From wandering through the enchanted gardens of Latitude in Suffolk, to immersing yourself in the music and theatre of Boomtown festival in Hampshire, Booking.com present the UK’s top family festival stays
For many, festivals are an annual summer must, and here in the UK festival goers are truly spoilt for choice with the range of events celebrating rock and pop, folklore, Americana, reggae, theatre and much more. With festivals expanding and becoming ever broader, there’s now plenty of opportunities for parents to take their children along for a weekend of entertainment and fun – meaning the fun doesn’t stop once you’ve had kids!
New research from Booking.com found 55% of parents say the best thing about holidaying with a young family is having time to bond and a third (33%) cite learning about new cultures. Family friendly festivals offers infinite opportunities to be immersed in culture, music and share new experiences. Plus, for those parents who think camping with their kids might be a step too far, there’s also a fantastic array of accommodation options nearby – great for relaxing and recharging amidst the festival madness.
From the creativity and silliness of BOOMTOWN in Hampshire, to the enchanted gardens of Latitude in Suffolk, to 130 Hot Air Balloons dazzling through Bristol, Booking.com has collated a list of some of the top family friendly festivals and the best properties located nearby.
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta,Bristol (9-12 August)
The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is Europe’s largest annual meeting of hot air balloons, attracting over 130 Hot Air Balloons from across the globe. Held over four days in August at Ashton Court Estate, the event is completely free, and alongside the breathtaking sight of hot air balloons filling the skies, there are several great trade stands, fairground rides and entertainment all available for parents and children alike to enjoy.
Where to stay: SACO Bristol – Broad Quay
Overlooking Bristol’s vibrant Harbourside, this aparthotel is located just 16 minutes’ drive from the International Balloon Fiesta. Moreover, the SACO Bristol is in the heart of Bristol with easy access to the town centre – great for when you need some down time or if looking to extend your family trip post festival fun by exploring the local town.
Camp Bestival, Lulworth Castle, Dorset, (25-28 July)
Do something different with your family this summer and climb aboard a ship of fun at Camp Bestival! Set in the majestic and historic grounds of Lulworth Castle, on Dorset’s dramatic Jurassic Coast, Camp Bestival is jam-packed with family entertainment, from amazing music performances and cultural delights, to stunning slideshow attractions and of course lots of family fun. The wonderful world of Camp Bestival is a multi-award-winning festival that combines an all-encompassing family festival experience with an action-packed holiday by the coast.
Where to stay: Castle Inn
Only a short eight minutes’ drive from the festival is The Castle Inn, a perfect place to relax after a day at the festival with the family. Immaculately restored throughout, the Inn is an ideal base for exploring Dorset’s stunning Jurassic coastline and the beautiful countryside. The laid-back atmosphere and friendly service make it the perfect home from home where the whole family can unwind and soak up all that Dorset has to offer.
Port Eliot Festival, St Germans, Cornwall (25-28 July)
Port Eliot is a festival unlike any other, promising an unforgettable experience with everything from Viking tournaments, to canoeing and yarnbombing to life drawing and tree climbing on offer. This family friendly festival in the corner of Cornwall celebrates words, music, imagination, ideas, nature, exploration, fun and all that is good in the world! Whether you’re swimming in the estuary or picnicking under a 300-year-old tree – Port Eliot is your home for the weekend, and nonstop action is surely guaranteed!
Where to stay: Pentillie Castle and Estate
Make your way to the Pentillie Castle and Estate for an idyllic stay with your family. This property was made for kids with a large garden, pool and game room all availablefor full use – perfect for post festival downtime. Plus, this bed and breakfast is only a short 17 minutes drive from the from the Port Eliot festival so you’ll find yourself back and unwinding in no time.
Latitude Festival, Suffolk (18-21 July)
Award-winning family-friendly festival Latitude has activities for kids, teens and families spread across three areas. Think stargazing, pizza making, a dedicated area for teens and a magical Enchanted Garden with a family-friendly programme for under-13s. Festival goers can also embark on a cultural safari across the arts taking in comedy, theatre, dance and more, have fun for all of the family in the kids, teens and family area, or care for your wellbeing with pamper sessions and outdoor swimming.
Where to stay: The Sail Loft
Just a short 15 minutes drive from the Latitude grounds, the Sail Loft makes an easy escape from any family looking to explore Suffolk after a busy festival weekend. Not only does this property have an outstanding restaurantand pub beneath, but it puts families just a short walk from the properties private beach access, ideal for exploring the Suffolk coast.
BOOMTOWN, Hampshire (7-11 August)
Boomtown is one huge playground for all generations. At the centre of the many districts of Boomtown lies Kidztown, a melting pot of music and theatre, mischief and mayhem, adventure, creativity and outright silliness. Full of entertainment for all the family, it’s a place where imaginations are encouraged to run wild against a backdrop of music and theatre on its very own stage which hosts artists big and small.
Where to stay: Hilton at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton
Hilton at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton offers high-quality accommodation with plenty of space to relax and unwind, as well as an array of activities for the whole family, such as cricket stadium tours, going for a swim in the property’s pool, to their fantastic selection of board games. What’s more, the Hilton at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton is just 25 minutes drive away from the Boomtown action – a great place to enjoy the local shopping and eating amenities.
