Think festivals are for grown-ups? Then think again.

Once the preserve of the young and child-free, festivals catering for the whole family are popping up all over the UK. But how do you know which ones are the best for you and your family?

I’ve never been to a festival before – family friendly or otherwise – so this summer we’re dipping our toe in the festival scene for the first time with a visit to London’s inaugural Monstrous Children’s Festival.

Given that we’re uninitiated on the festival going front we’re erring on the side of caution by opting for a one-day event, and if all goes well we might then try an overnighter. I asked some real mums to recommend some of the UK’s best family friendly festivals and here’s what they said.

The REAL mum’s guide to the UK’s best family friendly festivals

Cornbury Music Festival, Oxfordshire
13th – 15th July 2018 | Tickets from £75 for adults & £15 for children

The organisers of Cornbury Music Festival promise a ‘civilised, charming and irresistible homespun melting pot where music-lovers share pies and a glass of champagne with superstars, toffs, rockers, crooners, Morris dancers, farmers, urbanites, fashionistas, gourmet chefs and little old ladies who make exceptional cakes’ at this open-air party in the Oxfordshire countryside. The Hairy Bikers are this year’s star attraction with a pop-up woodfired restaurant adventure. Accommodation includes camping, glamping and posh loos.

Real mum’s verdict:

“I love Cornbury as it’s such a lovely site, there’s loads for kids to do and it’s really beautiful countryside,” says Louise who blogs at Pink Pear Bear.

Wychwood Festival, Cheltenham
1st – 3rd June 2018 | Tickets from £47 for adults & £14 for children

With more than 100 acts performing across four stages, plus music, dance and arts workshops, a circus school and a programme of talks, debates and comedy there’s something for all ages at Wychwood Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse. This year TV’s Dick & Dom are performing an interactive live show and accommodation includes camping, tipis and yurts.

Real mum’s verdict:

“It really is a fabulous family festival, and it’s small enough to feel intimate,” says Megan who blogs at Truly Madly Kids. “The children are very safe there with the staff being very attentive.”

Latitude Festival, Suffolk
12th – 15th July 2018 | Tickets from £77.50 for adults & £10 for children

Winner of UK Festivals’ Best Major Festival award in 2017 Latitude is a music and performing arts festival which takes place over four days. The 2018 line-up includes Belle & Sebastian, Harry Hill and James and family friendly features include chariots with covers so there’s no need to take the kids back to your tent for bed. Accommodation includes camping, tipis, bell tents and lodges.

Real mum’s verdict:

“They have a family friendly camping bit and a whole kids area with nappy changing and baby bath facilities,” says Sarah who blogs at Mole and Hedgehog.

Stendhal Festival, Northern Ireland
10th & 11th August 2018 | Family tickets from £115

Dubbed Ireland’s best small festival in Limavady, Northern Ireland, Embrace are the headline act at this year’s Stendhal Festival which continually receives rave reviews. Originally formed to showcase local music the event has grown to combine music, art, dance, sculpture and poetry to name but a few. Accommodation includes camping, pre-pitched tents and local accommodation.

Real mum’s verdict:

“I was really impressed to see how well babies and toddlers were catered for and it didn’t stop there. There were activities for kids right up to age 17 so you really can relax and know the kids are alright,” says Hannah who blogs at Hi Baby Blog.

Blissfields, Hampshire
5th – 8th July 2018 | Tickets from £115 for adults & £15 for children

Marketed as ‘an intimate festival for all the family in the heart of the Hampshire countryside’ Blissfields boasts five music and entertainment stages, a real beach, an aerial circus, campfire, a tree lined projection area and food and craft stalls. Accommodation includes boutique camping and real loos.

Real mum’s verdict:

“Blissfields has been likened to a mini Glastonbury in Hampshire and it’s a great place to spot upcoming music stars and hang out with friendly festival goers,” says Dawn who blogs at Dear Mummy Blog.

Elderflower Fields, Sussex
25th – 28th May 2018 | Tickets from £130 for adults and £72.50 for children

With 40 acts on three stages Elderflower Fields prides itself on being a smaller event built around families and kids. Attractions include Dragonfly Hill, Tumbledown Meadows, a woodland spa and a big family dance off. Accommodation includes orchard and paddock camping and glamping in bell and lotus tents and tipis.

Real mum’s verdict:

“We love Elderflower Fields in Sussex – there is so much to see and do and it’s set by a beautiful woodland,” says Sarah who blogs at Kippers and Curtains.

Camp Bestival, Dorset
26th – 29th July 2018 | Tickets from £197.50 for adults & £15 for children

Mr Tumble and Dick & Dom are among the headliners for little people at this year’s Camp Bestival in the grounds of Lulworth Castle in Dorset, while for grown-ups there’s Rick Astley, Simple Minds and Basement Jaxx. Voted the best family friendly festival at the Family Travel Awards this is the festival everyone raves about. Accommodation includes Bedouin and bell tents, tipis and gypsy caravans.

Real mum’s verdict:

“It’s not just the entertainment and food that makes it so great but also the army of people involved and the other festival goers,” says Dawn who blogs at Dear Mummy Blog. “Even in the mud of 2017 we managed to have a good time dressing up as Guns & Roses!”

Monstrous Children’s Festival, London
Sunday July 29 | Tickets from £28.50pp

Brand new to the festival scene for 2018 is Monstrous Children’s Festival featuring seven fantasy worlds at South London’s Printworks. The festival boasts a soccer school zone hosted by the Chelsea FC Foundation team, Prince, Princess & Unicorn Land with walkabout characters, the world’s largest inflatable obstacle course, an arcade alley with more than 1,000 console games and a baby sensory garden for the under fours.

Real mum’s verdict:

Watch this space! We’ll be visiting the Monstrous Children’s Festival on Sunday July 29 – pop back in August when you’ll find our full review!

Have you been to a family friendly festival before? Where do you recommend? I’d love to hear about your experience!

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