Camp Bestival is a popular family-friendly music festival held annually in Dorset, England. With big name acts, glamping options, and a wide range of entertainment for kids, it’s a fun weekend getaway for families looking to combine music, comedy, and circus performances. But is it worth the cost and effort for the average family? Here’s a look at the key pros and cons of attending Camp Bestival to help you decide if it’s the right festival choice for your family.
The highlights of Camp Bestival
Here are some of the key things Camp Bestival has to offer:
- Big name music acts – Recent headliners have included Nile Rodgers & Chic, Jess Glynne, Rudimental, and Annie Mac.
- Kid-friendly entertainment – There are dedicated kids’ areas with circus workshops, crafts, pool parties, and more to keep little ones engaged.
- Glamping options – In addition to regular camping, there are boutuiqe tents, bell tents, and yurts available to rent for those who want a more luxurious experience.
- Comedy, theatre, and workshops – There’s plenty going on besides just the music, like comedy acts, immersive theatre, poetry readings, and family-friendly workshops.
- Beautiful location – It takes place at the scenic Lulworth Castle estate in Dorset, offering lush green spaces, woods, and lakes.
With big musical acts, entertainment for all ages, comfortable accommodation options, and a gorgeous pastoral setting, it’s easy to see why Camp Bestival is so popular for families looking for a memorable weekend.
What are the costs of attending Camp Bestival?
Here’s a breakdown of the main costs involved:
Tickets
Ticket Type | Price |
---|---|
Adult Weekend Ticket | £205.00 |
Teen Weekend Ticket (13-17 years) | £175.00 |
Child Weekend Ticket (5-12 years) | £125.00 |
Babes in Arms (0-4 years) | Free |
There are also VIP ticket upgrades available for closer access to the main stage and other perks. Family and group ticket packages can offer bundled pricing.
Accommodation
On top of ticket prices, accommodation will be a major cost factor. Options include:
Accommodation Type | Price (Per Night) |
---|---|
Boutique Tent | £335 |
Bell Tent | £260 |
Yurt | £240 |
Campervan/Caravan Pass | £95 |
Tent Pitch | £20-40 |
Glamping options like boutique tents and yurts provide furniture, lighting, and more amenities. Basic tent camping pitches require bringing all your own gear.
Food & Drink
Food and drink vendors offer meal options starting around £7-10 per dish. Alcoholic drinks cost £5-8 each typically. Bringing your own supplies can help manage these costs.
Transport
Getting to the festival via public transport or driving will also add to costs through fuel, train/bus tickets, parking fees, etc. Those expenses should be factored in.
What are the pros of going to Camp Bestival?
Here are some of the key upsides of attending Camp Bestival:
Family bonding experience
Rather than parents and kids splitting up to do their own thing, Camp Bestival lets the whole family enjoy entertainment together. Kids won’t get bored since there’s plenty tailored for them specifically.
Diverse entertainment lineup
Beyond the music stages, there’s loads of comedy, theatre, circus entertainment, workshops, and guest speakers. There’s something for everyone no matter your interests.
Peace of mind for parents
With special wristbands, supervised kids’ areas, and a family-friendly vibe, parents can relax knowing their children are safe and having fun.
Unique summer memory
Rather than the usual trip to the beach or theme park, Camp Bestival offers a more unique shared family experience. Kids will fondly remember all the fun and activities.
Chance to meet other families
Kids can make new friends, and parents can connect with other like-minded families. It’s a great chance for both parents and kids to expand their social circles.
What are the cons of going to Camp Bestival?
However, there are also some definite downsides to evaluate:
It’s expensive
Between tickets, glamping fees, transportation, food and other costs, attending Camp Bestival is not a cheap endeavor, especially for whole families. The costs can rack up quickly.
No alone time for parents
Since Camp Bestival is focused on shared family experiences, parents don’t get much time off on their own away from the kids. It’s not the most relaxing adult getaway.
Unpredictable weather
An outdoor summer festival in England means there’s always the risk of rain putting a damper on the fun. Bad weather could force activities to be canceled or cut short.
Crowded and noisy
With live music, crowds, and kids running around, Camp Bestival can feel busy and loud at times, which some find overwhelming, especially little kids.
Camping is rough for some
If you’re not accustomed to “roughing it” by camping outdoors, adapting to festival camping can be a big hassle compared to more luxe travel.
Is Camp Bestival ultimately worth attending?
While the decision depends on your family’s interests, budget, tolerance for crowds, and more, here are some concluding thoughts on Camp Bestival’s value:
Worth it for music lovers
The chance to see major headliners in an intimate outdoor setting makes it worthwhile for big music fans.
Good choice for very family-focused families
For families who place a high premium on shared experiences and always being together, Camp Bestival delivers that.
More affordable options may exist
While fun, Camp Bestival is quite pricey. Families on a tighter budget may find better value in a local festival, glamping trip, or outdoor concerts.
Consider kids’ ages and personalities
The crowds, noise, and walking could overwhelm some younger kids. Outdoorsy, energetic kids will get the most enjoyment.
Try a day trip first
Staying nearby and doing just a day trip to Camp Bestival allows sampling the fun without the full cost commitment.