living in community. A place to make life-long friends, where children can run free, festivalgoers camp in circles and you can take part in workshops, music, dancing, yoga and ritual. There’s nightly campfires and star gazing, plus woodfired showers and sauna. Don’t miss the central fire circle on the final evening, led by Senegalese master drummers.
Small World Summer Festival - Headcorn Kent, 21-25 August
This weeny festival is powered by the wind and sun and is all about creative spirit and sustainable living. The kids’ area on the village green brings music, dressing up, science and craft workshops, while teens can hone their circus skills and take part in a fire show. There’s a speaker’s forum and campaign space, veggie food and herbal first aid.
Found Festival Claydon Estate, Nr Buckingham 22-24 August
A place to discover Americana, folk, country, world and roots music, the first Found will be held in this relaxed space on a picturesque country estate. See Elles Bailey and Talisk on the main stage, dance, learn heritage crafts or join the festival choir.
Shrewsbury Folk Festival 22-25 August
An event that’s really geared up to festival goers of all ages, with a powerhouse line-up including Judy Tzuke, Martha Wainwright, The Levellers and the last ever festival performance by the Oysterband! For children up to 11 years old, Pandemonium brings music, dance, crafts, storytelling, drama and lots more fun, while at Refolkus, 11-20 years olds can get creative through music, dance, circus skills, henna tattooing and more.
If You Want to Learn Something New
Also Festival - Warwickshire, 11-13 July
Also is where ideas run wild, and this year, the theme is the very juicy ‘love and horror’. Chat with Miranda Sawyer, Robin Ince and Gina Rippon, celebrate cheese with Emma Young, take a lantern-lit soundbath or recalibrate your senses with Juliet Russell’s Heart Songs. By night… dance, dance, dance.
Between The Trees - Merthyr Mawr National Nature Reserve, South Wales, 22-25 August
The festival began as a vision shared by two passionate educators - Dr. Andrew Thomas and Dawn Wood. They wanted to create an event that would reignite curiosity and foster a love of learning through hands on, creative experiences rooted in nature.
Now in its 8th year, the festival is a unique blend of nature, science, art, dance, and music. Held in a breathtaking 100acre forest nestled between two ancient castles this is a micro-festival, offering an intimate, community-focused atmosphere. No long lines, no overcrowding, just space to breathe, connect, and enjoy yourselves.
The theme this year is Tradition. Wales (Cymru), a land rich in folklore and myth, provides the perfect backdrop to explore ancient stories through spoken word, dance, and song. For families, Sylvania is the heart of the festival—a vibrant woodland space offering forest school sessions, dance workshops by Ballet Cymru, hula hooping, puppetry, theatre, and mime.
If You Believe In Magic
3 Wishes Fairy Festival - Glastonbury, 1-3 August
Close your eyes, wish very hard, and you might see a real-life faerie or three at this gathering of the Celtic clans. The Fairy School opens every day; make wands, watch circus acts, paint and take part in full-power cacao ceremonies. In the evening, there are magical shows and drum circles in the Big Top. This is a plant-based festival – all food is vegetarian and vegan.
New Forest Fairy Festival - New Forest, 9-10 August
Meet real fairies, including The Tooth Fairy, the Unicorn Queen and the Mermaid Singing Siren, and enjoy theatre and puppet shows, potion and wand making, mediumship, tarot and sound baths. Plus, excellently, Hello Dolly, a Dolly Parton tribute show!
If You Love Crafts and Traditional Skills
Summer Solstice Bushcraft Weekend - Peak District, 21–22 June
An immersive weekend course covering core survival skills, such as fire-lighting, shelter-building, and navigation. While primarily aimed at adults, supervised older children are welcome to participate.
Wilderness Gathering - Hole Park, Rolvenden, Kent, 14-17 July
A unique UK festival that celebrates bushcraft, survival skills, and outdoor living. Set in a beautiful natural location, it brings together families, experts, and nature lovers for hands-on workshops, traditional crafts, wild food, and a deep connection to the land.
Woodland Festival - Thoresby Park Estate, 26-27 July
This is the 11th year of forestry fun in the beautiful grounds of the Walled Garden, in the heart of Robin Hood country. Expect a celebration of woodlands and traditional crafts, with kids eco art, coracle building, tree stories and – if you’re brave enough – a chance to meet the Wild Man of The Woods.
Growing Wild Family Festival - Dewslake Farm Campsite, Pembrokeshire, 30 August
A family-oriented festival celebrating nature with workshops on bushcraft, crafts, yoga, and music. Activities include flower crown making, beeswax wrap crafting, and drumming sessions, all set in the great outdoors.
A Weekend in the Woods - Stanford Hall Estate, Leicestershire, 11–12 October
Organized by Bushcraft Magazine, this event offers a unique opportunity to learn from renowned survival expert Ray Mears. The weekend includes workshops on bushcraft skills, nature walks, and a communal meal, all set within the estate's ancient woodlands.
If You Love Storytelling
Festival At The Edge - Hopton Court, Kidderminster, 18-20 July
The oldest storytelling festival in the UK, Festival at the Edge brings you the very best in traditional, and contemporary storytelling from the British Isles and around the globe. Expect interactive kids sessions, virtuoso tall tales, intimate fireside sharing and lots of laughter and tears. And, of course, plenty of opportunities to learn how to share your own stories, laughter yoga and tai chi, live music, dance artists and morris troops.
Oxford Storytelling Festival - Waterperry House and Gardens, 5-7 September
oxfordstorytellingfestival.co.uk
This intimate and inclusive weekend festival is about weaving magic with stories, spoken word, poetry and song, and is a true feast for the senses. A grand tipi, pitched in the graceful gardens of Waterperry house, takes centre stage, filled with stories and magic, musicians with songs collected over the ages, plus an open mic and areas for young people to explore and perform.
If You Love Food!
Garlic Festival - Isle of Wight, 16-17 August
Chop chop! Time to get to this bite-sized party that celebrates all things pungently savoury. See star chefs using the versatile ingredient in the most creative of fashions, enjoy live music, dog shows and learn how to make the perfect garlic bread. Plus hail the Garlic Queen! As they say, ‘eat, drink, STINK!’
The Big Feastival - Cotswolds, 22-24 August
Taking place on Alex James' idyllic Cotswolds farm, Big Feastival brings together music from the UK’s biggest artists (this year Faithless, Travis and Sophie-Ellis Bextor all take to the stage), Michelin star chefs, awardwinning street food, great live comedy and family activities that include hip hop karaoke, wild play, talent shows and appearances from Justin Fletcher and Hey Duggee!
If You Want To Heal And Refresh
Buddhafield Festival - Nr. Taunton 16-20 July
A joyful gathering of people who come together to celebrate community, meditate and connect with the land. Sing, dance, join in with your instrument or voice, heal and play, all without alcoholic drinks or recreational drugs. There are workshops, Buddhist study sessions, storytelling and rituals, and the event is open and inclusive for everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs. The theme for 2025 is Uncovering the Jewel.
Sun And Moon Wellness Festival - Wolverstone, Suffolk 28 July-4 August
A whole week of activities and courses for adults and children. For kids, there’s a forest school, swimming, football, ecstatic dance sessions, family nature exploration and rounders games. Creative classes include sound adventures, den building, qigong and graffiti workshops. Adults can explore trauma relief and breath work workshops or dance at soulshine sessions.
Soul Revolution - Weston Park, Staffordshire, 7-11 August
A transformational, alcohol-free gathering where holistic health, world music, and community come together to create a life-changing experience. The incredibly family-friendly, safe, and accepting party takes place in beautiful countryside; with music and mediation, ceremonies and yoga plus new ways to connect with nature.
Tribal Earth - Laughton, Sussex, 14-17 August
Tribal Earth is a safe and friendly festival in a beautiful setting overlooking the South Downs. Join workshops, drum circles, yoga and meditation classes, and enjoy live music and fire shows. Profits from the events are donated to The Clock Tower Sanctuary supporting homeless young people in Brighton and Hove.
Into The Wild - Chiddinglye Estate, Sussex, 21-25 August
Make friends for life, learn new skills, relax and be yourself with the whole family. Surrounded by meadows, forests and dark skies there are over 200 workshops and activities, brilliant world music, wild crafts, talks from nature writers and a wholesome kids area, all geared around connecting with the wild world.
Verve - Tisbury, Wilts, 13-14 Sept
Dubbed, the ‘Woodstock of wellness” this festival offers 5 arenas of breathwork, meditation, yoga, drumming and fitness classes plus expert talks on everything from sober curiosity to sustainable eating. Experience gong baths, yoga, menopause chats and shamanic healing or unwind with a facial or restorative massage in the Woodland Spa.
If You Want to Be Active
Love Trails Festival - South Wales, 10-13 July
Is running your thing? Love hiking? Join thousands of others for an four-day celebration of movement, music and outdoor adventure on the wild coast of South Wales. Spend your days hoofing around some of the most glorious scenery in the UK, then dance under the stars.
Dance Camp East - Nr Southwold, 19-27 July
This is a place where you can express yourself freely, and explore the joy of coming together with a community to dance. Start the morning with energetic exercise, relax at a gong bath, shake a leg at an evening disco, learn Latin, or try chakra dancing or tree hugging. We guarantee you’ll come away bright-eyed and energised! Kids can try out trampolining, stilt walking, play games of volleyball or join the community band.
World Yoga Festival - Henley On Thames, 31 July-3 August
Founded in 2016, World Yoga Festival brings together the most revered and diverse collection of teachers every year. Somewhere between retreat and festival, you’ll find ample time to relax as well as practice many forms of yoga, make your own T-shirts, listen to inspiring live music, do drumming workshops and make South Indian floor art as well as much more.
If You Love Music and Want Bigger Names
Glastonbury Festival - Somerset, 25-29 June
The Granddaddy of festivals! This year's festival boasts an impressive lineup, with headliners including The 1975, Neil Young, and Olivia Rodrigo. Over 3,000 performances across multiple stages, offering a diverse array of music, arts, and cultural experiences. As 2026 is designated as a fallow year to allow the land to recover, this edition of Glastonbury promises to be a particularly memorable event
Love Supreme - Glynde Place, Sussex, 4-6 July
The Love Supreme Jazz Festival is the largest outdoor jazz festival in Europe. Held over three days on the first weekend of July, Love Supreme hosts a world-class line up of jazz, R&B, funk, soul and more in the stunning grounds of Glynde Place. This year Jacob Collier, Maxwell, En Vogue and Smokey Robinson are playing.
Latitude - Henham Park, Suffolk, 24-27 July
One of the biggies, Latitude has always prided itself on its varied arts programming. Headlining the main stage this year are Sting, Basement Jaxx, Fatboy Slim and Snow Patrol. But the line-ups on the theatre stages, comedy, a podcasts and conversations tent are just as juicy; see Bridget Christie, Greg Davies, Mark Thomas and Bryony Kimmings’ Bog Witch. The Kids Area has a packed programme, more like a festival within a festival, while The Enchanted Garden is more chilled out, with activities including face-painting and archery. Camp Greenpeace offers nature-focused action and adventure, ushering families into a world of action and adventure amongst the trees. Best of all, all activities are free.
Deer Shed Festival - Baldersby Park, N. Yorks, 25-28 July
There are no kids areas as such at Deer Shed. The whole site is accessible to everyone and designed to invoke wonder; this is a thoughtful, gentler festival. This year, run wild in the Nerf Gun Arena, take an ice bath, or settle down at the cleverly curated literary tent with Stuart Murdoch and Adelle Stripe. This year headliners include Idlewild, The Big Moon and Kae Tempest.
Kendal Calling - Nr. Penrith, Cumbria 31 July-3 August
Brash, colourful and very, very fun, this is a full-on party packed with well-chosen names. On the main stage Fatboy Slip, The Prodigy, Travis and Kaiser Chiefs hold court, with big-hitters all the way down the bill. The kids’ area features activities for children of all ages, including yoga, theatre shows, inflatables, circus workshops face painting and more, or hang out with Charlatans icon Tim Burgess and unbilled musical friends at his Tim Peaks Diner.
Y Not Festival - Derbyshire, 31 July-3 August
This promises to be an epic weekend away for families with headliners including Madness, The Last Dinner Party and Franz Ferdinand. Not only is it a chance for the whole family to catch some artfully chosen music acts, there’s plenty on offer in the daytime. The Circus brings a cast of talented performers ready to dazzle with their brilliant bendy acrobatic skills while Go Wild is the new adventure area with laser tag, archery and ‘axe’ throwing (wahoo!)
Boomtown - Matterley Estate, Hants, 6-10 August
The aim at Boomtown is that people of all backgrounds, beliefs, ages, gender identities, sexual orientations, abilities and races come together to share in the delight and playfulness of this huge festival. This is like an enormous parallel world where unique city districts come alive. With 12 main stages, over 50 hidden venues, thousands of performers, Boomtown is a place like no other. Headliners include the Sex Pistols, Sean Paul and Rudimental, but there’s always a slew of last-minute surprises.
Devafest - Cholmondeley Castle, Cheshire, 7-10 August
This year crowd-pleasing headliners include Gloria Gaynor, Happy Mondays and Dick and Dom, and the main stage is inside a huge big top, so you can enjoy them whatever the weather. There’s free fairground rides, on site watersports and water slides, circus shows and parades.
Green Man - Bannau Brycheiniog, 14-17 August
One for the serious music heads; from Wet Leg through Underworld to Kneecap and Yard Act there’s plenty to get excited about. Green Man are really good at championing new music – check out the Rising stage. Little Folk caters for the tiniest of tots all the way through to the most intrepid 12-year-olds. It’s bursting with workshops, music and mischief. In the teen area there’s DJ workshops, fire shows, filmmaking fun and more. And all among the most gorgeous Welsh mountains. A settler’s pass will allow you to experience the community experience for a full week.
Beautiful Days - Escot Park, Devon, 16-18 August
Beautiful Days is the Levellers’ family music festival and this year brings The Sex Pistols, Frank Turner, John Grant and, of course, The Levellers to the stage. Proudly independent, with gallons of community spirit, Beautiful Days has no sponsorship. There’s a huge children’s area, walkabout theatre, family camping and Kanga Wellbeing with a range of therapies and classes.
Hardwick Festival - Stockton on Tees, 15-18 August
This is a Big Pop party! Headliners Scissor Sisters, Pet Shop Boys and Olly Murs, while there’s a healthy line-up of dance DJs including Jeremy Healy, Brandon Block and Horse Meat Disco. And there’s plenty of space for kids in the Kaos & Euphoria kids area and magic show tent.
Stowaway Festival - Buckingham, 15-17 August
Stowaway is for dancers whose minds are as active as their feet. As well as sets from Fabio & Grooverider, Derrick Carter and The Wailers, and floor-fillers right to the lower reachers of the bill, there are bushcraft workshops, lake swimming, swap shops, banquets, tree climbing and a roller disco.
Shambala - Northamptonshire 21-24 August
Fiercely independent, with no sponsors, Shambala is also ethically cool; this is a meat-and-fish-and-plastic free event, as well as being renewably powered. It pulls off the trick of being family friendly, with one of the best family fields in the country - yet also a proper party. This year, expect mind-blowing sets from Digable Planets, Asian Dub Foundation and Queen Omega and The Royal Souls.
End of the Road Festival - Blandford Forum, Dorset 29 Aug – 1 Sept
This last-gasp-of-summer festival makes the perfect end to the long holidays. They take music seriously, but with a knowing wink. Father John Misty, the wonderful Self Esteem, Sharon Etten and the hilarious Viagra Boys are headlining this year. There’s a forested wonderland, strewn with art installations and woodland workshops and a musical edge to almost everything on site. If you wander past the Piano Stage at the right time, you might stumble on a secret show by your favourite artist.
If You Want Free Entry
So Festival - Skegness 13-14 June, Mablethorpe 15 June
Lincolnshire’s joyous, free international festival of the arts sees the pavements of Skegness and Mablethorpe spring into life. With a particular focus on street theatre, this is a lovely event to wander around, with lots of child-friendly, silly fun on offer.
First Light Festival - Lowestoft, 21-22 June
With inclusivity and sustainability at its heart, and taking place from sunrise on the UK’s most easterly beach at midsummer, First Light this year includes performances from Brian Bilston, Nubiyan Twist and Jackie Kay. And it’s all free!
Leigh Folk Festival, 28-29 June
The UK’s biggest free celebration of folk music returns this year. It has an unrivalled pastoral feeling, and the added bonus of the sea being close at hand – there’s a necklace of venues strung along the waterfront, the wharf and the Library gardens that include pubs, libraries and the sailing club. The musical line-up is always very strong, but there’s also a compelling comedy, theatre and dance roster too. Take a wander around the venues and see what gems you discover.
Riverside Festival - Charlbury, Oxfordshire, 19-20 July
Ridiculously eclectic, this free music festival is the largest in Oxfordshire. Loll in the sun and watch rising local stars as well as well-loved favourites.
Stockton International Riverside Festival, 1-3 August
Spectacular street theatre and circus comes to Stockton-on-Tees every year at the town’s colourful, free outdoor festival. Expect eye-popping spectacle and extraordinary circus feats from world class artists. Saturday’s carnival procession brings rhythms and dance to the streets of the town. Magical stuff that’s worth travelling for.
Festival of Thrift - Billingham, County Durham, 20-21 September
This party makes low-cost living bright and fun. It’s a riot of workshops; make poetic pennants, hedgerow tea or hand salve, dance at a ceilidh, or join a kids hammering and sawing class. Take some unneeded bits to the swap shop, repair a much-loved item at the Fix It Cafe, learn about budgeting and get some make-do-and-mend tips. There’s lots of entertainment, art, storytelling and wild fun on offer too. Entry free, park and ride for a couple of pounds.
