There are festivals where you spend the day running between stages trying not to miss your favourite bands. Camp Bestival is the opposite; getting distracted is half the fun.
The music might bring you through the gates, but it’s everything in between that makes Camp Bestival so special.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Lulworth Castle, Camp Bestival might have one of the most beautiful festival settings in the UK. With rolling hills stretching into the distance on one side and uninterrupted views overlooking the sea on the other, it’s the kind of location that makes you stop and take it all in before you’ve even reached the stages.
The last time I attended Camp Bestival was back in 2018. Returning 8 years later, 8.5 months pregnant, I found myself experiencing the festival through completely different eyes.
Previously, I’d have been focused on the line-up, the late nights and squeezing in as many acts as possible. This time, I found myself noticing the details that make Camp Bestival so unique – the families dancing together, the children discovering new worlds around every corner and the thought that one day I’ll be bringing my own little festival buddy here.
Because while Camp Bestival proudly wears its family-friendly badge, it never feels like a festival where adults are simply there to entertain children. It feels like a place where everyone gets to have fun.
One of the first things that stands out about Camp Bestival is just how much there is to discover. Every time we thought we’d seen it all, we’d turn a corner and find something completely different.
One minute you’re watching Dick and Dom fill the Castle Stage with nostalgic chaos. The next you’re walking past a mermaid inside a giant snow globe, stumbling across the festival’s mascots: 2 giant robots, Love-Bot and Earth Bot, that are impossible to miss. They tower 8 metres above the crowds, doubling up as incredible art installations and interactive play spaces for children.
Then there’s Caravanserai – a festival within a festival and easily one of the most memorable areas on site. Created by artist Pete Bateman, Caravanserai is built around a ring of vintage, repurposed French caravans with hidden seating areas, retro décor and a DJ booth fashioned from an old hearse. There’s even an old waltzer ride transformed into the main stage. It’s quirky, creative and feels like stepping into someone’s incredibly cool imagination.
The Bollywood tent was another visual highlight. Trying to describe it is difficult, but ‘as if Hobbycraft vomited everywhere – in the best possible way’ probably comes closest. Colour, creativity and countless handmade details fill the space, making it impossible not to stop and look around.
Colourful flags filled the skies, performers wandered throughout the site and unexpected moments appeared around every corner. We caught a fire performance at the iconic ‘I ♥ Bestival’ sign while walking between stages. It genuinely felt like every corner had been designed to make you stop and say “Look at that!”
Of course, the music remains a huge part of Camp Bestival’s appeal and they consistently smash the line up, year after year. If there was one act that perfectly summed up the magic of the festival for me, it was Dick and Dom. There, I said it.
As a 90s kid, Dick and Dom in da Bungalow was a Saturday morning staple. Watching them celebrate 30 years as a double act in 2026 felt surprisingly special – especially hearing them talk about their 15 years performing at Camp Bestival and their genuine love for the festival.
Their afternoon Castle Stage performance was packed with nostalgia, humour and audience interaction, but it was their later rave set in the Big Top that completely exceeded expectations. I’ll admit, I wasn’t expecting Dick and Dom to be such talented drum and bass DJs. From start to finish, the energy never dropped. It was banger after banger, with the pair clearly having the time of their lives behind the decks while thousands of people danced along. They’ve played festivals including Download and Kendal Calling, and after seeing that set, it’s easy to understand why they continue to be such a popular addition to festival line-ups.
They said multiple times that Camp Bestival was the best festival in the UK. Who am I to argue?
Saturday night’s headline performance came from Bastille, and it was my first time seeing them live. They delivered exactly what you’d want from a festival headline set – a brilliant mix of their biggest songs, chilled moments and tracks guaranteed to get everyone moving.
With excellent production, a full live band, additional session musicians and a surprise appearance from Bluey, it was the perfect way to close the day.
What makes Camp Bestival stand out is how effortlessly it blends family entertainment with a proper festival experience. The CBeebies Tent was constantly overflowing with excited children, while the daily bedtime stories were a lovely touch. On Saturday, Bastille’s Dan Smith even joined in by reading a bedtime story before taking to the headline stage later that evening.
The Library Tent hosted author talks and Q&As, while the skate park offered lessons for beginners alongside free sessions for experienced skaters. Planet Debenhams added even more family entertainment, with interactive activities, games and beauty experiences running throughout the weekend. There really is something for everyone.
The South Coast Makers Market was another highlight, showcasing incredible Dorset-based artists, jewellers and independent makers. It was brilliant to see local creatives given such a prominent space within such a large-scale festival.
The food offering at Camp Bestival was seriously impressive. It felt like every possible craving had been considered, from indulgent festival favourites and sweet treats to healthier options, vegan dishes and everything in between, from all corners of the globe.
There were also plenty of bars across the site offering all the usual festival pints and spirits, alongside a thoughtful selection of soft drinks, alcohol-free options and mocktails. Attending while pregnant, it was great to see such a wide range of choices available without feeling like an afterthought.
The Slomo Wellbeing area was another impressive addition. Although I only explored rather than taking part in a session, it was refreshing to see a dedicated space focused on slowing down and recharging, with saunas, ice baths, showers and pamper facilities available.
Accessibility had clearly been carefully considered, with provisions including a minibus service from the accessibility entrance, British Sign Language interpretation, accessible viewing platforms, accessible toilets and sensory calm spaces throughout the site.
One thing that stood out throughout the day was how friendly everyone was. Every staff member we encountered was helpful and welcoming, and there was a genuinely joyful atmosphere across the site. There were families in fancy dress, children dancing, toddlers asleep on shoulders and in carts as parents enjoyed the evening, and strangers smiling and chatting as they wandered around.
The only downside? There’s too much to do. Spending around 8 hours at Camp Bestival barely scratched the surface. There were performances we missed and activities we’d have loved more time to explore. If you’re planning a visit, I’d recommend attending for at least two days, if not the full Thursday-to-Monday experience. And bring comfortable shoes – you’ll clock thousands and thousands of steps before you even start dancing!
Camp Bestival is so much more than a family festival. It’s a place where world-class music, creativity, independent makers, incredible food, wellbeing and imagination all come together. Returning after 8 years reminded me why people fall in love with this festival.
Returning 8½ months pregnant made me realise I can’t wait to experience it all over again – this time with one more member of the festival crew.
