Camp Bestival With Older Children

*In collaboration with Camp Bestival

After our first visit to Camp Bestival last year, we were really excited to be invited this year by Camp Bestival to attend again. Abby has just turned 12, and whilst not technically a teenager, I was keen to see what Camp Bestival had to offer older children and teenagers.

We learned very early on that there were some great headline acts this year including Lewis Capaldi and Jess Glynn, both of which Abby was really keen to see (and me too if I’m honest).

Camp Bestival with older children

Our weekend at Camp Bestival started late Friday afternoon, as despite planning to arrive on the Thursday and camp for the whole weekend, it didn’t quite go as planned and we ended up attending daily.

We live approximately an hour away from Lulworth in Dorset where the festival is held, and as it’s such an easy drive this was a good solution for us this year.

Music Acts

There are some great music acts at Camp Bestival. When we knew Jess Glynn would be headlining on Friday night, we made sure we arrived at the castle stage in plenty of time to get a good view of the stage and screen.

It got very crowded the closer we got to the stage, so we opted to sit a little further back near the castle, and actually we had a great viewing point. We had packed our dinner for Friday night, and enjoyed the facilities of the bar close by to enjoy some drinks and listen to the music.

Also on stage on Friday evening were Human League and the Whalers. Abby didn’t know who either of these bands were, but us grown ups really enjoyed revisiting our youth.

Camp Bestival love bot

Jess Glynn didn’t disappoint and I don’t think there were many people in front of the castle stage that wasn’t up on their feet singing along. It was a late night by the time we walked back to the car and arrived home, but so worth it.

During Saturday we enjoyed a different vantage point for the music from behind the castle. We were enjoying some shade as it was a really hot day, and were also close to the circus skills activities that Abby seemed really keen on.

We enjoyed bands such as Max and Harvey, Big Shaq and Rak-Su before finding our spot closer to the stage for Lewis Capaldi.

There are so many different music bands on offer for all ages at Camp Bestival, from big names to smaller ones. I guarantee there is something for everyone, which is a great attraction from the festival.

We almost missed out on seeing a lot of other attractions and activities because we were enjoying the bands so much.

Camp Bestival circus skills

Activites For Older Children

At a family festival, you may think there is nothing available for older children, but you would be wrong. There is so much to see and do at Camp Bestival, that I think you really do need the four days to be able to get round and see and do everything you want to do.

One of the favourites for Abby this year was the circus skills area again. You can help yourself to silly bikes, spinning plates, juggling, hula hooping and tight rope walking.

It’s a busy area, but there is so much to do with staff on hand to help if needed. I think Abby would have camped out here all weekend if we had let her and she had been able to see the stage.

There are a small selection of fairground rides at Camp Bestival, and also a very large bouncy castle. These are always a great way to spend some time and see amazing views from the top of the Ferris wheel.

Ferris wheel at camp bestival

The fun and activities for older children just keeps going. New this year was the Wild Tribe area, a place to get back to nature and enjoy den building, bushcraft workshops, toasting marshmallows, a muddy water slide, and zip wire to name a few of the activities on offer.

If going back to nature isn’t your thing, then you may want to enjoy some of the science experiments on offer in the science tent, or even perhaps find a hill to roll down. (We spent ages doing this).

Meet And Greets

Also available around the festival were meet and greets with select bands and artists. Max and Harvey were offering a meet and greet over the weekend after their time on the castle stage. This is perfect for any young fans who want the chance to meet their idols.

Our Weekend

Our weekend was action packed. We were treated with glorious weather which was such a contrast to last year and we were so grateful.

camp bestival rainbow

Despite not camping, I think we fit in as much as we possible could. Next year I have my eye on the boutique camping section for a little bit of luxury whilst at a festival.

We enjoyed some really nice food and drink from the huge variety of stalls selling different options, and generally we all spent some time relaxing listening to some music.

To be able to get away from it all for a while, knowing the kids are entertained, and also in a safe environment is a great way to spend a weekend. If you’re thinking of booking Camp Bestival for next year then I can highly recommend it.

1 thought on “Camp Bestival With Older Children”

  1. It’s really good that the festival caters just as much for older kids, and sounds a great line up for the music over the weekend. Great that you live close by so you could drive in each day, nothing like your own bed at the end of a day out x

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