Forbidden Forest
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4 June - 07 June 2026
For four magical days in June 2026, the Forbidden Forest festival beckons adventurers into a world of wonder in the lush woods near Grantham, Lincolnshire. Picture wandering beneath ancient oak and willow trees aglow with fairy lights, where music drifts on the breeze and creativity sparkles at every turn. Forbidden Forest is more than just an event – it is a fully immersive experience blending music, art, and nature. Whether you are a music lover, an art enthusiast, or simply curious, you will find plenty to explore and delight in.
During the day, cozy acoustic circles appear in sun-dappled clearings, where local musicians share soulful tunes. Handcrafted art installations dot the forest – giant carvings, interactive sculptures, and more, each adding a whimsical touch. You might find a spontaneous drum circle or storytellers weaving tales in the shade, as well as workshops on making flower crowns and leaf art. It is a festival of imagination, and you may even join an impromptu jam session as music drifts out from hidden stages.
As night falls, the forest truly comes alive. Lantern-lit trails wind toward dance clearings and crackling firepits. Pulsating DJ sets make the trees thrum with energy under colored spotlights, turning the woods into a natural nightclub. Dancers whirl by bonfires under the stars, while others gather with cozy seating and acoustic music for stargazing. Whether you dance or relax, the nighttime vibe is mystical and joyful, with everyone sharing in a sense of forest magic.
Food is a festival highlight, and Forbidden Forest delivers delicious fare. The food village serves gourmet street eats – wood-fired pizza, savory curries, hearty burgers, and vegan treats from friendly local vendors. Check out the craft beer and cider stalls for refreshing pints, or warm up with herbal teas by a communal fire. Evening barbecues and long tables invite festival-goers to mingle over shared platters of local cheeses, breads, and homemade sweets. It is a feast under the trees, open to everyone’s appetite.
The festival is wonderfully family-friendly. Little adventurers can enjoy puppet shows, face-painting, and guided nature walks made just for kids. Creative workshops teach them to weave flower crowns or build fairy houses, and storytelling corners bring dragons and fairies to life. Meanwhile, adults can start the morning with yoga in a sunlit clearing or meditation by the pond. Expect friendly wolf howls and birdsong at dawn – nature herself joins the festivities. All ages can chill on picnic blankets listening to gentle folk tunes or play lawn games together in an atmosphere of pure fun and discovery.
Staff, volunteers, and fellow festival-goers at Forbidden Forest are as warm and welcoming as the summer sun. Many people camp on site and fall asleep under rustling leaves or in cozy hammock villages, while others stay in nearby Grantham hotels, country inns, or glamping accommodations within a short drive. Regardless of where you rest, you will leave with new friends and memories as bright as the morning light. Forbidden Forest is more than an event – it is a living storybook where every path leads to adventure, creativity, and the simple joy of being together in nature.
For drivers, Grantham is conveniently located at major routes. The A1(M) runs just west of town, linking Grantham north to Newark and south to London (about 100 miles/1.5–2 hours away). The A52 (from Nottingham) and the A607 (from Lincoln) meet at the town. From any approach, follow signs for Grantham and use NG32 1PE in your GPS to reach the festival site. Parking is typically available on site or nearby during events, so consider car-sharing to ease traffic.
Public transport: Grantham’s railway station is on the East Coast Main Line, with frequent services from London King’s Cross (about 1 hour) and onward to northern cities like York, Leeds, and Edinburgh. Cross-country routes via Newark connect to Nottingham, Sheffield, and Birmingham. The town’s bus and coach station (near Market Place) is served by National Express coaches from other UK cities and by Stagecoach buses to Lincoln and Nottingham. From the station or coach stop, taxis and rideshares can handle the short onward trip to the festival grounds.
Airports: The nearest major airport is East Midlands (EMA), about a 40-minute drive from Grantham. London airports (Stansted and Luton) are also popular gateways; they are roughly 90–120 minutes away by road (trains via London can also connect). Birmingham Airport is about 100 miles (roughly 2 hours by car). From any of these airports, visitors can rent a car or take trains/coaches to Grantham (for example via Nottingham from EMA, or via London from Stansted/Luton).
Accommodation: Grantham and its surroundings offer many options. In town, visitors will find quaint B&Bs, traditional inns (the historic Angel & Royal on High Street is notable), and modern hotels. Country-house venues like Belton Woods Hotel & Spa (near Belton) and other countryside lodges are a short drive away. Numerous guesthouses, holiday cottages, and even camping/glamping sites are available in the region – many festival attendees choose on-site camping if offered. Because summer weekends tend to book up, it’s wise to reserve lodging well in advance.
| Name | Star | Distance | Prices From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belton Woods - QHotels | 0.5 ml | £47.40 | Book | |
| The Red House | 1.6 ml | £39.00 | Book | |
| Urban Hotel Grantham | 2.9 ml | £58.65 | Book | |
| Wyndham Garden Grantham | 3.2 ml | £59.00 | Book | |
| The Brownlow Arms | 4.7 ml | £65.00 | Book | |
| Stoke Rochford Hall | 6.8 ml | £55.00 | Book | |
| The Hare and Hounds | 7.4 ml | £60.00 | Book | |
| The Woodhouse Arms | 10.3 ml | £75.00 | Book | |
| The Royal Oak | 11.1 ml | £60.00 | Book | |
| The Willoughby Arms | 14.9 ml | £65.00 | Book |
Grantham, Grantham, NG321PE
