Top 5 caravan-friendly and family-friendly music festivals

by Chris Jefferies
With the school holidays looming large, many families may be wondering what to do with the kids during the summer break.
Those lucky enough to own a caravan have plenty of opportunities open to them, but one that you might not have considered is taking your caravan to a music festival.
Not all festivals welcome caravan owners, and indeed not all of them are suitable for taking small children along to, so CaravanTimes has scoured the internet to bring you five of the best UK music festivals for caravanning families.
1. Larmer Tree Festival (11th-15th July)
An early date in the calendar and indeed before many schools break up, this festival in Dorset is well worth catching if you can. With a stellar line-up including Jools Holland, Paloma Faith and comedy from Tim Minchin, Larmer Tree is well-worth the entrance fee.
Prices start at £36 for a one-day adult ticket and go right up to £190 for a five-day pass. Children under five can come along for free and a caravan camping permit is included for free. More Info.
2. Truck Festival (20th-21st July)
So-called because the main stage is made up from two-articulated trucks parked end on end, this independent festival in Oxfordshire has been running for 15 years now. The 2012 festival boasts an enviable line-up, including The Temper Trap and The Mystery Jets, and tickets are available for a bargainous £74 each for the quiet family camping area.
Caravanners will need to pay an extra £27 per vehicle, but that’s a small price to pay for the added comfort of that first cup of tea in the morning. More Info.
3. Deer Shed Festival (20th-22nd July)
A lesser-known event in North Yorkshire – this festival offers and eclectic mix of music and arts exhibits from the nearby Teesside University, including an insight into stop-frame animation. The big names to look out for on the bill are Los Campesinos! and Field Music, and weekend tickets are available for £74 (including booking fee).
Those taking a caravan will be asked to pay an extra £16 per vehicle on top of that. More Info.
4. Shambala Festival (23rd-27th August)

A perfect festival for would-be hippies and eco-lovers, Shambala is vibrant family-friendly festival in the Northamptonshire countryside. This year’s line-up includes folk legend Billy Bragg (right) as well as Roots Manuva, and there is a dedicated Kids’ Field to keep the little ones happy.
Adult tickets cost £125 (including booking fee), while caravans are welcome for £33 each. More Info.
5. End Of The Road Festival (31st August – 2nd September)
As its name would suggest, this festival is one of the last in the UK calendar, and its North Dorset location often benefits from the so-called Indian summer. The organisers have pulled together a great line-up for this year, including Graham Coxon and Patti Smith, while there are special kids’ art and craft workshops.
The only drawback is that tickets are a little on the pricey side at £150 each for adults, while caravans are charged at £50 each. More Info.
Have you ever taken your caravan to a music festival? What are your top-tips for taking the family along with you? Share your stories in our community forum