Our Top Ten UK Family Favourite Festivals
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
From Eastnor Deer Park to your own little garden of delights at this quaint Herefordshire Cottage_________________________________
2. The Big Feastival for Little Beasties
August Family Fun in The CotswoldsWhen: 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
If Shambala followed by bedtime stories in a country cottage = Utopia, then this is it!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
Entering The Lazy Glades at Elderflower FieldsWhen: 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
Sleep like a Log at Big and Comfortable Stable Cottage After a Day in Elderflowers Fields_________________________________
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
Chill out in your private hot tub after a day at Valley Fest. Sleeps 4
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Wish You Where Here?
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
Get together with another family in this large seaside holiday cottage with all the sea views you could wish for. Sleeps 11_________________________________
7. Curious Arts Festival
Whatever it is...they are all smiling!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
Inglewood - A Coastal Cottage in Hampshire. Curiously handy!_________________________________
8. Y Not Festival
When the family have reached an age when there's a crossover in musical tastes - Y Not go?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.
Y Not book Robertswood House for a dual family weekend at the Festival?
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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
Come back to earth - but not with a bump at the comfortable Stable Cottage in Sussex_________________________________
10. Blue Dot
See the Stars - Reach for the Stars at Blue Dot in CheshireWhen: 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
Between Cheshire and the North Wales Coast - spend a day at Blue Dot and another on the Beach recuperating.