Solstice at Wasing

Solstice at Wasing takes place in rural Berkshire, a short drive from Reading. Plan your travel early, as the festival site is a bit off the usual routes and may not have frequent public transport directly to it. In general, the easiest approach is by car: the venue is accessible via the M4 motorway (exit Junction 12) and follows local country roads. Expect extra travel time on festival day due to event traffic, so arrive early if driving. There is parking available, but car-sharing or arriving in a group can make the journey smoother. If you prefer not to drive, taxis from nearby towns are widely available, though you may need to book them in advance as demand will be high.

If you’re traveling by train, the nearest station to Wasing is Aldermaston (about 3 miles from the estate). However, only a few trains stop at Aldermaston each day, so most visitors find it easier to take a train to Reading Station and complete the last part of the journey by taxi or local bus. From Reading, a taxi or rideshare to Wasing takes about 25 minutes. You might also use Newbury station (about 10 miles away) and pick up a hire car or taxi there. Always check train schedules in advance, especially if traveling early in the morning or late at night, as services can be limited.

For those flying in, London Heathrow Airport is the closest major international hub (roughly 50 km east of Wasing). From Heathrow you can rent a car or take a train into Reading, as there are frequent services from Paddington station. Other London airports (Gatwick, Luton, Stansted) are much further away but still reachable by connecting train or coach to Reading. Southampton Airport (about 90 minutes away by road) is another possibility. In any case, you will ultimately transfer via train or taxi to reach the festival site.

Because the festival celebrates its woodland setting, on-site camping is often offered or encouraged (check event info for details). If you plan to camp, bring your own tent and gear and consider arriving early when the campsite opens. If camping isn’t for you, the nearest accommodations are in nearby towns. Reading and Newbury each have a range of hotels, guesthouses, and B&Bs about 20–30 minutes away by car. There are also quaint country inns and B&Bs in villages like Aldermaston, Beenham, or Enborne. Book your lodging in advance, as summer weekends tend to fill up quickly. In all cases, remember that rural roads can be slow at night, so plan how you’ll get back after the festival.