A caravan or motorhome can be the perfect way to attend various music festivals all over the UK.
If you’re looking for a new way to holiday with your caravan, motorhome or campervan ot rooftop tent, why not incorporate a weekend music festival into your touring plans?
Though most festival-goers will take their tents, there is often a designated field for live-in vehicles or there will be a site nearby, meaning you can enjoy all the daytime (and night-time) fun and return to your safe haven whenever you wish. The camping period often extends beyond the music days, or you can sometimes pay extra to stay on site longer, giving you time to settle in and explore your surroundings.
Festivals are incredibly diverse and enjoyable on so many levels; there really is something to suit every taste. Even the smallest festival will be an escape from everyday life, and the biggest create whole other worlds.
There’s something special about seeing your favourite artists, or indeed acts you’ve never heard of before, performing live outdoors. But the atmosphere is just as important as the music, and there are usually all sorts of sideshows, stalls, and foodie experiences on site to make a truly memorable weekend. Festivals also present a great opportunity to meet up with old friends, and make new ones!
Before attending a festival, it’s useful to understand how the camping experience differs from that on a Club campsite. Although I have enjoyed many fantastic events over the years with my outfit, I have made my fair share of mistakes.
Camping amenities and set-ups – everything from the provision of toilets and showers to space between units – can vary a lot from one event to another.
Most will offer gas exchange, but unless you’re very lucky, there won’t be ‘luxuries’ such as mains hook-ups. And it could be a hike to any fresh or waste-water points, as well as to designated chemical toilet disposal areas. If you can, it’s well worth filling up with fresh water before you arrive.
Not all sites have demarcated pitches. Take all your usual kit, just in case; and be aware that the ground may not be flat, so levelling ramps may be needed. Grip mats could also be a good idea should the ground become slippery.
Most importantly, don’t pitch too close to the toilets, and bring wellies and sunblock! The British weather may be unpredictable, but that shouldn’t scupper your fun if you are prepared for all eventualities.
Try to get to a festival next year – here are a few suggestions to whet your appetite.
Wickham Festival
Location is important. Wickham is near me, so I don’t need to drag myself miles away and then back again at the end of the gig. This festival is also very close to the town of Wickham. You can nip out and get supplies (there is a very good butcher, for example) or visit the local pubs. There are often things going on in the town around the festival, like walking tours and breakfast in the village hall etc. They also have some big screens which means you can watch the bands outside if you don’t want to mix it in the mosh pit!
Info: wickhamfestival.co.uk
Dates: 29 July - 01 August 2027
Glastonbury Festival
Glastonbury has to be seen to be believed! I first went over 14 years ago and more recently I’ve worked there as a volunteer. You don’t get the full idea of the scale of the place from TV coverage. Lots to see, do and eat, catering for all tastes. Such a variety of people attend, from the young, beautifully made-up folk who are out to impress, wearing whatever they believe the year’s festival wear to be, to the ageing hippies who might not be wearing anything at all! Fantastic memories and friends made here and a chance to look around the site before the paying guests come in is even better.
Info: glastonburyfestivals.co.uk
Dates: 23–27 June 2027
Wychwood Festival
I loved Wychwood so much in 2018 I went for a second time the following year… that’s when I met Steve Davis. It’s a little known fact he’s a brilliant DJ as well as being a former snooker world champion! After festivals (I’ve been to a dozen around the UK – look out for me in my white and orange Volkswagen T2 campervan), I love snooker. For Wychwood, the possibility of a shower without queuing for hours (if you get the timing right) and hot water for hand washing in the arena is a luxury. Also, because it’s at Cheltenham Racecourse, the camping is on particularly flat ground.
Info: wychwoodfestival.com
Dates: 04 - 06 June 2027
Festival Essentials Checklist
Beyond your accommodation and sleeping gear, here are the top things to pack:
- Camping chairs: Compact seating for campsite downtime.
- Earplugs & sleep mask: Protects hearing near stages and blocks morning sun and campsite noise.
- Hygiene basics: Wet wipes, hand sanitiser, dry shampoo, travel towel, and toothbrush.
- Sun & first aid: High-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, blister plasters, rehydration salts, and painkillers.
- Power bank: 20,000mAh+ capacity to keep phones charged all weekend.
- Headtorch or torch: Hands-free lighting for late-night movement.
- Reusable water bottle/bladder: Essential for venue refill taps.
- Cool box, snacks & bin bags: Keeps drinks/food cold, provides easy fuel, and handles waste.
- Broken-in boots & layers: Wellies/trainers, warm night thermals, and a packable rain poncho.
- Bum bag or crossbody bag: Safe, hands-free storage for arena valuables.
Updated October 2026
