Five of the Best Family Friendly Festivals

Image: Camp Bestival  

Year on year there's an ever growing focus on family-oriented festivals, making it easier than ever before to appease the summer festival itch with something all members of your tribe can enjoy. With no one left behind, we've taken scope at what's out there, pinpointing our top five family festivals to help you make that all important choice. 

Knockengorroch World Ceilidh Thursday 21st May - Sunday 24th May 

It goes without saying that with its dark sky status, a night under the stars at Knockengorroch in Galloway, Scotland is guaranteed to be pretty special.

Whilst the kids gorge on 'Chocengorroch' and the parents slip in a round of 'Knocktails', there's a melting pot of roots based sounds to be enjoyed, headed up by mercury prize winning Young Fathers, as well as a stimulating array of activities for the kids. Bag your tickets here. 

Alfresco Festival Sunday 24th May 

Offering an alternative Blackpool experience that doesn't lose any of the seaside fun, Alfresco forms an eclectic billing of DJs without losing focus on the little ones.

Located at Blackpool Cricket Club, there's plenty for the children to do whilst you as parents can kick back, relax and enjoy the music provided from the likes of Shit Robot, ESG and A Love From Outer Space plus much more. Tickets available here.

Folk By The Oak Sunday 19th July 

Stumping up a plentiful supply of folk, funk and jazz music to be enjoyed in the picturesque surroundings of Hatfield House, Folk By The Oak is another clear winner for the whole family.

With activities on hand including crafts, storytelling and circus skills to keep the kids occupied, everyone is able to take a break and enjoy the array of food stalls, and the parents can even sneak a pint in at one of the real ale bars. Grab your tickets here.

Secret Garden Party Thursday 23rd July - Sunday 26th June 

If it's escapism, magic, creativity and colour you're looking for then Secret Garden Party in Cambridgeshire is the one you and your family are looking for.

Set in a scenic garden next to a river and a lake, expect to take in the full on party experience with plenty for the kids to engage with, as well as a contemporary music line up that boasts Jungle, Ibeyi, Kate Tempest, Jack Garratt and loads more.  

Camp Bestival Thursday 30th July - Saturday 1st August

As long as you promise to leave your Gruffalo at home (there is an actual rule), Camp Bestival, offers an all round family experience with an unassailable line up to match.

With chance to take in the likes of Clean Bandit and Kaiser Chiefs, the children can also have a riot with activities scaling from Bushcraft to Survival Skills, as Camp Bestival goes wild at Lulworth Castle. Secure your tickets here. 

Still in doubt over your festival plans or perhaps looking for something else? Keep your finger on the festival pulse with our special Festival section right here.