Disclosure: I was an official Camp Bestival blogger for 2015. My family and I were given tickets in return for our coverage and honest opinions of the festival. As ever, all thoughts, words and pictures are my own.
So there we are.
All the excitement, planning, packing and anticipation has been and gone.
And my head is full to bursting with memories made at Camp Bestival 2015.
It’s the second festival we’ve taken our littles to. The first was Shambala last year . And I *think* we can safely say that the apples haven’t fallen very far from the tree, in this instance ;)
They LOVED it.
As did we :)
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Our 2015 Camp Bestival Review
It was the first time my boy and I have been to Camp Bestival.
We’ve been to it’s (much) bigger sister ‘Bestival’ — on the Isle Of Wight.
But to be honest I didn’t really draw many parallels; apart from the fact that I had a ball at each.
Although there were people there with no kids; Camp Bestival is definitely the festival to go to if you have children.
It’s set on such a beautiful site; nestled in the grounds of Lulworth Castle in Dorset. And there are so many different areas to explore.
It was clean — very little litter. And the loos were some of the very best I’ve ever come across at a festival.
Even on the Sunday each toilet I visited had loo roll and antibac gel.
That is unheard of at a festival!
Very impressed.
Some Negatives
I’ve spoken to a few people, who’d been before. Who voiced their disappointment that this year the festival seems to have outgrown its home.
Speaking as someone who’s never been before, I didn’t feel that at all.
Granted, the amount of festival wagons was a little overwhelming at times.
Trying to navigate through a large crowd when you’re pulling two toddlers in a ridiculously unresponsive vehicle.
Past countless other vehicles of a similar size, is hard work. But until you have kids who are able to keep themselves upright until bedtime; pushchairs or trolleys are a necessary evil.
My only negative (and it’s a very minor one) was that the lanyards — which contained maps and line-ups — had run out fairly early on.
Happily, some kind soul in the Press Office found one for me. But if I hadn’t been there as an official blogger, we would have been stuck.
A map and line-up is vital bit of kit to ensure you don’t miss anything at a festival. And adding a few quid onto the ticket price and giving everyone a lanyard with their wrist-bands, as standard, would the best solution to prevent this from happening.
And Some Positives
As my last festival experience was Glastonbury, back in June, I thought that Camp Bestival was a lovely size. Not too big — or crowded. And not so small that you felt that you’d seen everything after one circuit of the site.
Quite the contrary in fact! I think we saw probably 10% of what was on offer. If that. There was SO much to see and do.
I wish we’d be able to go down on the Thursday and have another day there.
I felt that there was room to breathe; OK the area around the main stage was hectic. It was also difficult to pass through, when the bands were on.
But in all of the other areas you definitely maintained your personal space.
We sat on the grass on Sunday and had a picnic, with a 10ft radius around us. I’ve been to other festivals where other revellers would have been walking over the picnic rug; and trampling over our legs!
Camp Bestival; Fun for All The Family
Depending on the age group of your child, one family’s experience would be quite different to another’s.
I guess, as your child grows, Mr Tumble would be replaced by an animal demonstration with Steve Backshall.
Soft play would be ditched in favour of learning circus skills.
Whatever age — and that goes for adults too — I’m pretty sure Camp Bestival would have something on offer; to tickle your fancy.
A Video Of Our Camp Bestival Experience
I think this film shows that we had SUCH an awesome weekend.
We were treated to beautiful weather. And whilst that was certainly a contributory factor, to our glowing report; there’s simply not enough room in one post, to wax lyrical about everything I loved about Camp Bestival 2015.
It was the perfect mix of hanging out with old friends, meeting new friends. Eating good food — courtesy of The Feast Collective — and being entertained on every level.
It was a treat for all the senses.
Caro Davies is a former art-director turned writer and content-creator, and editor behind UK lifestyle blog The Listed Home. She writes about home-related topics, from interiors and DIY to food and craft. The Listed Home has been featured in various publications, including Ideal Home, Grazia, and Homes & Antiques magazines.
Fab review, it was awesome wasn’t it?! We will definitely be heading back next year, we even have a bigger tent ready! xxx
I just cannot wait. As we’re such huge festival fans, it is so totally in my comfort zone, but I’m SO glad the boys loved it so much!!! Watching their faces and seeing how much they got out of it made my heart swell — I absolutely cannot think of a better weekend for the whole family. Loved it. See you next year? ;) xx
I think your post sums up Camp Bestival so well. This was our second year and it was even better than last year. The wagons can get a little crazy, especially at night, but there is no way our little man can stay up and enjoy the festivities without a little rest every now and then. We were lucky enough to get a programme from the Press tent too, but minus the lanyard, so we didn’t want to lug it around the whole weekend. I think a great idea would be to add them on to ticket prices so we all know what’s going on. We had an absolute ball and I’m glad you did too :)
Aah thanks so much lovely — it was awesome wasn’t it? I think it was the perfect size too — not too big — not too small. It felt like a village fete after Glasto. to be honest!! ;) I thought it was a perfect weekend. I wish I didn’t have to wait a whole year until the next one!! :)
You had me at ‘the loos were the best I’ve ever seen at a festival’…and that disco helmet your husband is wearing nailed it – I am actually considering this festival next year. But only if I get to stay in a caravan of posh tent- do you know if you can hire those?
That helmet is such s good way of not losing your husband – lol husbands should have them! #twinklytuesday
Do it. Honestly — do it. What’s the worst that could happen?? ;) Historically, we always hired motorhomes for big festivals (more than 2 nights) but now we have Dolly we don’t need to do that. That said, there are LOADS of boutique camping options there — bell tents, teepees etc. The only thing is, they book up fairly quickly. I LOVE my glitter ball helmet :) My boy and I are like a mobile disco unit when we’re wearing them!! ;)
Sounds like you had an amazing time! We reviewed a couple of festivals this year too but Camp Bestival sounds like the headliner festival for kids. Fingers crossed we can afford to go next year x great review post #TwinklyTuesday #CampBestival
It was brilliant. The four of us absolutely loved it. It makes me SO happy that we can still do things we love, as a family, with the boys in tow. Can’t wait for next year!! :)
That looks like soooo much fun!! Amazing photos xx
Thanks lovely — it was BRILLIANT!!! Loved it all — made me feel a bit weepy editing all our movie clips!! I wish it was happening again next weekend!! :)
I love your disco ball helmet! You all look like you had a fab time – I love your little video too; it gives a real sense of the festival.
Have disco helmet, will travel ;) Well… when at a festival anyway! :)
What a fantastic time this looks amazing I’m so jealous! Will def be looking into going next year with the kids #twinklytuesday
Aah do it Zoe — I’m sure you won’t regret it! :) It was so, so good! Am counting the days until next year :)
It looks such a wonderful event and so many bloggers there too, one day I would love to go but it is right in the middle of our busy season at Coombe Mill, for now I’ll make do with seeing your lovely photos. Don’t forget to join me for Country Kids.
It is SUCH a great even Fiona! Have you ever thought of holding a little festival? I’d be there like a shot :) Just make sure it doesn’t clash with Camp Bestival (or Glastonbury) though!! ;) Will DEFINITLY be joining in with Country Kids this weekend! So nice to finally have a post to link with :)
Now there’s an idea! Sadly no flat land here that doesn’t already have buildings on it, but I am on the look out to borrow some of the festival entertainment ideas for use here.
Aaah in which case you could have an all year round festival!! ;) LOVE that idea!!
Honestly Camp Bestival looked like such amazing fun! This is something I’d love to take my child to in the coming years.. she’s at an age where she would love this! Thanks for sharing!
Angela from http://www.daysinbed.com
Aaah Angela — it’s SO much fun!! I could go on about festivals all day long but to be able to take my littles along and for them to enjoy it too is just so special! :)
This looks truly awesome. There seems to be so much for kiddies and adults to do. I might have to begin trying to convince Mr H that we must go. Hugs Mrs H xxxx PS I love that video. You really got a taste of how fabulous the weekend was. And that clip at the end of your little one running into the sunset with Miss Marnie is the cutest!
Aaah I’m SO glad you said that about the video!! I really, really wanted to give people that have never been a true reflection of what it was like to be there. And yes — little Miss M and my baby running off, holding hands is literally my favourite bit!!! :) xx