🗓️ Thursday 25th – Sunday 28th July 2024
The annual Camp Bestival in Lulworth is arguably the largest festival on the Isle of Purbeck and brings some of the UK’s biggest names in music to Dorset, including regulars like Sophie Ellis Bexter.
The brainchild of DJ Rob Da Bank and wife Josie, Camp Bestival’s top names for 2023 included The Kooks, Craig David, Sam Ryder, Ella Henderson and The Bootleg Beatles.
The date has been set for 2024: Thursday 25th – Sunday 28th July.
Here’s a snapshot of what to expect, along with a some of last year’s line-up highlights:
Known as one of the UK’s most family-friendly festivals, there’s a huge area dedicated to kids with over 100 different activities such as circus skills workshops and special children’s performances.
With a jam-packed programme of entertainment and great atmosphere all weekend, it’s no surprise that Camp Bestival has won a Best Family Festival award on multiple occasions.
Set in the grounds of Lulworth Castle, close to the dramatic Jurassic Coastline, it’s a magical setting for the feast of colour, music and weekend-long party in the parkland.
Expect lots of yummy street food style stalls and loads of entertainment for young and old – check this year’s full line-up and what’s on guide or buy tickets on the Camp Bestival website: dorset.campbestival.net
Music tents & stages
Camp Bestival Dorset has three main music stages – the main Castle Stage, the classic Big Top and the fantastically colourful Bollywood stage.
Acts play across the weekend, day and night, providing festival-goers with a stellar programme of music and entertainment.
Workshops & entertainment
Whether you’re camping all weekend or just visiting for the day you’ll be spoilt for choice with the range of bookable and drop-in workshops and outdoor performances.
Try your hand at basket-weaving, jewellery-making or poetry-writing, and sit down in the sun to watch some amazing street circus acts.
There’s plenty for kids to do too, with traditional fairground rides, dedicated kids areas and the World’s Biggest Bouncy Castle! There’s even a babysitting service so you can drop the little ones off for some grown-up time, or to have a shower uninterrupted.
Food & drink
There’s something for everyone at the many catering vans across the festival site – from healthy handmade flapjacks and even porridge to start your day off on the right food, to indulgent New Orleans-style deep-fried chicken & shrimp.
At the bar you’ll find a great range of beers, wine & spirits, as well as soft drinks.
There’s also free water at the hydration stations dotted about the park.
2022 festival theme highlights
Here’s some of our favourite bits of Bestival decor from 2022…
Camping & glamping
There’s various camping options at Camp Bestival – from tent pitches, pre-pitched tents and premium ‘backstage camping’.
Or why not check out the festival’s boutique glamping options – choose from bell tents, yurts, bedouin tents and even country wagons.
Campervans and motorhomes are also welcome and have a dedicated area.
Enjoy access to loos and showers, with plenty of on-site food and drink available.
Find full camping information and booking online: dorset.campbestival.net/camping
How to get there & travel information
Postcode for your SatNav: BH20 5QS
đź“ŤLulworth Castle, East Lulworth, Dorset.
You can drive to Camp Bestival, get a direct coach, or take a combination of rail and taxi right to the gate.
By car
If you’re driving the festival will be well signposted from all main directions from both east and from the west of the county.
- From Bournemouth & the east – Follow the M27 and the A31 toward Bere Regis. The festival will be signposted from Wareham and Wool
- From Dorchester & the west – Follow the A35 and take the A352 toward Wool/Wareham
Follow the relevant signage for your particular ticket (ie camping, boutique camping, accessible, backstage).
Parking
There’s plenty of parking on-site, but note that you’ll need to pay for a space.
If you book in advance, day parking is ÂŁ10 and weekend is ÂŁ20.
It’s an additional ÂŁ5 to pay on the day.
By public transport
Train & taxi combo
Various rail networks connect to Dorset, with a key route being the London Waterloo – Weymouth line, which stops at both Wareham train station and Wool Station. This line is operated by South Western Railway.
You can pick up a cab from either station directly to the festival in Lulworth.
Local taxi companies know it’s a popular and busy time across the Camp Bestival weekend and operate a shuttle service to and from the festival from the train stations.
Coach – from London
Camp Bestival works in partnership with provider Big Green Coach – a service exclusive to the festival.
It’s a handy way to travel direct from London Victoria straight to Camp Bestival.
A return ticket for the weekend is just ÂŁ54.
Find out more and book online: www.biggreencoach.co.uk/events/camp-bestival-tickets-coach-travel