The Ultimate Guide to UK Family-Friendly Festivals in 2025

The Ultimate Guide to UK Family-Friendly Festivals in 2025

Looking ahead to 2025, it’s time to plan your family’s first festival adventure! Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a complete newbie, finding a festival that caters to kids is essential for an unforgettable experience. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of UK family-friendly festivals that don’t just welcome children but fully embrace them.

Why 2025 is a Big Year for Family Festivals

Last year, the family festival scene dramatically shifted, with over 50 festivals cancelled or taking a break. But 2025 promises an exciting comeback with many returning favourites and brand-new events designed to delight parents and kids alike.

Jump to Your Preferred Month

If you already know when you want to attend a festival, skip straight to the listings for that month:

Child-Friendly Festivals in May 2025

May kicks off the festival season with exciting options across the UK. Here are some highlights:

• 2–4 May: Teddy Rocks, Dorset — Combines music and family-friendly activities to raise funds for children’s cancer charities. Address: Charisworth Farm, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 9AL.
  
  • Highlights: Family-friendly music performances, dedicated kids’ zones with crafts and storytelling, and family camping options.
    
• 16–18 May: Keswick Mountain Festival, Cumbria — Perfect for outdoor-loving families with hiking, water sports, and live music. Address: Crow Park, Lake Road, Keswick, CA12 5DJ.
  
  • Highlights: Activities like kayaking, climbing, and a sports village tailored for families.
    
• 18 May: Totfest, Yorkshire — A magical day filled with activities for toddlers and young children. Address: Stockeld Park, Wetherby, North Yorkshire LS22 4AN.
  
  • Highlights: Bouncy castles, soft play, sensory areas, and live toddler-friendly performances.
    
• 21–25 May: Bearded Theory, Derbyshire — Known for its relaxed atmosphere and excellent kids’ zone. Address: Catton Hall, Walton-on-Trent, Derbyshire DE12 8LN.
  
  • Highlights: Kids’ Village with activities like circus skills and crafts and an inclusive family camping area.
    
• 22–25 May: Knockengorrach, Dumfries and Galloway — A celebration of world music set in the Scottish countryside. Address: Carsphairn, Castle Douglas, Dumfries and Galloway DG7 3TJ.
  
  • Highlights: Interactive workshops, nature walks, and a focus on world music for all ages.
    
• 23 – 26 May Elderflower Fields South 2025 Pippingford Park, East Sussex. Elderflower Fields is a boutique festival crafted with families in mind, offering a safe, friendly environment perfect for those with younger children. This unique event celebrates the joy of nature, encouraging kids to embrace their wild and adventurous side while parents relax and enjoy exceptional food, arts, and entertainment. A weekend at Elderflower Fields promises unforgettable moments spent connecting with loved ones and the great outdoors.

• 23 – 26 May The Big Retreat Festival 2025, Lawrenny, Pembrokeshire. Nestled in the breathtaking Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, The Big Retreat Festival 2025 promises an unforgettable experience for the whole family. With over 300 feel-good activities included in your ticket, this festival is designed to inspire, rejuvenate, and entertain.
  
  Enjoy a wide range of experiences, from fitness and yoga sessions to bushcraft workshops, bug hunts, wild swimming, and water slides. Families can also explore puppet shows, immersive storytelling, sports coaching, and much more. The Big Retreat Festival is your perfect escape to recharge and make cherished memories.
  
• 30 May – 1 June Wychwood Festival 2025 Cheltenham Racecourse, Gloucestershire. Wychwood Festival is the ultimate family-friendly event, known for its laid-back atmosphere where kids can be found chasing bubbles, learning circus skills, and dancing to incredible live music. Consistently nominated as the “Best Family Festival” in the UK Festival Awards, it’s the perfect place to relax with friends and soak up the vibrant festival vibes.
  
  Set in the picturesque Gloucestershire countryside, Wychwood features over 100 performances across four stages. Enjoy a diverse mix of live music, dance and art workshops, circus school activities, and a dynamic programme of talks, debates, and comedy suitable for all ages.
  
  Now in its 19th year, this hidden gem continues to deliver unforgettable memories for families with a spectacular line-up of music, comedy, literature, and interactive workshops.

June 2025: Family-Friendly Fun Continues

June is jam-packed with festivals for families, offering a range of unique experiences:

• 6–8 June: Tunes in the Dunes, Cornwall — Enjoy live music with a backdrop of golden beaches. Address: Perranporth Beach, Perranporth, Cornwall TR6 0AQ.
  
  • Highlights: Beach games, sandcastle competitions, and oceanfront family fun.
    
• 13–15 June: Download Festival, Donnington — A rock music haven with family-friendly camping options. Address: Donington Park, Castle Donington, Derby DE74 2RP.
  
  • Highlights: Kid-friendly rock workshops and quieter camping zones.
    
• 20–22 June: Van Life Fest at the Hall, North Yorkshire — A festival perfect for families who love campervans and outdoor adventures. Address: Newby Hall, Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4 5AE.
  
  • Highlights: Campervan tours, outdoor cinema, and interactive workshops for kids.
    
• 25–29 June: Glastonbury, Somerset — Iconic and inclusive, with a dedicated Kidzfield offering activities for all ages. Address: Worthy Farm, Pilton, Somerset BA4 4BY.
  
  • Highlights: Puppet shows, arts and crafts, and child-focused performances.

July 2025: Peak Festival Season

July is the heart of the festival season, with something for everyone:

• 3–6 July: Gate to Southwell Festival, Nottinghamshire — Folk music meets family-friendly vibes. Address: Southwell Racecourse, Rolleston, Nottinghamshire NG25 0TS.
  
• Timber Festival – Not running this year
  
  • Highlights: Family ceilidhs, storytelling sessions, and workshops for all ages.
    
• 4 – 6 July The Brit Fest Cheshire 202 -Ashley Hall & Showground, AltrinchamGet ready for an extraordinary celebration of British music and culture at The Brit Fest Cheshire 2025! Taking place from Friday 4th to Sunday 6th July at the beautiful Ashley Hall & Showground, this festival showcases an incredible line-up of live music featuring talent from across Great Britain.
  
  Beyond the music, immerse yourself in a vibrant display of British culture with highlights including arts, fashion, food and drink, and a stunning showcase of classic cars. A truly unique event, The Brit Fest promises something for everyone in a family-friendly atmosphere. Tickets are on sale now! Secure yours at The Brit Fest Website.
  
• 4–6 July: Camper Jam, Shropshire — A celebration of VW campervans with plenty for kids to enjoy. Address: Weston Park, Weston-under-Lizard, Shropshire TF11 8LE.
  
  • Highlights: VW showcases, kids’ craft areas, and on-site playgrounds.
    
• 19–20 July: Splendour Festival, Nottinghamshire — A vibrant mix of music, food, and family fun. Address: Wollaton Park, Nottingham NG8 2AE.
  
  • Highlights: Live music stages, a kids’ zone with inflatables, and diverse food stalls.
    
• 24 – 27 July Latitude Family-Friendly Festival 202, Henham Park, Suffolk
  
  Set amidst the stunning grounds of Henham Park, Suffolk, Latitude Festival 2025 is the ultimate family-friendly event. With a rich history of accolades, including “Best Family Festival” and “Best Family Day Out,” this festival promises an unforgettable experience for kids, teens, and parents alike.
  
  Latitude features three dedicated areas for family fun. The vibrant Kids’ Area around Latitude Lake offers fire shows, pizza-making, traditional woodland crafts, and hands-on science experiments. For older children, the Inbetweeners’ Teen Area is packed with exciting workshops in music, media, fashion, technology, and even wildlife survival skills. With its beautiful setting and an array of activities, Latitude is much more than a music festival—it’s a celebration of family, creativity, and fun. latitudefestival.com.
  
• 31 July–3 August: Camp Bestival, Dorset — A family favourite featuring music, comedy, and kids’ shows. Address: Lulworth Castle, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5QS.
  
  • Highlights: They filmed fancy dress parades, circus skills workshops, and nightly family-friendly entertainment.

August’s Family Festival Line Up

Festival of Sport

When: 1st-4th August 2025
Where: Packington Estate, Norfolk

Get active with your family at the Festival of Sport, founded by rugby stars Will Greenwood and Austin Healey. This ultimate sports event combines fun, camping, competitions, and coaching from world-class athletes. Kids aged 5–17 can participate in sports sessions, all set against the beautiful backdrop of the Norfolk countryside.

More Info & Tickets: festivalofsportuk.com

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Kendal Calling

When: 1st-3rd August 2025
Where: Lowther Deer Park, Lake District

Kendal Calling is a family-friendly festival featuring a dedicated kids’ area called “Kids Calling,” offering everything from carnival crafts to workshops for all ages. With a Family Campsite included in the standard ticket and the smaller, facility-rich Emperors Fields campsite as an upgrade, families will find this event safe, vibrant, and fun.

More Info & Tickets: kendalcalling.com

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Deva Fest

When: 7th-10th August 2025
Where: Cholmondeley Castle Gardens, Cheshire

Perfect for families, Deva Fest combines music, comedy, and camping with fun-filled activities like a free fairground, live performances, and delicious local food and drink. Shuttle buses and on-site parking make it accessible, while its stunning location ensures a magical experience for all.

More Info & Tickets: devafest.co.uk

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Gloworm Festival

When: 8th-10th August 2025
Where: Holme Pierrepont Country Park, Nottinghamshire

Designed for families with children aged 0–13, the Gloworm Festival creates a fun, welcoming space filled with TV stars, live music, workshops, and activities. Tickets include most entertainment, with a free fairground until 5 PM daily, making it an excellent value for families.

More Info & Tickets: Gloworm Festival

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Camp Kindling

When: 15th-18th August 2025
Where: Sevenoaks, Kent

Dubbed a “summer camp for families,” Camp Kindling offers a mix of activities and evening entertainment. Days are packed with workshops, sports, and nature experiences, while evenings transform into a festival atmosphere with music, comedy, and storytelling.

More Info & Tickets: campkindling.co.uk

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Hardwick Festival

When: 15th-17th August 2025
Where: Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield

Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Hardwick Festival includes a children’s area with magic shows, workshops, discos, and thrilling fairground rides. Combine this with top-tier live music and beautiful surroundings, and you’ve got a weekend to remember.

More Info & Tickets: hardwickfestival.co.uk

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The Long Road Festival

When: 22nd-24th August 2025
Where: Stanford Hall, Leicestershire

Celebrate country music at The Long Road Festival, where American camp-style games and crafting activities keep the kids busy by day, and evenings are filled with live music, campfires, and cocktails.

More Info & Tickets: The Long Road Festival

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The Big Feastival

When: 22nd-24th August 2025
Where: Cotswolds

Held on Alex James’s Cotswold farm, The Big Feastival is a food-lover’s paradise with live music, cookery classes, and fun activities for children like jam sessions and haystacks. A must-visit for families seeking foodie adventures.

More Info & Tickets: thebigfeastival.com

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CarFest

When: 22nd-24th August 2025
Where: Laverstoke Park Farm, Hampshire

Combining cars, live music, and family fun, CarFest offers a unique experience. Kids can enjoy KidsFest, while thrill-seekers will love the activities at AdventureFest, making it a perfect day out for all ages.

More Info & Tickets: carfest.org

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Victorious Festival

When: 22nd-23rd August 2025
Where: Portsmouth

Victorious Festival delivers exceptional value with free children’s rides, live performances, and a vibrant family atmosphere. Enjoy incredible music while exploring the seaside setting.

More Info & Tickets: victoriousfestival.co.uk

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Gone Wild with Bear Grylls

When: 21st-24th August 2025
Where: Powderham Castle, Devon

One of the fastest-growing family festivals, Gone Wild with Bear Grylls offers adventure activities, survival workshops, and inspiring talks by explorers and conservationists. Camping is included, with upgrade options available for added comfort.

More Info & Tickets: gonewildfestival.com

Why These Festivals Stand Out

What makes these festivals exceptional is their dedication to creating a family-friendly environment. From dedicated kids’ zones and workshops to quieter camping areas and child-friendly menus, these festivals ensure a memorable experience for parents and children.

Unique Features to Look Out For:

• Toddler Zones: Soft play, sensory activities, and dedicated areas for the youngest attendees.
• Teen Activities: Music workshops, gaming zones, and outdoor challenges for older kids.
• Family Amenities: Clean baby-changing facilities, pram-friendly pathways, and family-only camping.

Tips for Festival First-Timers

1. Plan Your Accommodation: Many festivals offer family-friendly camping zones. Consider glamping for added comfort.
   
2. Pack Wisely: Bring essentials like noise-cancelling headphones for kids, sunscreen, and plenty of snacks.
   
3. Schedule Downtime: Festivals can be overwhelming. Plan breaks to avoid burnout for both kids and parents.
   
4. Check Accessibility: If you have toddlers or babies, look for festivals with pram-friendly paths and quiet zones.