Beat-Herder

Getting to Beat Herder

The nearest railway station is Clitheroe, on the Northern Trains Ribble Valley Line. Trains run approximately hourly from Manchester and Rochdale to Clitheroe, making it fairly easy to reach the area by train. Clitheroe Station is about 9 miles from Sawley; from there, visitors can take a taxi or local bus toward the festival site. Public buses in this rural region are limited, so planning ahead or arranging a taxi from Clitheroe is recommended. In past years, additional shuttle buses have sometimes been arranged for festival attendees.

Traveling by Car

By car, Sawley is accessible from the M6 and M65 motorways. Drivers coming from the south can take the M6 to Junction 31 and then follow the A59 northbound, while drivers from the north can take the M6 to Junction 32 and follow local routes via the Ribble Valley. The final stretch to the site involves narrow country lanes, so it’s best to follow festival signage. Parking is usually organized nearby, and arriving early helps avoid road congestion.

Traveling by Air

The closest major airports are Leeds Bradford (about 28 miles east), Manchester (around 38 miles south), and Liverpool (around 44 miles west). All offer car rental and some public transport options. Both Manchester and Leeds Bradford have rail connections into Lancashire (via Manchester or Preston), from which you can continue to Clitheroe by train or bus. Plan for at least an hour’s drive from these airports into the Ribble Valley when traveling by car.

Accommodation

Accommodation options include camping on-site, included with each ticket, and nearby lodging. The festival campsite lets you stay right where the action is, and optional glamping tents are available for an extra fee. If you prefer a hotel or B&B, look in towns like Clitheroe, Whalley, or Skipton—they have more options and are a short drive away. Because these hotels fill up quickly during summer, it’s a good idea to book early. Renting a car can make it easy to reach off-site accommodations and explore the wider countryside during your trip.