Traveling for Festivals: The Best Places to Stay in the UK

Ah, festivals! The perfect excuse to travel, dance like nobody’s watching, and overindulge in food and drink while pretending you’re not. If you’re up for a good time filled with laughter, great music, and maybe an awkward moment or two (like spilling your drink on someone while attempting to dance), then you’re in the right place. Let’s chat about some of the best festival spots in the UK and where to stay when you get there. Get your bags packed, folks!

Glastonbury Festival – Glastonbury, Somerset

First up, let’s talk Glastonbury. If you haven’t experienced this legendary music and arts festival, do you even festival, bro? With its mud, iconic Pyramid Stage, and eclectic crowd — it’s like stepping into a well-loved postcard. The atmosphere is electric, and you can hear the sound of music wafting through the air as you walk.

Where to Stay:

• Tipis and Yurts: Fancy camping? Go for a tip or a yurt! About five minutes’ walk from the main festival site, you’ll feel like a proper bohemian. I once camped in a tipis with a group of strangers who quickly became friends. Well, we all shared the same love for cold pizza at 3 a.m.
• Local Airbnb: If glamping isn’t your cup of (not so fantastic) tea, book a nearby Airbnb. The town of Glastonbury should have something snazzy for you. I stayed in one with a hot tub! Best decision ever after a long day of wandering around.

Quirky Sight: Don’t forget to check out the Glastonbury Tor, an ancient hill topped with a tower. It’s a bit of a climb but totally worth it. Just don’t complain when your calves are screaming the next morning.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe – Edinburgh, Scotland

Now let’s whisk ourselves north to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe—the festival to end all festivals. Art, theatre, comedy, and street performances round the clock! Picture this: you walk down the Royal Mile, and there’s someone dressed as a potato doing stand-up. Yup, it’s that kind of festival.

Where to Stay:

• Old Town Hostels: Now, I won’t lie—hostels can be hit or miss, but after several visits, I found a couple that reek of coolness. There’s a great one in the Old Town where you can meet fellow international travellers. Beware, though, always double-check your shoes; I still haven’t forgiven myself for accidentally borrowing someone’s flip-flops!
• Boutique Hotels: If you’re feeling fancy, book a great boutique hotel like The Witchery by the Castle. It’ll take you back in time with all its Gothic flair. Yes, it’s pricey, but hey, sometimes, you have to treat yourself!

Quirky Sight: You might stumble upon street performers, but don’t miss the Scotland’s National Gallery if it rains. It’ll take your breath away—just not as breathless as the potato comedian.

Notting Hill Carnival – London

Let’s swing back down south to the Notting Hill Carnival. If you feel the need to dance in the streets while wearing flamboyant outfits, here’s your chance! This vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture is a riot of colour, rhythm, and the smell of all the food!

Where to Stay:

• Hotels in West London: Book something close to the carnival route. Think affordable chains or independent hotels. I once missed a chance to see a dance troupe because I stayed a bit too far away and got lost. A tip: Google Maps is usually a lifesaver, unless your phone dies. Not that I’ve ever had that happen… bleh.
• Friends’ Places: Got mates in London? Crash at their place, but make sure they’ve stocked up on tea and proper biscuits. It’s the law, I reckon.

Quirky Sight: Don’t miss the sound systems; they’re everything! Also, if you spot a guy selling homemade rum punch, befriend him. You’ll thank me later.

Bestival – Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight hosts Bestival, a music festival loved by many for its funky vibe and beautiful scenery. This isn’t just any festival; it’s got a fancy dress theme every year. I once went as a disco ball. Thank goodness my friends joined me; I looked ridiculous, but rubbish costume aside, it was a blast!

Where to Stay:

• Campsites: Lots of people camp here, but various campsites offer big tents and facilities. Get ready to make memories— some of which may be quite blurry depending on the quality of the festival cider…
• B&Bs: Considering the size of Bestival, being near the festival is gold. Check out local B&Bs. A friend and I stayed in a delightful one run by an older couple who made the best full English breakfast. Honestly, if you can’t start your day with bacon, did you really go to a festival?

Quirky Sight: The festival site has an impressive castle! Well worth a visit for some selfies, to look like you’re king of the festival.

Cornwall’s Boardmasters Festival – Newquay

Last but not least, let’s surf our way to the Boardmasters Festival in Newquay, Cornwall. Think beach parties, surfing, and fantastic music. The atmosphere is laid back, yet you’re bound to be tired by the time you decide which beach bar to venture into.

Where to Stay:

• Surf Camps: If you fancy a mix of both relaxation and adrenaline, look for surf camps that organize accommodation plus surfing lessons. I tried it once and ended up with more faceplants than actual rides, but I had a blast.
• Seaside Hotels: Fancy staying closer to the beach? Several hotels boast stunning ocean views perfect for a post-festival chill.

Quirky Sight: If you’re lucky enough to be there when you see the surfers all decked out, try finding the local markets. Just make sure you’re there before they sell out of all homemade Cornish pasties!

In Summary

There you have it, my cheeky guide to travelling for festivals in the UK! From Glastonbury to Boardmasters, these gatherings mix music, culture, and a sense of togetherness like nothing else. Plus, each of them comes with heaps of places to crash that fit all tastes and budgets.

Investing time in a festival experience means making lifelong memories, just make sure to pack extra socks for those surprise rain showers and comfy shoes to dance the night away.

With all that said, if you’ve been to any of these festivals, I’d love to know about your experiences! What was your wackiest memory? Did the tent survive the rain? Spill the tea!