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Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival is a cherished family-friendly music and arts gathering set in the rolling Highland landscape. In 2026 it returns for three days, from Thursday 30th July through Saturday 1st August, at the scenic Belladrum Estate near Beauly in Inverness-shire (postcode IV4 7BA). Nestled amidst lush fields and ancient woods, the festival's rural surroundings highlight the natural beauty of Scotland. Thousands of visitors converge over the summer weekend to enjoy live music and creativity under the Highland sky, experiencing the warm community spirit and Highland hospitality that Belladrum is famous for. For many attendees, Belladrum feels like a homecoming – a chance to reconnect with friends and family amidst the lively celebration of music, art and local culture.
No matter your taste, Belladrum has something to delight everyone. Its lineup spans genres from headlining rock and pop acts to indie, folk, dance and traditional Celtic sounds. Multiple stages across the estate keep the energy moving from day into night. All day long you can wander between live sets – from acoustic folk sessions and ceilidh bands to late-night electronic dance sets and pop singalongs. The festival also features comedy, cabaret and spoken word performances, ensuring surprises around every corner. Artisan markets and food stalls line the paths, offering Highland specialties like haggis, smoked salmon or whisky alongside international treats, so festival-goers are always fueled and happy.
Beyond the music stages, Belladrum is alive with creativity and surprises. Roaming performers and outdoor workshops add a carnival feel. You might stumble upon circus acrobats swirling overhead, a puppet show under a big tent, or storytellers weaving tales in a quiet glen. Children and adults alike can join in crafts or folk dancing workshops, or marvel at giant bubbles drifting by. As the sun sets, silent discos light up the fields under the stars and communal bonfires invite sing-alongs. In short, every corner of Belladrum offers something fun and unexpected to entertain festival-goers.
Belladrum places a strong emphasis on family fun and safety. A dedicated Family Field and Kids' Area provide free activities for children: face painting, crafts, storytelling and puppet shows keep young ones enchanted for hours. This means parents can relax and join performances knowing their kids are engaged nearby. Special family-friendly camping areas ensure a convenient, friendly environment for parents with little campers as well. All ages share in the excitement at Belladrum: whether you are two or ninety-two, there is plenty of fun to be found for everyone.
What truly sets Belladrum apart is its warm, inclusive Highland atmosphere. Even if you arrive alone, you'll quickly find yourself among friends, chatting with fellow campers over breakfast, joining in ceilidh dancing, or swapping stories in the pub tent. There are no barriers here: everyone is part of the celebration. As the sun sets over the hills, main-stage acts light up the night and the crowd sings along under the stars. In essence, Belladrum is an inclusive community festival where music, art and that famous Scottish hospitality come together to create an unforgettable Highland weekend.
Belladrum Festival is located on the Belladrum Estate near Beauly, Inverness-shire (postcode IV4 7BA), about 20 minutes west of Inverness. By car, the recommended route is via the A862 from Inverness, then onto the A833 at Kiltarlity. Follow official festival signage to the entrance rather than relying on GPS, as some local roads are narrow. Note that all vehicles require a parking pass (purchased in advance) for on-site parking. During the festival weekend, rural roads can be busy and the ground may be muddy, so allow extra travel time and drive carefully.
Public transport options include trains, buses and festival shuttle coaches. Inverness is the nearest major transport hub, with frequent ScotRail trains from Glasgow, Edinburgh and other Scottish cities. From Inverness you can take a local train or Stagecoach bus to Beauly (the station and bus stops are a short distance from the site). On festival days, Belladrum runs shuttle buses (for example via D & E Coaches) from Inverness, Beauly, Dingwall and other nearby towns directly to the site. Check the festival website for shuttle schedules and book tickets in advance. Local Inverness-area taxis and ride-share services can also drop you at the official pick-up point if needed.
For air travel, Inverness Airport (INV) is the closest, about a 30-40 minute drive from the festival. It offers regular flights from London (Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted), Manchester, Birmingham and Belfast. Many visitors also fly into Glasgow or Edinburgh and then travel to Inverness by train or coach. ScotRail trains and Scottish Citylink buses run regularly from Glasgow and Edinburgh to Inverness. Once in Inverness, continue on by train, festival shuttle or taxi to reach Belladrum.
Accommodation options range from camping to local lodging. Many festival-goers bring tents or campervans and use the on-site campsites; the festival provides general, family and quiet camping fields, as well as campervan/caravan areas and a limited number of pre-booked glamping units. If you prefer fixed accommodations, Beauly has a few guesthouses and inns, and nearby Inverness (about 25 miles away) offers a wide range of hotels, B&Bs and vacation rentals. Accommodations fill up quickly over the festival dates, so book early. Staying in Beauly or Inverness is convenient for daily access to the site by car or transport.
Name | Star | Distance | Prices From | |
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Sligachan Hotel | 6.2 ml | £65.00 | Book |
Beauly, IV47BA