Camp Bestival Dorset

Camp Bestival Dorset 2026

Camp Bestival Dorset returns from Thursday 30 July to Sunday 2 August 2026 at the historic Lulworth Castle, set in the scenic hills of West Lulworth, Dorset. This family-friendly festival combines music, entertainment, and outdoor fun near the Jurassic Coast.

Music & Entertainment

Enjoy a diverse music lineup across multiple stages, including chart-topping bands, Bollywood beats, reggae rhythms, and electronic DJs. Evening events feature silent discos and surprise performances, plus circus acts and comedy shows for all ages.

Family Activities

The festival offers creative workshops, circus skills, puppet theatre, treasure hunts, and giant inflatables to keep children and adults entertained throughout the weekend.

Food & Drink

Sample a wide range of street food from wood-fired pizzas and seafood to classic fish and chips, alongside sweet treats like ice cream and waffles. Refresh with local Dorset ales, ciders, cocktails, or a simple coffee in a relaxed setting.

Camping & Atmosphere

Camp on-site with tents, campervans, or caravans and enjoy a friendly campsite atmosphere complete with fancy dress, campfires, family films under the stars, and a fireworks finale above the castle ruins.

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.