6 Awesome UK family friendly Festivals 2022

I don't know about you but I am excited about the prospect of festival season finally being back after a very bumpy two years which saw many festivals and events being cancelled (which was the right reason at the time). While of course the virus has not gone away it does to an extent appear to be more manageable and therefore summer festivals have finally got the green light to go ahead again. 

I've taken my kids to festivals ever since they were babies, in fact my youngest went to Just So Festival at the tender age of 5months. It's something we love to do as it offers a break away from normality and a chance to indulge the senses in music, art, creativity and street food, along with camping and a sense of getting back to nature while also connecting with others. 

Of course there are some festivals which are simply not tailored for the younger audience and others which main focus is children - I like to find a good balance between the two, a festival that offers something for all ages and is enjoyable for every member of the family. So I thought I would share my top picks for family friendly festivals in 2022 that should be on your summer bucket list.

1. Elderflower Fields, 27th -30th May, Sussex 

Elderflower fields is always one of the first festivals of the season, happening over May half term rather than the summer holidays, meaning you can get into the festival vibes early. Edlerflower fields is a fun family friendlydesigned especially for families with younger children and is a packed weekend full of music, nature, arts and crafts, set in the Sussex countryside. While they don't have big name headliners they do have an eclectic mix of indy artists to keep you entertained coupled with tons of activities such as bushcraft, circus skills, raft building, pottery and kayaking to name a few. Adult weekend tickets are £160, Child 4yrs+ is £80 and Children Under 4 is £8. 

2. The Big Retreat Festival, Pembrokeshire, 3rd - 6th June

The Big Retreat is the combination of a well being getaway and art festival brought together in a sunning location overlooking the Pembrokshire coastline. With over 200 curated experiences, classes, workshops and inspirational talks, along with a pretty cool music lineup (Reef & Toploader) there is something for everyone and there is plenty for children as well. I took my boys in 2019 and they loved it, you can read my review here, especially the immersive story telling sessions, family yoga and art & craft spaces where they could let their creativity fly. Adult weekend camping tickets are £184, Childrens weekend ticket 5-15yrs £84.50, Children under 5 free, Day tickets are also available. 

3. WOMAD, Malmesbury, 28th - 31st July

WOMAD is such a fantastic world music, arts and dance festival and is great for families, in fact children 13 and under go free! They have a whole area dedicated to kids where they can explore, create, learn, play and have an awesome time. The World of Children area runs from 9am to 7om each day an all the activities are free. The great thing is they cater for children of all ages from the Weenies dedicated space for under 5s to Teens who have their own tent with comfy sofas, jam sessions and space to chat and chill, really means there is something for everyone, along with a sellar international lineup. Adult 3 night weekend ticket is £205 (inc free parking), Teenage (14-17yrs) 3 night weekend ticket £105, Under 13's free.

4. The Green Gathering, Chepstow 4th - 7th August

The Green Gathering is such a unique and special festival as it's the original off-grid festival 100% powered by sun, wind and people. It's a space for those who love music, comedy and culture but also have an interest in low impact living, nature & being inspired to live a greener lifestyle. There is so much to see and do at this festival from storytelling, poets, DJ's, live music, crafts, weaving, permaculture you name it & the offerings for families, children and teens is amazing such as kids yoga, woodcraft, tie-dying, nature club, dressing up, a plabus with library and for older kids there is a welcoming area for teens to chill out as well as workshops, skillshares & games. Adult advanced weekend tickets are £120, Youth Ticket (11-15yrs) £55, Child ticket (6-10yrs) £20 and children 5 and under are free.

5. Camp Bestival Shropshire, 18th - 21st August

Very excited to hear Camp Bestival is expanding to Shropshire this year as well as their Dorest Festival which runs in July. Besides a pretty sellar lineup including Rag'n'bone Man and Mr Scruff there is just so many activities for the whole family including bush craft, their famous cardboard castle, inflatable church and dingle dell and for those who really want to connect with nature wild swimming and ice baths are also on the list. There is also a focus on wellness this year with comsic kids yoga, breathwork and sound meditation and if that's not your jam then there is plenty of foodie options, workshops and live music to enjoy. Adult weekend ticket is £190, Teen (13-17yrs) £140, 10-12yr olds £115, 5-9yr olds £95, Under 4's £75

6. Between the trees, South Wales,  26th - 28th August

Between the trees is a fairly new festival in South Wales with a focus to reconnect people with the natural world and revolves around the themes of science and nature alongside music, art, spoken word and creativity. There are lots of hands on workshops for all ages including art classes making mandalas and floral head-dresses, investigating the natural world, films, story telling & family friendly entertainment. The 100 acre festival woodland site is also perfect for long walks and forest bathing and there will be plenty of local food trucks. While it's a smaller festival it's also one of the more reasonably priced ones with both weekend and day tickets available. Adult weekend tickets are £110, Children 4-17yrs £50 and children under 4 are free, although you do need to purchase a separate camping pass if you plan to camp for the weekend at around £30 per tent.