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30 July - 02 August 2026
Camp Bestival Dorset is back! Nestled in the rolling hills of West Lulworth, Dorset (BH20 5QS), this beloved four-day festival transforms the grounds of historic Lulworth Castle into a vibrant playground of music, magic, and family fun. From Thursday July 30th to Sunday August 2nd, 2026, join thousands of families under sunny summer skies for an unforgettable celebration. With fairy lights strung through the trees and the Jurassic Coast just a stone’s throw away, Camp Bestival offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and festival excitement.
Camp Bestival is all about music and entertainment, with performances happening day and night across multiple stages. Dance to chart-topping bands on the Main Stage, be mesmerized by juggling acrobats in the Big Top circus tent, or groove to Bollywood-inspired beats under a colorful marquee. There’s something for every musical taste: from chart hits and indie anthems to reggae rhythms and electronic beats spun by lively DJs. When the sun goes down, the party heats up – silent discos under the stars keep the dancefloor alive, and surprise performances pop up wherever you explore.
Little adventurers and grown-ups alike will find plenty of fun to join in. Kids’ zones overflow with creative workshops – from face painting and arts-and-crafts to wacky science experiments and giant board games on the grass. Thrill-seekers can try circus skills like trapeze or juggling, taught by friendly performers. Explore a lively market filled with handmade crafts and festival gear, or catch a magical puppet theatre show and comedy acts for all ages. Every corner of the festival is buzzing with something to do – treasure hunts in the castle grounds, silly parades, giant inflatables, and more ensure there’s never a dull moment.
No festival is complete without delicious food and a chill-out atmosphere. Camp Bestival's street food caters to every taste: tuck into wood-fired pizzas, stone-baked pies, fresh seafood, spicy curries and classic fish 'n' chips. There are plenty of sweet treats too – creamy ice creams, sugary waffles, and chocolate-drenched churros to fuel your fun. Both hearty meals and healthy snacks are on offer for little tummies as well as grown-ups. Thirsty attendees can sample local Dorset ales and ciders, exotic cocktails, or simply relax with a cup of coffee as the sun sets. You’ll often find picnic blankets spread on the grass where families gather to share stories and watch the world go by.
Camp Bestival has the heart of a camping holiday. Pitch a tent or bring a campervan or caravan, and wake up each morning to the smell of fresh country air. Families bond and make new friends in the campsite, where fancy dress is part of the adventure – expect to see superheroes, unicorns and aliens roaming the fields alongside toddlers in wellies. When night falls, gather around campfires for singalongs or a cozy family film under the stars. Each year's festival often ends with a dazzling fireworks display above the castle ruins, sending everyone home with glowing memories of an incredible weekend.
By car, Lulworth Castle is easily reached via Dorset's main roads. From the east (Bournemouth/Poole), take the A31 to Bere Regis, then the A352 north towards Wool. From the west (Dorchester/Weymouth), use the A35 or A352 through Dorchester toward Wareham, following brown tourist signs to Lulworth Castle. The venue's postcode for SatNav is BH20 5QS, and plentiful pay-and-display parking is available on site. On busy summer weekends and festival days the roads can be slow, so it’s wise to allow plenty of travel time.
By train and bus, the journey is straightforward and quite scenic. The nearest train stations are Wool (about 6 miles away) and Wareham (9 miles), both on the South Western Railway line between London Waterloo and Weymouth. From these stations, local buses or taxis can take you the remainder of the journey to Lulworth. You can also catch local coaches on the Jurassic Coaster routes (for example, the X53 from Weymouth or the X54 from Poole) which stop near West Lulworth. Keep in mind that bus services in rural Dorset are limited on weekends, so plan ahead and check timetables carefully or consider booking a taxi for the final leg.
By air, the nearest airports are Bournemouth and Southampton. Bournemouth Airport (about a 40-minute drive) and Southampton Airport (around 90 minutes by car) both serve flights from across the UK and Europe. From either airport, hiring a car is the easiest way to reach Lulworth. Alternatively, you can take a train to Dorchester or Weymouth and then a local bus or taxi for the final stretch. London's Heathrow and Gatwick airports are much farther away – expect a 3-4 hour journey by train and coach into Dorset if traveling from London. Flying into Bournemouth or Southampton will generally save a lot of travel time compared to the London airports.
When it comes to accommodations, many festival-goers make Camp Bestival part of a longer Dorset getaway. On-site camping is very popular – ticket packages often include pitches for tents, campervans or even luxury glamping pods. If rustic camping isn't your style, consider booking lodgings nearby. West Lulworth village has a few cozy B&Bs and guesthouses, while larger towns like Wareham, Dorchester or Weymouth (all within about a 30-45 minute drive) offer a wide range of hotels, inns and holiday cottages. The charming seaside town of Swanage (about 45 minutes away) is another option for a scenic coastal stay. No matter what you choose, remember that summer weekends are busy in Dorset – book your accommodation early to avoid disappointment.
| Name | Star | Distance | Prices From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield Country Hotel Leisure Club & Spa | 1.4 ml | £128.00 | Book | |
| Kemps Country House | 1.4 ml | £95.00 | Book | |
| The Weld Arms | 4.0 ml | £100.00 | Book | |
| Belhuish Farm B&B | 5.1 ml | £80.00 | Book | |
| Lulworth Lodge | 6.4 ml | £2000.00 | Book | |
| Lulworth Cove Inn | 6.4 ml | £80.00 | Book | |
| The Old Mill B&B | 6.4 ml | £60.00 | Book | |
| West Lulworth House | 6.4 ml | £2000.00 | Book | |
| Holiday Apartment | 6.5 ml | £99.00 | Book | |
| Crown Hotel | 7.1 ml | £35.00 | Book | |
| Shah of Persia by Marstons Inns | 8.2 ml | £40.00 | Book | |
| Salterns Harbourside | 8.6 ml | £89.00 | Book | |
| Blue Shutters | 8.7 ml | £47.00 | Book | |
| Viewpoint Guest House | 8.9 ml | £59.95 | Book | |
| Grand Hotel Swanage | 9.1 ml | £55.00 | Book |
Lulworth, Lulworth, BH205QS
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