When summer comes, the UK seems to go festival crazy. ACross the country tents, wellies and sleeping bags are thrust into cars, ruc-sacs and the occasional supermarket trolly for a 2-3 night shindig somewhere in the country with thousands of others.
But don't think festivals are all about high-decibal music. There's a growing breed of absolutely wonderful festivals for families with events and activities for parents and children of all ages from the tweenies to teenagers to run alongside the music.
Most festivals have campsites, but if you don't fancy sleeping in a sea of mud if it rains, let alone investing in a car load of camping equipment likely only to get one use, then why not combine your days at a festival with nights in a comfortable holiday cottage with clean loos, hot showers, fridges and Wi-Fi.
Here's our Top Ten Favourite Family Festivals with a suggested nearby holiday cottage in which to stay for the weekend.
1. Sail away to Lakefest
When: Mid August Where: Eastnor Deer Park, Herefordshire
Lakefest’s activities tent promises family friendly fun with pirate themed crafts, yoga for all ages and a place to relax in their chill-out zone whilst the kids are distracted with storytelling. Discover More
Where to stay: The Coach House. Sleeps 4
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2. The Big Feastival for Little Beasties
When: Late August Where: The Cotswolds
Whether you want to brush up your circus skills, treat yourself to a My Little Pony Makeover or explore the ‘Little Dudes’ shopping Village’, The Big Feastival has a whole host of activities waiting for the whole family to enjoy. Discover More
Where to stay:**Yarrow Cottage.Sleeps 4
A little touch of Cotswold bliss to calm you down after each Feastival day.
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3. Shambala
When: Late August Where: Northampton
After a busy day of sandpits, performers and crafts, get ready for bedtime with a cup of cocoa and story-time in the family yurt. This whole funky, utterly creative festival is family friendly with plenty to explore. Discover More
Where to stay:**Stable Cottage . Sleeps 4**
It's a little over the border into Oxfordshire but still within easy reach of Northampton, and it is so lovely, it is hard to resist.
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4. An Early-bird shout out for Elderflower Fields
When: Late May Where: East Sussex
With a line up of activities and performers that always keep the younger ones in mind, this is one of the best family festivals around. With mountain boarding, fairy preservation walks and a big family picnic being just a few items on the schedule, it’s definitely worth checking out what’s on! Discover More
Where to stay: Stable Cottage Sleeps 6
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5. Valley Fest
When: Early August Where: Somerset
Whether it’s having a go at driving the vintage tractors or catching a performance in the theatre tent, this festival doesn’t need a kids area because there’s something for them to enjoy around every corner. Discover More
Where to stay:
Cedar Lodge in Cheddar Sleeps 4
. Sleeps 4
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6. 3 Wishes Fairy Festival
When: Mid June Where: Torpoint, Cornwall
Set your true magical self free at this fairy, unicorn and mermaid themed festival. Full of fancy dress and fairy school activities it promises to be a fun-filled weekend for the whole family. Don’t worry, Pirates are also welcome! Discover More
Where to stay: My View, Cawsand
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7. Curious Arts Festival
When: Late July Where: Hampshire
Film workshops, special performers and bedtime stories are what we’d love to kick our summer holidays off with. Luckily Curious Arts Festival has all this and much more making it a great summer festival for families. Discover More
Where to stay: Inglewood Cottage, New Milton in Hampshire Sleeps 6
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8. Y Not Festival
When: Late July Where: Pikehall, Derbyshire
Just look at that line-up for 2018. From toddlers to teens, everyone’s included here. With free entry for Under 12s, Y Not believes in good music, books and entertainment for all. Join in the sports day or burn your energy off at the disco, this one is not to be missed! Discover More
Where to stay: Robertswood House, Matlock.
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9. Into the Trees
When: Mid September
Where: Ashdown forest, Sussex
From the team behind Elderflower Fields, Into the Trees is a great way for kids to learn how to play, live and interact with the woods. With tree climbing, rope swings and wildlife shows there is plenty to keep them entertained whilst you discover the yummy food tents. Discover More
Where to stay: Stable Holiday Cottage, East Sussex
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10. Blue Dot
When: Late July
Where: Cheshire
Calling all future astronauts! Blue Dot comes with their own family friendly scientists, ready to explore the great unknown with you through talks, games, live experiments. Or take advantage of the fresh air we have here on earth with a picnic and music by the play area. Oh and the likes of The Chemical Brothers and The Flaming Lips line up on the main stage. Discover More
Where to stay: Gwenoldy - Swallows Rest
