Camp Bestival, held in the grounds of Lulworth Castle in Dorset, has evolved to accommodate families, offering a blend of music, activities, and amenities designed for both children and adults. Initially, the prospect of attending a festival with young children seemed daunting to many parents, recalling past experiences with challenging logistics and a lack of child-centric facilities.
Activities for Children
The festival provides a wide array of activities catering to younger attendees. Children can engage in hands-on workshops, such as slime-making, and enjoy performances on dedicated stages like the CBeebies area. The Navigation Town section offers theatrical outdoor performances, including acrobatics, slapstick, and puppetry, which can captivate young audiences for extended periods. For a quieter experience, Dingly Dell provides a woodland refuge with a tree-canopied playground, allowing children to expend energy while adults can rest.
Wellness and Relaxation
Recognizing that the main arena can be overwhelming, Camp Bestival introduced Slomo, a wellness sanctuary. This area offers a retreat with amenities like saunas, hot tubs, a cold plunge pool, and herbal tea, providing a space for attendees to reset. While designed for relaxation, the space can accommodate children, offering a calm period for families.
Musical Lineup and Entertainment
The festival features headline music acts comparable to adult-focused festivals, with past performers including Self Esteem, Bastille, and Fatboy Slim. Alongside major artists, there are also performances from children's entertainers like Mr Tumble and Dick & Dom. This mix ensures a diverse entertainment offering for all ages.
Logistics and Planning
Successful attendance at Camp Bestival requires tactical planning, including downloading the festival app beforehand. Accommodation options range from general camping to campervans and caravans. The Backstage Camping area offers enhanced facilities but comes at a higher cost. Food options are extensive, though prices can add up, suggesting strategies like sharing meals and packing snacks. Paid activities, such as fairground rides, are available, and setting ground rules for these in advance can help manage budgets.
A Renewed Festival Experience
Camp Bestival aims to demonstrate that festival life is not over for parents. While some may miss aspects of child-free festivals, the experience of attending with children can offer a different, potentially more magical, dimension. Camp Bestival 2027 Early Bird Weekend tickets are scheduled to go on sale on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 10 a.m.
