Warwick Folk Festival
| 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Days | Hours | Mins | Secs |
23 July - 26 July 2026
The 45th Warwick Folk Festival - an annual four-day celebration of traditional and contemporary folk music, dance and arts - returns from Thursday 23rd to Sunday 26th July 2026. Hosted on the spacious grounds of Warwick Racecourse, this year's festival promises to transform the area into a bustling village of music and merriment under the summer sky. Set in the heart of historic Warwick, with its nearby castle and old town streets, the event offers a welcoming atmosphere for everyone from devoted folk fans to curious newcomers and families.
Over four days, experience an inspiring lineup of live performances on multiple stages and in intimate acoustic sessions. Talented bands and solo artists will bring a rich mix of British folk traditions and global acoustic styles - from plaintive ballads and driving jigs to contemporary folk-rock, roots and world-influenced fusion. Workshops in dance, singing, songwriting and instrument playing run throughout the festival, giving visitors the chance for hands-on fun and learning from experienced folk artists. Each evening, the dance tent springs to life with joyous ceilidh and barn dances where everyone is encouraged to join in swirling circle dances and traditional routines under the stars.
The atmosphere is incredibly friendly and community-focused. You might stumble upon impromptu jam circles in the grass, singer-songwriters under a shady tree, or a spontaneous open mic in a hidden corner. A children’s folk adventure area keeps young attendees engaged with music and dance activities. Across the site, local craft stalls and food vendors offer everything from handmade gifts to delicious festival fare. Relax on the lawn or enjoy a drink at the beer tent, which features a rotating selection of local cask ales and refreshing beverages. Nearby food stalls serve everything from traditional British dishes to international street food, so there’s truly something to suit every taste.
Warwick Racecourse’s broad open fields and parklands provide the perfect setting for this festival. Multiple stage marquees, acoustic tents and workshop areas are spaced out across the site, so it never feels overcrowded. Despite being on the racecourse grounds, the festival remains linked to Warwick’s character. The famous Warwick Castle and the historic town centre are only a short drive or bus ride away. Each summer, an informal fringe event often spills into town with pop-up performances at local pubs, outdoor dance displays and evening concerts, letting visitors experience more of the local flavour.
All in all, the Warwick Folk Festival is about sharing joy through music and dance. Attendees consistently praise its friendly, inclusive vibe where everyone feels welcome, from solo travelers to whole families and first-timers alike. With a variety of ticket options (daily tickets, weekend passes and reduced prices for children or students), the festival is accessible to guests of all kinds. Warwick and nearby towns offer a range of lodging from boutique hotels and cosy inns to countryside B&Bs and campsites. After four days filled with song and dance, you’ll head home with happy memories, new friends and perhaps a few new tunes to play!
By car: Warwick Racecourse is conveniently located just east of Warwick town, near the junction of the A46 and A4177. Drivers arriving from the north typically follow the A46 via Leamington Spa, while those from the south can use the A46 through Stratford-upon-Avon. The M40 motorway (Junction 15) is about a 15-minute drive away for anyone coming from Birmingham, London or beyond. On festival weekends there is generally ample on-site car and coach parking (often free), but spaces may fill up quickly. To avoid delays, consider arriving early or car-sharing with friends.
By train and bus: Warwick has good rail connections. Warwick Railway Station, on the line connecting Birmingham and London, is roughly a 15- to 20-minute walk from the Racecourse (taxis are also available). Trains run frequently from Birmingham, Coventry and London (with a change at Coventry or Birmingham New Street). Alternatively, Leamington Spa station nearby offers more frequent long-distance trains — from there you can take a short local train or bus to Warwick. Local Stagecoach buses serve Warwick town centre often, and on big event weekends there may be special shuttle buses to the Racecourse. Always check current train and bus timetables, as schedules can vary on weekends and holidays.
By air: The nearest major airport is Birmingham Airport (BHX), about 25 miles north of Warwick (roughly a 30- to 40-minute drive). From Birmingham Airport you can catch a shuttle train at Birmingham International to reach Warwick (usually changing once, at Birmingham New Street or Coventry). Coventry Airport is much smaller with limited service. Many international visitors fly into London Heathrow or Gatwick; from those airports the easiest route is often to take the Heathrow Express or Gatwick Express to central London and then a train from London to Coventry or Birmingham, followed by a local train or bus to Warwick. Because July is peak travel season, it’s wise to book flights and onward transportation well in advance.
Accommodation: There is a wide range of places to stay in Warwick and nearby. In Warwick itself you’ll find charming Bed & Breakfasts, historic inns and boutique hotels, many of which are within easy reach of the racecourse (and Warwick Castle). Just 3 miles away, Royal Leamington Spa offers larger hotels and familiar chain hotels if needed. If you prefer a countryside setting, consider farm B&Bs or campsites in the Warwickshire countryside around the town. Because mid-summer is a busy tourist season, accommodations can book up fast — it’s recommended to make reservations early. Whether you choose a cosy B&B or a local campsite, friendly hospitality awaits after a full day of festival fun.
| Name | Star | Distance | Prices From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avon Guest House | 0.4 ml | £35.00 | Book | |
| Westham B&B | 0.5 ml | £25.00 | Book | |
| Austin Guest House | 0.5 ml | £23.50 | Book | |
| Chesterfields Guest House | 0.5 ml | £31.00 | Book | |
| Lord Leycester | 0.7 ml | £50.00 | Book | |
| Warwick Arms Hotel | 0.8 ml | £60.00 | Book | |
| Rose & Crown | 0.9 ml | £85.00 | Book | |
| The Globe | 0.9 ml | £85.00 | Book | |
| Kings Head Inn | 1.0 ml | £59.50 | Book | |
| Warwick Apartments | 1.0 ml | £159.00 | Book | |
| The Falstaff Hotel | 1.1 ml | £46.50 | Book | |
| The Clarendon Apartments | 1.6 ml | £69.00 | Book | |
| Travelodge The Regent Hotel Leamington Spa | 1.6 ml | £45.00 | Book | |
| The Lansdowne Hotel | 1.8 ml | £60.00 | Book | |
| Hedley Villa Guest House | 1.8 ml | £40.00 | Book |
Warwick Racecourse, Hampton St, Warwick, CV346HN
