EskFest
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EskFest 2026 invites you to escape to the hidden valley of Eskdale for three days of music, magic, and merriment from July 9th through 11th, 2026. Tucked at the dramatic foot of Cumbria’s Hardknott Pass, this friendly micro-festival blends the excitement of live performances with the intimacy of a local gathering. Picture yourself wandering between multiple stages under open skies, dancing at a ceilidh under the stars, and relaxing by campfires with local ales and cider. Every glance brings a postcard-worthy view – wildflower meadows, ancient stone circles, and rugged peaks. Whether you’re a veteran festival-goer or a nature lover seeking adventure, EskFest’s warm all-ages spirit promises an unforgettable weekend escape in the Lake District.
EskFest truly has something for everyone. Live music pulses through the valley on three stages, featuring foot-stomping folk, sultry blues, upbeat indie-pop and world music from regional bands. Expect surprises between sets—street performers, comedians and circus acts might weave through the crowd, or you could pop into a creative workshop or acrobatics demonstration. Foodies can feast on wood-fired pizza, gourmet burgers, fragrant curries and sweet treats from local street-food vendors, and the bars are stocked with Cumbrian ales, ciders and creative cocktails. On the family front, kids are greeted with a special activity zone filled with games, crafts and storytelling, so parents can relax in chill-out lounges behind the stage. After dark, gather for a jovial open-air ceilidh or don headphones for EskFest’s friendly silent disco beneath the starry sky.
With only a few hundred attendees, EskFest never feels crowded. There’s plenty of grassy space to sit, picnic or lounge under the fells, and friendly festival staff (many local volunteers) make sure everyone feels at home. You might find yourself swapping stories with a band member at the beer tent or joining an impromptu jam session by the campfire. When the sun sets, fairy lights and tiki torches twinkle across the field, and the valley hums with music and laughter as the Milky Way sweeps overhead. Dogs on leads are welcome too, making EskFest a truly family affair (furry family members included!).
Whether you arrive for the headline acts or the hearty local cuisine, EskFest is an enchanting Lake District experience from start to finish. Pitch your tent on Thursday afternoon, wake up to mist in the pine woods, and spend each day dancing, hiking nearby trails or simply soaking up the community spirit. By Sunday night you’ll have made new friends, discovered new favorite tunes and seen one of England’s most beautiful corners in full summer bloom. Pack your wellies, a warm jacket and your sense of adventure – EskFest 2026 will take care of the rest.
By car, Eskdale is best accessed via main A-roads rather than the passes. From the M6 motorway, head west on the A66 to Penrith and then join the A595 coast road toward the west Cumbrian coast (or take the A590/A593 via Kendal and Coniston). A popular scenic route is the Birker Fell road off the A595 at Broughton-in-Furness, which loops above the valley and avoids the steep Wrynose/Hardknott switchbacks. Drivers unfamiliar with mountain roads should not attempt Hardknott Pass itself, as it is extremely steep and narrow. Once in Eskdale (at Boot village), follow signs to The Woolpack Inn at Hardknott Pass – the festival entrance. Parking is available on nearby fields. Remember that the rural lanes are narrow and winding, so allow extra driving time, watch for sheep on the road, and enjoy the spectacular views.
If you arrive by public transport, options exist but require planning. The nearest mainline station is Windermere (via Oxenholme); from there take Stagecoach bus 508 through Eskdale, which terminates at Dalegarth (Eskdale Green). Alternatively, travel on the scenic Cumbrian Coast line to Ravenglass station and transfer to the historic Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway ("La'al Ratty"), which chugs 7 miles up the valley to Dalegarth – from the station it’s roughly a mile’s walk or a short taxi ride to the festival field. Buses in the Lakes can be infrequent, so check timetables carefully. The nearest airports with easy rail links are Manchester (about 2–3 hours away by car or coach) or Liverpool and Leeds/Bradford (slightly further); these connect to Oxenholme/Windermere on the train network. Plan your journey so you don’t arrive too late, as rural services usually stop early in the evening.
Accommodation in Eskdale is limited, so book well in advance. EskFest provides on-site camping for ticket-holders (bring your own tent or campervan; there are toilets and water onsite but no showers). If you prefer a bed, consider the Woolpack Inn itself (a few simple rooms), or guesthouses and B&Bs in nearby Boot or Ravenglass. Popular campsites include the National Trust’s Eskdale and Dalegarth sites or Fisherground farmhouse (for a rustic stay). Many visitors also stay in Ravenglass or Wasdale and drive in each day. Wherever you stay, reserve early—summer weekends fill up fast in the Lake District. Finally, note that Eskdale is very rural: mobile phone reception is patchy and EskFest is cash-only, so carry some cash and offline maps for your journey.
| Name | Star | Distance | Prices From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Irton Hall | 0.8 ml | £49.00 | Book | |
| Bridge Inn | 1.6 ml | £49.00 | Book | |
| Muncaster Country Guest House | 1.6 ml | £40.00 | Book | |
| Forest How Guest House | 2.0 ml | £85.00 | Book | |
| The Pennington | 2.2 ml | £110.00 | Book | |
| Fisherground Lodges | 3.0 ml | £110.00 | Book | |
| Low Wood Hall Hotel | 3.3 ml | £79.00 | Book | |
| The Kellbank | 3.3 ml | £63.00 | Book | |
| Westlakes Hotel | 3.6 ml | £100.00 | Book | |
| Stanley House | 4.0 ml | £55.00 | Book | |
| Bailey Ground Hotel | 4.3 ml | £63.00 | Book | |
| Bailey Ground Lodge | 4.3 ml | £94.50 | Book | |
| Woolpack Inn | 6.0 ml | £65.00 | Book | |
| Sella Park Country House Hotel | 7.5 ml | £100.00 | Book |
Hardknott Pass, Eskdale, CA191TH
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