Festivals to Visit Summer 2025
We are entering festival season: what’s on in summer 2025? We’ve gathered a list of some of this year’s best summer festivals, including some of the UK’s most famous parties.
While a lot of festival-goers will happily rough it in a tent for the weekend, some of us still like a hot shower and a comfy bed at the end of the day! If this is you, or if you’ve bought day tickets for a festival, we’ve also recommended nearby holiday cottages – the best of both worlds.
Latitude
Thursday, 24 July – Sunday, 27 July 2025
Come here for music, dance, comedy and family fun.
This year’s music headliners at Latitude are Sting, Fatboy Slim, and Snow Patrol, with Greg Davies, Reggie Watts, and Bridget Christie bringing the comedy. Add other sessions like poetry readings and live podcasts, and you’ll be spoilt for choice at this famous Suffolk festival. There’s also plenty to do with the kids, including a poetry competition.
Where to stay: https://www.handpickedcottages.co.uk/area/suffolk/
Find out more: https://www.latitudefestival.com/
Edinburgh Fringe
Friday, 1 August – Monday, 25 August 2025
Come here for comedy, theatre, music and the arts.
Edinburgh’s famous performance festival takes over the city for most of August. There are around 3,000 performances in venues around the city, as well as a vibrant street arts scene. It’s lively, fun and has plenty of family-friendly options. Be open-minded when choosing what to watch, as many of our biggest comedians, actors and writers started out at the Fringe…
Where to stay: https://www.handpickedcottages.co.uk/area/edinburgh-and-lothians/
Find out more: https://www.edfringe.com/
Boardmasters
Wednesday, 6 August – Sunday, 10 August 2025
Come here for music, dance and surfing.
Newquay’s iconic festival began life as a celebration of surfing, and has grown incredibly over its 40+ years. The five-day festival attracts top headline acts (2025’s line-up includes Raye, The Prodigy, and Centra Cee) and of course, surfing still plays a major role at Boardmasters. Add late-night partying, wellbeing sessions, cinema and fabulous Cornish food.
Where to stay: https://www.handpickedcottages.co.uk/area/cornwall/
Find out more: https://boardmasters.com/
Camp Bestival Dorset
Monday, 12 August – Sunday, 18 August 2025
Come here for music, theatre and family fun.
If your family loves adventure, this is the one to book. Designed for families by families, Bestival hosts a lively programme of kid-friendly shows, activities, workshops and food. But don’t worry – the soundtrack is one the grown-ups will enjoy too, with sets from Sugababes, Basement Jaxx and Annie Mac.
Where to stay: https://www.handpickedcottages.co.uk/area/dorset/
Find out more: https://dorset.campbestival.net/
Green Man Festival
Thursday, 14 August – Sunday, 17 August 2025
Come here for music, comedy, arts and family fun.
Green Man has one of the most beautiful settings for a festival, in the stunning Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) in Wales. Like Bestival, it’s a great one for families, with all sorts of family-friendly activities on offer. Expect a bit of everything at this independent arts festival, with a diverse programme of music, comedy, literature, theatre, film, science and visual arts.
Where to stay: https://www.handpickedcottages.co.uk/area/south-coast-of-wales/
Find out more: https://www.greenman.net/
Leeds Festival
Thursday, 21 August – Sunday, 24 August 2025
Come here for music, dance and comedy.
The Leeds and Reading festivals run simultaneously, with the Leeds event held in the magnificent grounds of Bramham Park. Rock, indie, electronic and hip hop all feature on the bill and this year’s big names include Travis Scott, Hozier, and Chappell Roan. It’s not one for the kids, but is one of the best for those of us who are serious about live music.
Where to stay: https://www.handpickedcottages.co.uk/area/west-yorkshire/
Find out more: https://www.leedsfestival.com/
Book self-catering accommodation for your festival trip
Put that old tent away (be honest – have you used it since Glasto 1998?) and treat yourself to a luxury holiday cottage. Here at Handpicked Cottages, we have a carefully curated collection of holiday cottages across the country, offering a wonderfully comfy alternative to festival camping.
