There is a unique kind of magic that happens when you take your family to a festival. It’s the sticky faces, the late nights watching circus acts under the stars, and the freedom of running wild in a field with hundreds of new friends.
If you are looking to create lasting memories this year, a weekend in a field is hard to beat. But picking the perfect festival can be tricky. You want a festival site that feels safe, entertainment that captivates the kids, and enough live music and decent food to keep the adults alike happy.
We have rounded up the very best family festivals across the UK that are confirmed for 2026. Whether you want to boogie in the South West or chill out in the Highlands, here is where you should be pitching your tent this summer.
Scotland
The Highland Favourite: Belladrum Tartan Heart
- Where: Belladrum Estate, near Beauly, Inverness-shire
- When: 30th July – 1st August 2026
- The Vibe: Belladrum is widely considered one of the best festivals in Scotland for families. Set in stunning grounds, it features a distinctively Scottish heart. The Tir nan Og children’s area is legendary, offering everything from sandcastle building to puppet shows.
- Why go? It creates a safe, community atmosphere where festival goers of all ages mix perfectly.
The Culture Hit: Edinburgh International Children’s Festival
- Where: Edinburgh (Various Venues)
- When: 30th May – 7th June 2026
- The Vibe: If you aren’t ready for weekend camping, this is a fantastic alternative. It focuses on world-class theatre and dance for children. It takes place across the city and is perfect for sparking little imaginations.
Northern Ireland
The Hidden Gem: Stendhal Festival
- Where: Ballymully Cottage Farm, Limavady
- When: 2nd – 4th July 2026
- The Vibe: A multi-award winning family festival that prides itself on being a celebration of the arts. The atmosphere is incredibly relaxed, making it a great first trip for younger kids.
- Key Feature: The “Steen’s Family Area” is packed with workshops, art, and family fun.
Wales
South Wales: Green Man Festival
- Where: Bannau Brycheiniog, formerly the Brecon Beacons
- When: 20th – 23rd August 2026
- The Vibe: Tickets for Green Man are like gold dust, and for good reason. It is magical. The “Little Folk” area is practically a festival within a festival, and for the teens, the “Somewhere” area offers DJ workshops and creative skills.
- Don’t Miss: The burning of the Green Man on the final night – a spectacle that attendees talk about for years.
North Wales: Camper Live (Wild Festivals)
- Where: Caerwys, North Wales
- When: 16th – 23rd August 2026
- The Vibe: This is perfect if you have a live in vehicle. It is less about big headliners and more about the community. It’s affordable, relaxed, and incredibly welcoming to dogs and kids.
Nature Lovers: Between The Trees
- Where: Candleston Woods, Merthyr Mawr, near Bridgend
- When: 27th – 30th August 2026
- The Vibe: A unique indie-folk festival set in a woodland by the sea. It focuses on science, nature, and art. If you want to escape the commercial world, this is it.
England: The North
North West: Deva Fest
- Where: Cholmondeley Castle, Cheshire
- When: 6th – 9th August 2026
- The Vibe: Deva Fest is quickly becoming a northern powerhouse. It offers excellent value weekend camping tickets and features a free fairground (yes, free rides all weekend!).
- Family Focus: From the main stage to the camping fields, it feels safe and contained. Expect pirates, parades, and plenty of family friendly activities.
North West: Just So Festival
- Where: Rode Hall, Cheshire
- When: 21st – 23rd August 2026
- The Vibe: The most magical, immersive event on the calendar. Families are split into animal tribes (Frogs, Lions, Owls) to compete in ridiculous games. It is purely for families – there are no rowdy groups of teenagers here.
- Why we love it: It feels like stepping into a storybook for three days.
North East: Deer Shed Festival
- Where: North Yorkshire
- When: 24th – 26th July 2026
- The Vibe: Deer Shed is built around children. The science tent is incredible, offering coding, soldering, and VR experiences.
- Key Feature: The age-appropriate entertainment. They have specific areas for under 5s, but also plenty to keep the 12+ crowd engaged.
England: The Midlands
For the Little Ones: Gloworm Festival
- Where: Thoresby Park, Nottinghamshire
- When: 7th – 9th August 2026
- The Vibe: If your kids watch CBeebies, this is their Glastonbury. Gloworm Festival is high-energy family fun.
- What to expect: Meet and greets with TV stars, a giant fairground, and exciting areas dedicated to creative play. It is one of the few festivals where the kids truly rule the roost.
Country & Roots: The Long Road Festival
- Where: Stanford Hall, Leicestershire
- When: 27th – 30th August 2026
- The Vibe: A slice of Americana in the UK. The Long Road Festival is a celebration of country music, cars, and food.
- Why go? It’s incredibly chilled. You can roast marshmallows, listen to acoustic sets, and enjoy a camping trip that feels like a holiday in Tennessee.
England: The South
South West: Camp Bestival Dorset
- Where: Lulworth Castle
- When: 30th July – 2nd August 2026
- The Vibe: The heavyweight champion of family friendly festivals. Curated by Rob da Bank, it mixes huge live performances with a dizzying array of activities.
- Highlights: The world’s biggest bouncy castle, literary talks, and the famous fireworks finale. It sells out fast, so don’t wait to grab your camping tickets.
South West: Wychwood Festival
- Where: Cheltenham Racecourse
- When: 29th – 31st May 2026
- The Vibe: A lovely, gentle festival that often falls on half-term. It has been nominated for Best Family Festival at the UK Festival Awards multiple times. It’s very easy-going, making it perfect for first-timers.
South East: Elderflower Fields
- Where: Sussex
- When: 22nd – 25th May 2026
- The Vibe: A wild adventure for younger kids. The “Sports Camp” offers kayaking and climbing, and the Sunday picnic is a lovely communal event.
South East: Latitude Festival
- Where: Suffolk
- When: 23rd – 26th July 2026
- The Vibe: A massive arts and music festival that caters to everyone. The Kids Area is huge, divided into three exciting areas based on age.
- For the Parents: You get huge headline acts and comedy, while the kids are entertained by everything from bushcraft to theatre workshops.
Where will you head to this year?
The 2026 festival season is shaping up to be incredible. Whether you are looking for day tickets or the full weekend camping experience, our advice is to book early. Many of these events offer payment plans to spread the cost.
Before you go, make sure your gear is up to scratch!
- Need a tent? Check out our review of the Vango Keswick 500 – ideal for families.
- Need shelter? The Coleman Event Shelter is the ultimate festival accessory for socializing with friends.
- Need sleep? Don’t suffer on the ground; read our thoughts on the Coleman Airbed.
See you in the fields!