The Big Swim last week inspired this blog. When the sun was shining and the music was playing, it was like a mini festival! One of my favourite things is dancing outside in the sunshine!
There are loads of festivals to choose from. The ones I have picked below are the ones I know or are on my hit list to attend. The UK boasts a wealth of adventure festivals that bring together like-minded enthusiasts. Whether you’re passionate about hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, climbing, or simply adventure-curious, these festivals offer the perfect opportunity to find a new community, try new activities, and immerse yourself in the spirit of adventure.
Here are seven adventure festivals across different regions of the UK (and online) that will tap into your adventurous spirit!
My top festival tips: pack clothes for all weathers, take a flag to mark your tent location, put the kids in bright colours and bring a trolley for lugging stuff about, which then turns into a portable bed for little ones!
Thank you The Bug Club for being our featured photo – Good Luck to all your team Djing at this summer’s festival’s.
Here we go: Festival Fever: Where Adrenaline Meets Celebration – which one will you choose?
Yestival, Lincolnshire
When: June 27 – 29th
If your adventurous spirit is looking for something completely different, then the Yestival might be for you. It’s the brainchild of Dave Cornthwaite, an adventurer, author, and advocate of a more positive, fulfilling life. He started SayYesMore to encourage people to step out of their comfort zone, lead more adventurous lives, and inspire positive change.
The Yestival is a weekend filled with trailblazing speakers, outdoor workshops, and a variety of activities. It offers opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals. The event emphasises discovery, inspiration, and promises trailblazing speakers to help you find your adventurous spirit.
This is a truly trailblazing festival. It can boost that it is the UK’s first single-use, plastic-free festival, and has been for the past three years. It also includes six meals with the ticket price alongside your camping pitch and access to all the workshops and lectures over the weekend.
Attending Yestival provides a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in a supportive community focused on personal growth, adventure, and making a positive impact. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, new connections, or a weekend of meaningful activities, Yestival offers an environment conducive to personal and communal development.
Why you should attend:
- Opportunity to immerse yourself in a supportive community
- Hang out in an environment that encourages personal development
- Be inspired to foster positive change in the world
Insta: The Yes Tribe
Top Tip: Check out the Yes Tribes Mission Statement – it’s your chance to get involved in a movement that extends way beyond the festival weekend.
The Wild Swimming Festival, Dorset
When : July 19 -20th
This festival is set against the stunning backdrop of Dorset’s coastline and countryside.
Whether you’re an experienced wild swimmer or a complete beginner, the festival caters to all levels with guided swims, safety workshops, and expert talks on cold-water therapy, mental health benefits, and swimming techniques. You’ll have the chance to learn from seasoned swimmers, meet like-minded enthusiasts, and gain confidence in open-water swimming. Beyond the water, the festival provides a vibrant atmosphere with live music, delicious local food, and wellness activities like yoga and mindfulness sessions.
Why should you attend:
- Swim in Stunning Natural Waters
- Improve Skills & Confidence -whether you are a beginner or an experienced swimmer, expert-led workshops and safety sessions will help you enhance your technique, learn about cold-water benefits, and build confidence in open-water swimming.
- Enjoy a Wellness-Focused Experience
- Likeminded community – enjoy a weekend making new friends with similar interests from a diverse collection of backgrounds
How: For more information and tickets: Please use the Promo code PINK10 for 10% discount
Insta: The Wild Swimming Company
Top Tip: I know Richard and Melanie, who run this event. I have attended several of their swim retreats and know how much love, time, and effort they put into all their activities. Getting involved will open other opportunities for you. I look forward to joining them on their Jersey Swim retreat in May. Use the promo code above to get your discount.
Gone Wild Festival, Norfolk
When: August 7-10, 2025
Co-founded by Bear Grylls, Gone Wild Festival is a family-friendly adventure festival designed to encourage families to step beyond screens and into the great outdoors. Launched in 2021, it has quickly become a favourite among adventurous families.
Activities range from abseiling, axe throwing, and climbing to combat archery and raft building—and they’re all included in the ticket price! Live music performances also add to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.
Why You Should Attend:
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Introduce kids to live outdoor music
- Wide variety of included activities
- Opportunity to challenge and bond with family
Instagram: @gonewildfestival
Top Tip: You can bring all your own food and drink into the main Arena – which will save you a fortune. Arrive early for all the sessions in the Bear Grylls Survival Academy!
Camp Wildfire, Sevenoaks, Kent
When: August 22-25 & August 29-September 1, 2025
A summer camp for adults, Camp Wildfire blends adventure with music, designed for those who love the outdoors, creativity, and community. It combines the excitement of a summer camp with the energy of a festival, offering a mix of adventure activities, live music, and social gatherings.
By day, attendees can try everything from archery and paddleboarding to fire spinning and arts workshops. By night, they can enjoy live bands and DJs. Camp Wildfire encourages you to ‘adventure by day and party by night’!
Why You Should Attend:
- 100+ learn and discover sessions
- 50+ performances, including DJs, talks, games, and comedy
- Small, friendly festival
- Set in an ancient forest
- Excellent facilities, including clean toilets and warm showers
How: More information and tickets
Instagram: @campwildfire
Top Tip: Check out the Aftermovie for a taste of the festival
Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour
When: Various dates throughout 2025
Originating in Canada, the Banff Mountain Film Festival showcases world-class adventure films featuring extreme sports, cultural exploration, and environmental advocacy. The festival tours various UK locations, bringing the spirit of adventure to major cities.
The films cover a range of outdoor pursuits, including mountaineering, climbing, skiing, and kayaking, highlighting breathtaking landscapes and incredible human endurance.
Why You Should Attend:
- Watch award-winning adventure films and documentaries
- Gain inspiration from real-life explorers and athletes
- Visit different cities for a unique festival experience
- Connect with a community of adventure enthusiasts
- Virtual participation options available
How: More information and tickets
Instagram: @banffmountainfestival
Top Tip: The Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival app is a great source for inspiring adventure, mountaineering, high-adrenaline sports, mountain culture, and adventure films.
Kendal Mountain Festival, Cumbria
When: November 20-23, 2025
One of the longest-established and largest outdoor festivals in the UK, the Kendal Mountain Festival has been running since 1980. It attracts outdoor lovers, filmmakers, adventurers, and athletes from around the world, celebrating mountain culture through adventure films, talks by explorers, outdoor gear exhibitions, and activities such as hiking, climbing, and trail running.
The festival is renowned for its adventure film screenings, showcasing over 100 films covering mountaineering, environmentalism, and human endurance. It also features lectures and talks by notable adventurers like Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Jim Baird, and Kate Rawles.
Why You Should Attend:
- 200 live sessions
- 60+ activities
- 300 speakers
- Explore gear from leading outdoor brands
How: More information and tickets
Instagram: @kendalmountainfestival
Top Tip: Be super organised and book your accommodation ASAP. Take your time to plan your visit; it can be overwhelming when you first look at the website.
Bonus Festival: Watch out for Frontier Sapien Film Festival
The festival launches in May, and the dates start in August/September—they are currently busy curating the films! Over the last few years, I have brought my boys, my mum and my nephews to the Brighton screening. It makes a great night out. Beware: It will definitely spark the seeds for your next adventure!
Summary
Each of these festivals will provide something unique, from inspirational talks and breathtaking films to hands-on activities and expert advice, plus the chance to have a good dance under the night sky! Pick one, and don’t hang around booking tickets – some of them have limited tickets left!
One Response
I enjoyed reading about all these festivals, never heard of most of them so very interesting.