As more families swap passport stamps for homegrown adventures, Camp Bestival is right on cue with the kind of summer staycation that ticks all the boxes: music, mayhem, muddy knees (optional), and magical memories.
Returning to the stunning grounds of Lulworth Castle, Dorset from 31st July to 3rd August 2025, the festival has just dropped its early bird day tickets, and if you’re even slightly festival-curious, it’s worth taking a look.
Why Camp Bestival?
There’s something about Camp Bestival that sets it apart from the usual weekenders. Maybe it’s the sea air. Maybe it’s the wild mix of activities. Maybe it’s the fact you can see Sir Tom Jones, Sugababes, and Basement Jaxx one minute… and then watch your kids do parkour or learn to bake bread the next.
It’s a rare kind of event that caters just as well to toddlers as it does to teenagers, with enough food, creativity, and unexpected fun to keep parents (and even grandparents) happily involved. Built by a family, for families, you really feel that spirit in the lineup, the atmosphere, and the attention to detail.
New for 2025
This year sees the launch of some great new features, including Tinkertown, where kids can build forts out of recycled wood (very satisfying), and Caravan World, a delightfully oddball space with karaoke, retro arcade games and the world’s smallest solar-powered cinema. There’s also a new focus on family wellbeing, with the launch of the Slomo Wellbeing Festival — a slower-paced, feel-good pocket of breathwork, contrast therapy, and yoga for all ages.
Art Town has had a revamp too, with new hands-on drop-in sessions for everything from mosaic-making to paper fruit sculpture. And if that’s not quite your speed, there’s still circus shows, live theatre, craft corners, pop-up performances, comedy, and the occasional giant inflatable.
Music That Doesn’t Suck
Yes, it’s a family festival, but the lineup isn’t sugar-coated. You’ll find full-scale performances from genuine legends — from Goldie to Annie Mac, Lightning Seeds, The Zutons, and Dawn Penn. There’s also plenty of unexpected gems, like Barrioke (Sean Williamson from EastEnders leading mass karaoke), Daft Funk Live, and a joint DJ set in pyjamas from Rob da Bank and Joe Marler.
And of course, the younger crowd isn’t forgotten — Mr Tumble, Andy & The Odd Socks, Mister Maker, Horrible Histories, and Dick & Dom are all back in action.
Festival Without the Fuss
One of the best things about Camp Bestival? You don’t need to commit to the full weekend. Day tickets are available — starting at £21 for young kids — and there’s a new Family Bundle too. Under-5s go free if you’re camping, and the site is designed to be as accessible and hassle-free as possible. That means fewer queues, clean(ish) toilets, and lots of space to spread out.
If you’ve been thinking about a UK family festival but worrying it’ll be a bit too full-on, Camp Bestival is probably your safest bet. It’s wild, colourful, slightly chaotic — and completely brilliant.