21 April 2025
By Lee Blanchflower – Guest Blogger for Waveney Campers
There’s something undeniably electric about the arrival of UK festival season – the anticipation, the atmosphere, the sheer joy of being immersed in music and creativity. The rain, the mud, the sun, the atmosphere.
Watching your favourite bands and international artists on stage and coming home after four days away and feeling like you need a holiday to recover from the experience.
But for me, it’s about ‘More than just Music. As a Professional Music Photographer, shooting for an international agency and my own Music Photography Brand, I’ve spent years capturing the energy, grit and spirit of live events
From muddy mosh pits to quiet moments by the fire pits, there’s very little I haven’t seen, so how pleased was I, when Waveney Campers asked me to guest blog for their 2025 feestival blog, I jumped at the chance.
But this one is slightly different. It’s one for the campers, the campervan fans and mobile home owners. It’s about the Best festivals to attend in a campervan
Because believe me, the difference between ‘Glamping,’ a pitched up tent in ‘general camping’ and the chance to come back to the luxury of a bed and luxury room on wheels after a long day partying, are literally worlds apart.
And for the tribe of campervan festival-goers – those ditching the soggy tents for something warmer, cosier, are expanding at can unstoppable rate.
Campervan culture is bigger than ever and having travelled the country, camera in hand, documenting some of the UK’s biggest and boldest festivals. One thing has become apparent.
Whether it’s the immersive magic of Latitude Festival, Boomtown, the family vibes of Camp Bestival, or the iconic energy of Glastonbury, this summer proves that festival season is just as much about freedom, comfort and good company as it is about killer line-ups.
So, park up, plug in (where allowed) get those solar panels charging and let’s dive into a summer on wheels that’s going to make some BIG memories.
Latitude Festival: A Blend of Culture and Comfort and one of the Best festivals to attend in a campervan
Nestled in the picturesque Henham Park, Suffolk, Latitude Festival is a haven for those seeking a mix of music, arts, and relaxation.
The festival’s campervan facilities are top-notch, with designated fields opening from 2pm on Wednesday, 23rd July .
The serene lakeside setting, combined with a diverse lineup featuring Sting, Fatboy Slim, and Snow Patrol, made for an unforgettable experience.
The convenience of having a Campervan nearby, will allow me to recharge both my equipment and myself.
It’s probably the nearest ‘real’ festival to Waveney Campers, at around 50 miles away.
Red Rooster Festival: Americana Vibes in Suffolk
Euston Hall in Suffolk plays host to the Red Rooster Festival, a celebration of Americana, soul, and roots music.
From 29th to 31st May, the festival grounds transform into a lively gathering of music lovers.
The campervan area is well-equipped, offering showers, toilets, and even luxury facilities for those seeking a touch of indulgence.
The intimate setting, combined with late-night campfires and a welcoming community, makes it a standout event that should be on the calendar and the atmosphere and chilled out vibe, makes up for the lack of A list performers.
This one is a definite hit for foodies and families.
Glastonbury Festival: The Pinnacle of Festival Experiences and has to be the Best UK festivals to attend in a campervan
No festival journey would be complete without mentioning Glastonbury, providing you’re one of the ‘chosen ones’ fortunate to have made the ticket allocation.
‘Held at Worthy Farm, Somerset, this legendary event offers designated campervan fields for attendees.
If you’re heading to Glastonbury Festival in a campervan, there’s a fair bit to plan for—but it’s well worth the effort for the added comfort. In addition to your festival ticket, you’ll need to buy a separate campervan pass, which can cost upwards of £200, depending on the pitch type and location.
There are several campervan fields available, including East General and East Quiet, which are within walking distance of the main festival area (expect a 10–25-minute trek, sometimes involving hills).
Further out, the Bath & West Showground site offers a shuttle service that runs 24/7, but it’s a longer journey and does feel slightly detached from the main buzz.
You’ll need to make sure your vehicle meets the requirements—campervans must be fitted with permanent beds or cooking/washing facilities, and there are no electrical hookups, so being self-sufficient is key.
Using a campervan at Glastonbury can be a game-changer, giving you a warm, dry space to retreat to after a long day on your feet. It’s a lot more civilised than camping in a tent—especially if the weather turns.
That said, don’t underestimate the walk to and from the main stages, especially if you’re parked in one of the outer fields.
Arriving early is a good idea, as pitches are first-come, first-served, and there’s no option to reserve spots with friends in advance.
Make sure to pack wisely—bring your own water containers, portable chargers, and clothing for every possible type of British weather. If you’re organised and prepared, campervan life at Glasto can be one of the best ways to enjoy the festival.
Isle of Wight Festival: Coastal CharmMusic and one of the best festivals in a campervan
From 19th to 22nd June, the Isle of Wight Festival offers a unique blend of coastal beauty and musical performances.
Now I love the Isle of Wight Festival. It’s one of my favourite festivals, but the downside is that living in Norwich, mens it’s a road trip in itself to get there. That’;s where having a campervan comes in as a perfect choice
The festival provides a separate area for campervans, ensuring attendees have a comfortable space to retreat to after a day of festivities .
The proximity to the sea added a refreshing touch to the experience, and the diverse lineup catered to a wide range of musical tastes. Don’t forget to book your ferry tickets and it can be a mad rush as everybody vacates after the festival finishes. Expect delays.
Boomtown Fair: Immersive Worlds and Eclectic Sounds
Who Attends Boomtown Festival – And Who It’s Perfect For
Boomtown Festival isn’t your average weekend of bands on stages – it’s a full-blown, immersive experience that fuses theatre, music, and storytelling into a city-sized playground of creativity.
Drawing in around 75,000 people each year, Boomtown attracts a wonderfully diverse crowd. Whether you’re into bass-heavy beats, punk energy, roots reggae, or experimental performance art, there’s something here to capture your imagination.
You’ll find everyone from first-time festival-goers in their early twenties to seasoned music heads and creative souls in their fifties.
It’s also a favourite among people working in the arts, theatre, and performance industries – and if you’ve got a flair for dressing up or love to be part of something bigger than yourself, you’ll be right at home.
There’s a strong sense of community, inclusion and expression. Boomtown is perfect for those who don’t just want to watch – they want to play, explore, and get fully involved in the surreal storylines that unfold across the site.
That said, it’s a physically intense experience. The site is huge, set across hilly ground, and sensory stimulation is high. But for those who come prepared, it’s one of the most visually and emotionally rewarding festivals in the UK.
Bringing Your Campervan to Boomtown
If you’re hitting Boomtown in a campervan, you’re in for a great setup.
It’s on the Must Do Best festivals to attend in a campervan. The festival offers designated campervan and live-in vehicle areas, which you’ll need a separate ticket for in advance.
These spaces are laid out to make it easy to park up, settle in, and get straight into the festival spirit without the faff of tent pitching or dragging gear uphill.
Boomtown’s campervan fields are well organised with access to toilets and water points, and while there are no electric hook-ups, the convenience of sleeping off the ground and having your own little hub can’t be overstated – especially when you’re navigating the theatrical madness of Boomtown.
Just remember, vehicles must meet the fest’s live-in criteria (i.e., it needs to be purpose-built for sleeping/cooking) and arrive during the specified entry windows.
Once you’re in, you’re part of a lively, laid-back community that enjoys the fest with a bit more comfort – and a lot more freedom.
Bearded Theory: Family-Friendly Fun in Derbyshire
Taking place at Catton Hall, Derbyshire, Bearded Theory offers a family-friendly atmosphere without compromising on musical quality.
The festival features multiple stages, including The Pallet and The Woodland, catering to various genres .
The campervan fields are spacious, and the sense of community among attendees is palpable. It’s an ideal setting for those looking to combine family outings with festival adventures
Vanlife Festival: Celebrating the Campervan Community
From 30th May to 1st June, the Vanlife Festival is a must-visit for campervan enthusiasts.
The event celebrates the van life culture, offering workshops, live music, and a showcase of inspirational display vehicles . It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and gain insights into the campervan lifestyle.
Conclusion: The Joy of Festivals on Wheels
If you want to hit Best festivals to attend in a campervan, this list is a great starting point.
Different events have their own unique flavour and having a mobile base enhances the overall experience, especially for somebody like myself, who has a lot of expensive photography equipment, needs access to secure storage overnight and the chance to get a decent nights sleep and hot food as required.
Working festivals as a photographer is amazing and I regularly have the chance to mingle with celebrities and watch the performances up close.
However, there’s something a bit bit special about owning or renting a campervan and partying with significantly more comfort and style.
For those considering this mode of travel, ensure your vehicle meets the specific requirements of each festival, and always book your campervan passes in advance. Never assume your festival ticket includes a campervan pass.
Here’s to the open road, unforgettable music, and the vibrant communities that make festival season so special.
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