Are you thinking about going to a UK Festival this summer? There are now so many UK festivals to choose from so which one do you pick? From music, arts, comedy, dance, food and drink, there is something for all tastes. Our guide has all the best family-friendly festivals in the UK.
Now is the time to start planning your summer 2024 festival, and we have plenty of the best UK family-friendly festivals to share with you. There are festivals all over the UK, some one or two days, others are longer, so take this into consideration when choosing which festival you want to visit. It’s a great way to spend a summer weekend and kids will be talking about it for years!
TOP TIP: Book as early as you can, the most popular UK festivals book up quickly. Often tickets are released in tiers, and many offer early bird deals, so get in as quickly as you can to save money on tickets.
READ ON: Festival Tips and Hacks
READ ON: The Best Festivals in Somerset 2024
Do keep coming back to this guide as it will be updated regularly. If you do find this guide useful, please share it with your friends and family, and don’t forget to follow Somerset Family Adventures on Instagram and Facebook.
You can take children to many festivals in the UK, most of the larger festivals are family-friendly and have lots of entertainment for children. Child-friendly festivals are brilliant fun for the whole family.
Which festival is best for kids?
We’ve rounded up all the top UK festivals for families, but the best one is purely down to personal choice. All of the festivals we’ve listed below have entertainment for children, some more than others. There are also several factors you will need to take into consideration when choosing which festival to attend with your children:
- How far do you want to travel from your home? Take into consideration where the festival is being held and how long it will take to travel there.
- You will also need to consider how long you want to spend at a festival with your kids, so look at how many days each festival is on for. Some festivals sell day tickets so you wont need to camp; some are 2 days long, while others are held over 3 or 4 days.
- How much money are you prepared to pay? Some festivals are much cheaper than others. We’ve even included a free festival (you only pay for parking).
- Is there a particular band/musician/entertainer you want to see? Every festival has their own line up so compare acts before booking.
UK Festivals 2024: The Best Family-Friendly Festivals
Gone Wild with Bear Grylls Festival 2024, Devon
Where: Powderham Castle, Devon
When: Friday 22nd August – Sunday 24th August 2024
What to expect: This is the UK’s fastest growing family festival with a great mix of music, adventure activities, inspiring speakers, sports activities and survival workshops – it really is an outdoorsy families dream event! This year there’s a trampoline wall walk and an urban parkour and skate area. The goal is to get families spending time together in the outdoors and it is the ultimate family adventure weekend!
Music headliners include Sam Ryder, The Feeling, Ash and Ocean Colour Scene. Inspirational speakers include Bear Grylls and Sir Ranulph Fiennes.
What is there for Kids? Most of the activities are for children, there is so much to keep them entertained. Including climbing, quad biking, science shows, bedtime stories, family disco, children’s talent shows, circus skills, and loads more.
Camp Bestival, Dorset
Where: Lulworth Castle, Dorset
When: Thursday 25th – Sunday 28th July 2024
What to expect: Pete Tong, Paloma Faith, James Arthur and McFly have been announced as headliners at this year’s Camp Bestival Dorset. Other acts include Orbital, The Darkness, Jake Shears, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor.
This year’s theme for the four-day, family-friendly festival is Intergalactic, Aliens and Space.
What is there for Kids? This festival is designed by families especially for families, with lots going on, including craft activities, discos, workshops, face painting, hair braiding, soft play, theatre, wall climbing, vintage fairground rides, a fireworks display, and so much more.
Timber Festival, Feanedock, Derbyshire
Where: Hanging Hill Farm, Rawdon Road, Moira, Swadlincote, DE12 6DH
When: Friday 5th – Sunday 7th July 2024
What to expect: The festival has a chilled vibe and takes place in The National Forest in Derbyshire. It’s a celebration and exploration of the forest, and how the trees and forests have an impact our lives. Timber festival is an eclectic mix of music, art and nature, sustainability talks, poetry, craft, workshops, star gazing and campfire fun.
What is there for Kids? Timberplay are back this year bringing their award-winning play structures to the festival. There is also the enchanted woodland, woodland library, campfire stories, workshops and plenty more to keep the kids entertained all weekend.
Wychwood Festival 2024, Cheltenham
Where: Cheltenham Racecourse, Prestbury Park, Cheltenham, GL50 4SH
When: Friday 31st May – Sunday 2nd June 2024
What to expect: Headliners, Texas and Ocean Colour Scene, perform alongside other acts such as The Lightning Seeds, Seasick Steve, The Stereo MC’s and The Feeling. There is also an extensive line-up of dance, comedy and the arts. Over 100 acts perform across four stages.
What is there for Kids? There are circus performers and workshops, street theatre, a special toddler’s area, a Children’s Literature Festival with story telling shows, children’s authors and illustrators, and fun arts and craft activities.
The Big Retreat Festival 2024, Pembrokshire
Where: Lawrenny, Pembroke, SA68 0PW
When: Friday 24th – Monday 27th May 2024
What to expect: Set on the coast in the stunning Pembrokeshire National Park, The Big Retreat is one of the top wellbeing and adventure festivals, featuring an incredible line up of local and International music. Headline Acts include Lucy Spraggan, The Feeling, and Pussycat Dolls star Kimberley Wyatt. There’s also a wide selection of wellbeing activities mixed up with some art, live music, meditation workshops, flow yoga, wild swimming, and healthy food.
What is there for Kids? There’s loads of inspirational, creative and fun learning activities for all the family. These include nature exploration, bug hunts, bushcraft workshops and foraging; sports such as football, volleyball or a family workout with Mr Motivator; performances and workshops in cheerleading, music and puppet theatre. There’s also yoga and mindfulness, arts and crafts, plus plenty more.
Latitude Festival 2024, Suffolk
Where: Henham Park, Suffolk, NR34 8AQ
When: Thursday 25th to Sunday 28th July 2024
What to expect: A pop festival with headliners Kasabian, Keane and Duran Duran, alongside other acts Rag n’ Bone Man, Nile Rogers and Chic, The Vaccines, Rick Astley and gazillions more. A comedy arena featuring names such as Jo Brand, Sarah Pascoe and Judi Love.
With so many family-friendly activities for both children and parents at Latitude, spread across four exciting areas it’s no wonder Latitude won Best Family Festival at the UK Festival Awards.
Pack your swimming costume for a swim in the lake! Take a refreshing dip in the picturesque lake.
What is there for Kids? The kids have an area of their own, a kids festival within a festival! With a sensational programme of music, crafts, comedy, theatre, bushcraft and so much more running non-stop from 10am until 6pm, the kids will be kept busy! Even the inbetweener Teens have their own area in a woodland location. Activities here include face and body art, fashion and craft projects, music, art and technology workshops. They even have their own Inbetweeners Teen Stage.
Hardwick Festival 2024
Where: Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield, Co. Durham, TS21 2EH
When: Friday 16th – Sunday 18th August 2024
What to expect: The biggest music festival in the North-East UK with a great family-friendly atmosphere. Spread over 6 stages, the 10th anniversary edition will include headline acts from some big names including Richard Ashcroft, Snow Patrol, Becky Hill and The Charlatans. Plus DJ sets from Brandon Block, Graham Hill and Jeremy Healy to name a few.
What is there for Kids? There’s a children’s arena with child-friendly entertainment, including magic shows, Punch and Judy, walk-about acts, ventriloquists, drop-in workshops, a fun fair and variety shows.
Cambridge Folk Festival 2024
Where: Cherry Hinton Hall Park, Cambridge, CB1 8DW
When: Thursday 25th to Sunday 28th July 2024
What to expect: Cambridge Folk Festival is one of the longest running and most famous folk festivals in the world, beginning in 1964. Last year saw the festival achieve the greener festival outstanding certification for sustainability and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Headliners include Robert Plant and many are still TBA.
What is there for Kids? The kids have their own festival area and dedicated children’s activities at Coldhams Common, this includes music and dance workshops, storytelling, face-painting, instrument making, painting and a procession. Our kids loved the music workshops here every morning.
On the main site there’s a playground and large paddling pool, crèche and organised children’s area, a children’s concert, a kid’s ceilidh, children’s games, storytelling plus music and dance workshops.
Gone Wild Festival with Bear Grylls, 2024, Norfolk
Where: Holkham Hall, Holkham Road, Wells-next-the-sea, Norfolk, NR23 1AB
When: Thursday 8th – Sunday 11th August 2024
What to expect: Headlining are Example, Sam Ryder and McFly, alongside other acts such as Scouting for Girls and Reef. There’s water-based activities, off-road adventures, inspiring people and talks, relaxation and wellness and lots more.
What is there for Kids? There is so much entertainment aimed at kids, including sporty workshops, disco activities such as roller skating, dance classes and party nights, fire making workshops, science lab adventures, bedtime story sessions, mini quad biking, table tennis and much much more.
Camp Bestival, Shropshire 2024
Where: Weston Park, Weston-under-Lizard, Shifnal, Shropshire, TF11 8LE
When: Thursday 15th – Sunday 18th August 2024
What to expect: Headlining are Faithless, Paloma Faith and McFly, alongside other acts such as Level 42, Rick Astley, Orbital and The Darkness. There’s stand up comedy, sports, yoga, arts and craft.
What is there for Kids? What isn’t there for kids?! There is so much entertainment aimed at kids, from skateboard ramps and lessons, to roller rink dance classes, a sensory garden, soft play, arts and crafts, circus, water sports and theatre. There’s big names like Mr Tumble, Mr Maker and Horrible Histories which the little ‘uns will love.
Isle of Wight Festival 2024
Where: Seaclose Park, Fairlee Road, Newport, PO30 2EL
When: Thursday 20th June to Sunday 23rd June 2024
What to expect: Headliners this year are The Prodigy, Green Day and The Pet Shop Boys. Plus The Streets, Keene, Jessie J and Simple Minds are joining them.
What is there for Kids? The KidZone offers loads of family-friendly acts involving comedians, magicians, a puppet theatre and so much more. There’s also a craft tent, where kids can get involved in making badges, costume making and clay modelling.
Kendal Calling 2024
Where: Lowther Deer Park, Hackthorpe (nr Penrith), Cumbria, CA10 2HT
When: Thursday 1st August to Sunday 4th of August 2024
What to expect: FIVE headliners Paolo Nutini, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, The Streets, Paul Heaton with Rianne Downey, Keane and Sugababes.
What is there for Kids? Kids Calling is a dedicated kids area with everything from yoga, theatre shows, inflatables, circus workshops face painting and a mothers and babies tent. Plus The Picturehouse cinema will be showing films and watch some family-friendly shows in The Soapbox tent.
Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2024
Where: Ashton Court Estate, Long Ashton, Nr. Bristol, BS41 9JN
When: Thursday 8th August to Sunday 11th August 2024
What to expect: In its 45th year, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is now Europe’s largest FREE annual hot air balloon festival. Today, the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta attracts over 100 hot air balloons and is witnessed by half a million followers over the four days of the event.
The Fiesta features twice daily mass ascents, with balloons taking off from a dedicated arena at the centre of Ashton Court Estate. Morning hot air balloon lifts start early at 6am and they are the most magical part of the fiesta.
The beautiful and iconic Night Glows take place on Thursday and Saturday nights, as soon as the balloon teams arrive back from the evening ascent. At 9pm a collection of up to 25 balloons tether and light up in time to music provided by BBC Radio Bristol.
Other daytime entertainment includes parachute display teams, model planes aviation stunts, fair ground rides and stalls, food and drink outlets.
What is there for Kids? The Fiesta is jam-packed with activities for all the family. Head to the Brizzle Kicks area for children’s entertainment, bandstand for live music and the arena for ballooning activities through the day, weather permitting!
Y Not Festival 2024
Where: Mouldridge Lane, Pikehall, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 2PH
When: Thursday 1st to Sunday 4th August 2024
What to expect: Thursday headliners Kaiser Chiefs are kicking things off for the early birds! Snow Patrol, indie legend Jamie T and Manchester icon Noel Gallagher are your 2024 weekend headliners. Alongside sets from The Kooks, Declan McKenna, and The Vaccines. Expect some fun with Mr Motivator with his Saturday workout!
What is there for Kids? There are countless things going on all day for kids of all ages. Last year saw a circus with a cast of talented performers, the sublime science show, graffiti sessions, a disco, a storytellers corner, Mega Stars Club with games, sports and craft, plus and under 5s Play Zone. There’s also a family camping area.
Geronimo Festival 2024 – NOW CANCELLED
***UPDATE – FESTIVAL CANCELLED, TICKETS WILL BE REFUNDED***
Where: Arley Hall, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 6NA
When: Friday 23rd to Monday 26th August 2024
What to expect: Celebrating their 10th birthday this year, Geronimo Festival describe themselves as the “UK’s Best Value Children’s Festival”.
What is there for Kids? Known as “Glastonbury for kids” there is so much for youngsters. Geronimo has a kids field catering solely to children and allowing families to connect for a fairytale weekend of madness. Entertainment includes super heros, a dinosaur show, music workshops, fort building, arts and craft activities, nerf gun battles, circus, crazy gold, a wild west show, music, puppet shows, family rave, science show, high wires and so much more.
In It Together Festival 2024
Where: Old Park Farm, Margam, Port Talbot, SA13 2TG
When: Friday 24th to Sunday 26th May 2024
What to expect: In It Together festival will return to the farm to host more than fifty carefully selected Welsh artists alongside a line-up of international stars in a celebration of Cymru’s grassroots talent. Headliners are Sugababes, Rag’n’Bone Man and Dizzee Rascal. Other acts include Craig David, Sam Ryder, Razorlight, Billy Ocean, Diversity and Feeder. You’ll have the chance to experience cabaret, comedy and circus fun, as well as hosting yoga, pilates and meditation classes as part of their mental health and wellbeing focus.
What is there for Kids? Tic Tac Toe is a dedicated family field is which provides a daily programme of incredible family activities. There are over 100 free family activities including a Climbing Wall, Science Workshops, Circus fun and the incredible Junior Jungle!
Where is the biggest festival in the UK?
Glastonbury Festival in Somerset is the largest UK music festival, both in numbers of people who attend and in area – spanning an impressive 900 acres. It’s like a town! You can take kids to Glastonbury Festival but I haven’t included it in this guide because it’s on our Somerset Festivals Guide, plus it’s already sold out. There may be a few more resale tickets released in April but you can only purchase these if you have already registered.
There are so many UK Festivals to choose from, we hope this guide has helped you decide which one is best for you.
Please note, every effort has been made to ensure that all information is correct at the time of publishing this post, but please check the festival website or social channels before travelling, as events may be amended or cancelled at short notice. All of these events need pre-booking and often the earlier you book, the cheaper it is.
If you have any more suggestions for festivals in the UK, we’d love to hear from you!
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