UK Festivals To Visit In Your Caravan

 Guest post 

Festivals by caravan - truly, the best of both worlds

These days the word 'festival' can describe anything from a chilled out weekend of star-gazing to a full on rave. In fact, the only thing most festivals have in common is the queue for the loos. 

That's why taking your caravan with you is such a great idea. Not only do you have your own facilities, but all thoughts of damp duvets and uncomfortable groundsheets go right out the window. Yet you still get to enjoy all the best aspects of festival life.

With this win-win in mind, check out this handy round up of some of the most interesting UK festivals - including some cool city centre options close to caravan parks. Whether you're a newbie or a pro, you should hopefully find something to inspire you.

For the literati who like to party

If you think reading is only a solitary experience, a book festival can be a real eye-opener. There's something magical about feeling the love of reading in the room. And here are just two to get you thinking: 

Hay Festival, Wales (25 May - 4 June 2023)

Known as 'book town', Hay-on-Wye hosts a popular festival that invites its audience to 'imagine the world as it is and as it might be'. Nobel prize-winners, novelists, scientists, politicians, historians, environmentalists and musicians all take part. So you never know who you might bump into. Former attendee Bill Clinton called it the 'Woodstock of the mind'. So be ready to tune in - but not drop out. 

Onsite caravan pitches: No

Nearest touring sites: 

Hay-on-Wye Caravan Park Hay-on-Wye 

Dark Orchards Caravan Site Hay-on- Wye (caravan and motorhome club members only)

Isle Of Wight Literary Festival (5-8 October 2023)

The Isle of Wight Literary Festival offers a varied programme that claims to offer 'something for everyone' - from crime fiction to maritime adventure to gardening. It's hosted by Northwood House, a magnificent Grade 11 listed late Georgian manor house set in a 20 acre park; ideal for awakening your inner Jane Austin. 

Onsite caravan pitches: No

Nearest touring sites:

Waverly Park Holiday Centre East Cowes

Comforts Farm Cowes

For music fans with caravans

Music lovers and festivals go together like mud and wellies. And now there is an event for pretty much every type of fan - from emo to metalheads. Here are two cult classics: 

WOMAD, Charlton Park, Wiltshire (7-30 July 2023)

WOMAD (the World of Music Arts and Dance festival) is a truly international event, with an eclectic line up of musicians working across six stages to bring you something you didn't know you wanted (or even existed). It's family friendly and kids under 13 go free. 

Onsite caravan pitches: Yes 

Love Supreme, Glynde Place, east Sussex (30 June - 02 July 2023)

In a word, Jazz or in the words of the Sunday Telegraph, 'the most spectacular jazz festival in the country.' Love Supreme offers 'more that just music' with the chance to go hill walking, take in yoga sessions or have a 'secret swim' between grooves. This year marks it's 10th anniversary, and with Little Simz and Grace Jones headlining, it promises to be one to remember. 

Onsite caravan pitches: Yes 

For those keen to park where it's really dark

With the ever-increasing problem of light pollution, would-be astronomers have long been forced to head for the hills in search of dark skies. But now, with festivals designed especially for stargazers, there is no need for splendid isolation. 

National Parks Dark Skies Festivals (Autumn / Winter 2023) 

National Parks boasts some of Great Britain's Darkest skies, which they celebrate with festivals throughout the autumn and winter months. in 2023, there will be festivals in Northumberland, Exmoor, Cumbria and the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales. Activities range from night-time caving and stargazing parties and there are special events for families and first-time stargazers too. 

Onsite caravan pitches: Check festival website for details. 

Hebridean Dark Skies Festival (a diary date for 2024)

For a truly memorable experience, head for the Hebridean Dark Skies Festival on the Isle of Lewis. This short event, which usually takes place in February or March, offers a packed programme of astronomy talks, films, music, visual art and theatre alongside stargazing events held indoors at the Cosmos Planetarium and outside with Highland Astronomy. Start planning now for next year's adventure. 

Onsite caravan pitches: No

Nearest touring site: 

Laxdale in Stornoway

Delicious Finds For Hungry Minds 

Food and drink festivals have really taken off in the UK in recent years and there seems to be no end to their popularity - or diversity. Although we're still some way from the USA's Roadkill Cook-Off and Mexico's Night of Radishes. Here is a taster of UK food events

Eat and Drink Festival, Glasgow (26-29 May 2023)

For anyone who thinks Scottish cuisine is all about deep fried Mars bars and Irn-Bru, this foodie favourite is a revelation. Celebrating the most exciting trends in modern cuisine and mixology Glasgow's annual Eat and Drink Festival has something new for every food lover to enjoy. While you can't take your caravan into the venue (unless you're selling street food from it .....), there are some stunning parks around Glasgow allowing you to combine a slice of 'foodie heaven' with a peaceful haven close to the city. 

Onsite caravan pitches: No

Nearest touring sites: 

Red Deer Holiday Park Glasgow

Bristol Craft Beer Festival (9-10 June 2023) 

With it's harbour-side location and friendly vibe, Bristol's two-day Craft Beer Festival brings together the best brewers and food producers and serves them up with a tasty side-order of bands, Dj's, talks and more. Past festival-goers have rated the positivity as highly as the beer, so even if you're staying in a caravan out of town and making your way into town, you can expect a friendly welcome. 

Onsite caravan pitches: No 

Nearest touring site: Knights Folly Farm, Bitton

For tourers in need of insurers 

While most festival-goers are lovely people, theft from or damage to your caravan is sadly always a risk. So, in the spirit of love and peace (of mind), it's well worth considering getting or refreshing your caravan insurance before you set off. 

If you're looking for the best deal, go no further than InsureMy. Our caravan insurance comes with a lowest price guarantee. Plus, we only work with trusted and reputable insurers who are specialists in their field.