Which summer camp / family festival?

[surreygirl1987]

I have two sons, 4 and 6. I've been looking into booking a family summer camp/ festival this summer. I'm struggling to choose which one though. Top contenders currently are Camp Bestival in Dorset, or Camp Kindling by Sevenoaks. We're not particularly interested in live music, so that aspect doesn't bother us. We do like sports and activities. I'm a bit worried about noise at night too, so somewhere with a 'quieter' camping area would be amazing. Any recommendations? Many thanks!

We've done Gone Wild in Dorset two years running now, booked to go back again for 2025! Our first experience of a family festival and absolutely loved every minute of it. Lots to do during the day all activity based for all ages, beautiful setting at Powderham Castle and the camping areas are not to cramped. I'd highly recommend going, it's all family focused and very well organised and affordable. The main stage area is also fun at night but there is also other areas to explore if the main music acts don't take your fancy. We love the silent disco and tribute tents. Take a look, it's really good.

We have been to Camp Kindling every year for the last 3 years now, in our own tent and in Boutique camping. What a brilliant time we had!

Firstly, it's not like a normal festival experience - they have free hot showers and ‘nice’ loos (not portaloos!) in all the campsites. There's lots of space in the campsites, and nothing is more than a 15 minute walk - we love how small and friendly it is - I guess that's the big difference with places other events or holidays - it feels very personal and we kept meeting the same lovely people over the weekend. You could even easily go as a solo parent and feel safe and welcomed (and even meet new friends!) :)

The activities are absolutely fab - I especially like the fact that there's something for every age group, but activities are designed so that we parents have as much fun as our kids. We really did! All activities are pre-booked so no faffing or any extra costs when you get to Camp Kindling. And the activities are included in the ticket price, plus lots of extra activities you can just ‘drop-in’ to when you get there.

The nighttime was a really pleasant surprise for us. Unlike places like Center Parcs, there is so much to do in the evening - we danced to bands we used to love in the 00's (lol!) and there was science, magic, talent shows, DJs etc etc etc. Saying that, we didn’t stay up mega late, and our camping was so lovely and chilled, ready for an early night for activities the next day! And yes, nice and quiet :)

One of the things that really stands out about Camp Kindling are the Patrols. Its sort of hard to explain if you havent been but imagine the fun and silliness of sports day at school, but for the whole family - you choose a Patrol (we were hawks!) and then you can join in games and challenges over the weekend. my LB even won a token and got to put it in the jar - and….hawks won the Klindling Cup at the end of the weekend. What a thrill! And my Lb wont stop talking about being a hawk - he wore his hawks jumper at Christmas!!!!

All in all, Camp Kindling is fun-filled, packed with new experiences, activities for all and not a dull moment. Once you have paid for the ticket theres no extras, which was lovely, and it felt good value for money.

We are already booked to go back, maybe see you there! xx

Thanks for the reply. Oddly there were two Camp Kindling posts made by 'different' users within 20 minutes of each other... coincidence?

As I said on the other thread, I did nearly book Camp Kindling but was put off by the awful reviews about late night noise / music blaring at all hours. Just looking for something a little more family-friendly. The daytime does look fab though. If they offered day tickets I'd definitely book... just night times sound awful!