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There’s nothing quite like festival season in the UK. From fields filled with glitter and guitars to coastal celebrations of literature and local food, festivals in the South West are a highlight of the British summer. With their growing popularity and diversity, music, food and literature festivals continue to evolve, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Whether you're dancing to headline acts, tasting regional flavours, or hearing your favourite authors speak, there’s something for everyone in 2026. Better still, many of these iconic events are directly accessible by train with South Western Railway, making your journey smoother, greener, and more convenient.
Festival Guide for 2025
This year’s guide features a curated selection of must-visit festivals, from globally famous events like Isle of Wight Festival and Reading to smaller local gems like Taste Salisbury and Love It Local. Find your perfect weekend away and start planning your summer today.
Isle of Wight Festival
London to Ryde Pier Head: 2 hours 7 minutes
Created in 1968, the Isle of Wight Festival was the UK’s first music festival. It became known as the ‘Woodstock of Europe’ in 1970 after drawing over 600,000 attendees. The festival’s been getting better (but, thankfully, not bigger) every year since. This year’s headliners include Lewis Capaldi, Calvin Harris and The Cure.
Age: All ages (under 18s with an adult)
Prices from: Tickets are sold out, but it’s worth checking back on the ticket page as extra tickets may still be released.
How to get there: South Western Railway has trains to the Isle of Wight Festival via stations like Woking, Guildford and Basingstoke. Those living near London Waterloo, Clapham Junction, Surbiton and Wimbledon can also enjoy trains to several Isle of Wight ferry ports. Catch the shuttle bus from any of the ferry ports to the festival.
SandFest at Sandbanks Beach
Date: Sunday 12th July 2026.
Location: Sandbanks Beach Banks Rd, Poole BH13 7QQ.
London to Poole by train: 2 hours
SandFest is one of the standout summer events in the South West, returning for 2026 as a boutique beachside music festival on Sandbanks Beach. Set against the Jurassic Coast, it features global DJs, live acts and a lively seaside atmosphere. Attendees can also enjoy a range of food stalls and bars, with the line up including MK Marc Kinchen and DJ EZ, alongside top-tier performances.
Age: 18+
Prices from: £60
How to get there: South Western Railway runs direct trains to Poole. You can travel from various stations including London Waterloo, Vauxhall, Clapham Junction, and Wimbledon. From Poole station, take the number 60 Harbour Breezer bus to Sandbanks Beach
Let’s Rock Southampton
Date: Saturday 6th June 2026
Location: Beckenham Place Park, London
London to Southampton Central by train: 1 hour 20 minutes
Let’s Rock Southampton is a family-friendly celebration of the best of the ‘80s, featuring artists like Matt Goss: Bros Hits, Heaven 17 and ABC. There are free kids’ activities, like face painting and inflatables, and ‘80s-inspired fancy dress for the adults.
Age: All ages (under 18s with an adult)
Prices from: £57.20
How to get there: Travel into London Waterloo, catch the tube to Elephant and Castle, and then the train to Beckenham Hill from there.
Camp Bestival Dorset
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Date: Thursday 30th July to Sunday 2nd August 2026
Location: East Lulworth, Wareham BH20 5QS
London to Wool by train: 2 hours 30 minutes
Designed by families for families, Camp Bestival guarantees fun for youngsters and oldies alike. Keep the little ones entertained with various activities, from self-portrait painting to silent discos and skateboarding lessons. After dark, dance to performances from headliners Fatboy Slim & Friends, Bastille and Self Esteem. There are baby facilities, quiet spaces, clean toilets and plentiful bins, it’s any parent’s dream!
Age: All ages (under 18s with an adult)
Prices from: £260 for Weekend Tickets & £99 for Day Tickets. Cheaper rates for children and family group discounts available.
How to get there: South Western Railway has direct trains to Camp Bestival. Trains run from London Waterloo, Clapham Junction, Winchester, Southampton Central and Bournemouth to Wool and Wareham. It’s a 15-minute taxi to the festival from there.
Boomtown
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Date: Wednesday 12th August to Sunday 16 August 2026
Location: Matterley Estate, Hampshire SO21 1HW
London to Winchester by train: 1 hour
Which festival best suits listeners with bold music tastes? The clue’s in the name: Boomtown. Following in Glastonbury’s footsteps, Boomtown values experience. It has seven surreal stages in themed ‘districts’. You could pass drum ‘n’ bass blasting from an ancient ruin en route to see reggae at a brutalist building. You can hear drum ‘n’ bass blasting from an ancient ruin or dance to reggae at a brutalist building. Boomtown’s main stage will host Antony Szmierek, Ashnikko and Beans on Toast.
Age: All ages (under 18s with an adult)
Prices from: £380, the 2026 event is sold out, but it’s worth keeping an eye on the ticket page.
How to get there: South Western Railway has direct trains to Boomtown from London Waterloo, Clapham Junction, Southampton Central, Bournemouth and Portsmouth stations. Alighting at Winchester, take a £10 shuttle bus to the festival.
We Out Here
Date: Thursday 20th August to Sunday 23rd August 2026
Location: St Giles House, Wimborne St Giles, Dorset BH21 5NA
London to Salisbury by train: 1 hour 30 minutes
Founded by DJ and broadcaster Gilles Peterson in 2019, We Out Here has become one of the UK’s best-loved festivals among performers and attendees. Jazz, soul, funk and hip-hop soundtrack the days, with electronic music after dark. Between chilled afternoons and lively nights, there’s something for everyone at We Out Here. This year’s headliners include Thundercat, Peven Everett and Mulatu Astatke.
Age: All ages (under 18s with an adult)
Prices from: 2026 tickets are sold out, but you can sign up for the resale here for another chance to secure tickets.
How to get there: South Western Railway has direct trains to Salisbury from London Waterloo, Clapham Junction, Woking and Basingstoke. You can take a Train Station Shuttle Bus to the festival from there.
Reading
Date: Thursday 27th August to Sunday 30th August 2026
Location: Richfield Avenue, Reading RG1 8EQ
London to Reading by train: 1 hour 20 minutes
Reading Festival has had various phases since its 1961 founding, but many know it as the UK’s premier rock festival. It attracts over 100,000 attendees annually with world-renowned headliners Charli XCX, Chase & Status Live and Dave on the bill for 2026.
Age: All ages (under 16s with an adult)
Prices from: Weekend tickets from £325 & Day tickets from £125.
How to get there: South Western Railway has direct trains to Reading Festival from London Waterloo, Clapham Junction, Richmond, Feltham, Bracknell, Wokingham and Winnersh. The festival is a 15-minute walk or shuttle bus from Reading station.
Victorious Festival
Date: Friday 28th August to Sunday 30th August 2026
Location: Lakeside North Harbour, Western Road, Portsmouth PO6 3EN
London to Portsmouth by train: 1 hour 50 minutes
Over 60,000 people flock to the Southsea coast in August for Victorious Festival. The stunning seaside setting is reason enough to book your ticket. Richard Ashcroft, The Black Keys and Kasabian headline this year. Add to that a family-friendly kids' arena, comedy tent, and literary talks, and it’s a must-visit.
Age: All ages (under 16s with an adult)
Prices from: Weekend tickets from £239 & Day tickets from £94
How to get there: South Western Railway has direct trains to Victorious Festival from London Waterloo, Clapham Junction, Surbiton, Woking, Winchester, Havant, Fareham and Cosham. Trains will take you to Portsmouth & Southsea, Portsmouth Harbour or Fratton. It’s a 25-30 minute walk to the festival from all three stations. Or, catch the Xelabus X27 bus from Clarence Pier to the campsite.
End of the Road
Date: Thursday 3rd September to Sunday 6th September 2026
Location: Larmer Tree, Tollard Royal, Salisbury SP5 5PY
London to Salisbury by train: 1 hour 30 minutes
Since starting in 2005, End of the Road has become the UK’s premier independent rock and folk music festival. Set in Dorset’s stunning Larmer Tree Gardens, it’s an intimate affair attended by 15,000 revellers. Expect woodland walks with intriguing art installations and headline sets from headline sets from Pulp, CMAT and Mac DeMarco.
Age: All ages (under 18s with an adult)
Prices from: The 2026 event is sold out, but it’s worth keeping an eye on the ticket page.
How to get there: South Western Railway has direct trains to Salisbury from London Waterloo, Clapham Junction, Woking and Basingstoke. You can take a National Shuttle Bus to the festival from there.
Food and drink festivals
Love It Local, Corfe Castle
Date: Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th July 2026
Location: The Square, Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5EZ
London to Wareham by train: 2 hours 30 minutes
As the name suggests, Love It Local celebrates the best local food and drink produce. Its inaugural event at Corfe Castle will showcase the finest ingredients from across the Isle of Purbeck. Expect coastal classics like ice cream, shellfish and ale.
Age: All ages
Prices from: Event is free while normal admission charges apply for the venue from £15.
How to get there: South Western Railway has trains to Corfe Castle via Wareham. It’s a 15-minute ride on the Purbeck Breezer 40 from Wareham.
Foodies Festival, Winchester
Date: Friday 17th July to Sunday 19th July 2026
Location: North Walls Recreation Ground, Nuns Road, Winchester SO23 8DL
London to Winchester by train: 1 hour
Foodies Festival features Michelin-starred chefs, Masterchef champions and Great British Bake Off stars, so you know you’re in for a treat! Watch chefs demonstrating their signature recipes and visit stalls showcasing the world’s best street food. There’s also live music, a kids’ cookery theatre and chilli eating competitions.
Age: All ages
Prices from: Weekend tickets from £49 & Day tickets from £24
How to get there: Foodies Festival Winchester is a 14-minute walk from Winchester.
New Forest Food Festival
Date: Saturday 15th August & Sunday 16th August 2026
Location: Hinton Admiral, Hampshire, BH23 7EF.
London to Hinton Admiral by train: 1 hour 56 minutes
The New Forest Food Festival is a must-visit for food lovers in 2026, bringing together artisan markets, street food pop-ups and live cooking demonstrations. Visitors can sample everything from stone-fired pizzas and seafood to handmade ice cream, while browsing local produce and crafts. With live music, family entertainment including fairground rides, magic shows and craft activities, there’s something for all ages to enjoy.
Age: All ages
Prices from: Early bird one day tickets start from £9.38, while 2 days start from £15.87, under 16s go free.
How to get there:Hinton Admiral is the closest SWR station to the festival. This station is served with regular trains from stations including Bournemouth, Southampton Central and Woking.
Literature festivals
London Literature Festival
Date: Wednesday 21st October to Sunday 1st November 2026
Location: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX
The Southbank Centre’s annual literary festival attracts some of literature’s most famous faces to celebrate the written and spoken word. This year’s headline comes from global superstar Dua Lipa, who curates a line up of established and emerging writers through her Service95 Book Club, bringing her passion for reading to a series of events across the festival.
Age: All ages
Prices vary
How to get there: South Western Railway has regular trains to South Bank from Woking, Basingstoke, Guildford, Winchester, Haslemere, and Southampton via London Waterloo.
Bridport Literary Festival
Date: Saturday 7th November to Saturday 14th November 2026
Location: Various locations
London to Dorchester South by train: 2 hours 50 minutes
2026 will mark the 22nd annual Bridport Literary Festival. As usual, expect various talks on diverse subjects like political activism and rewilding. Previous speakers have included Clive Myrie and Alastair Campbell.
Age: All ages
Prices vary
How to get there: Catch the train from London Waterloo to Dorchester South. It’s a 40-minute ride on the X51 Jurassic Coaster from there.
Plan your trip to South West festivals with SWR
Heading to one of the many events featured in our South West Festival Guide? Make your journey simple with SWR. Discover cheap train tickets by travelling off-peak, or save more with a Railcard, GroupSave or a Family and Friends Railcard. If you’re travelling regularly, a Season Ticket could help cut the cost of repeat journeys.
Don’t miss out on extra perks, join SWR Rewards to access exclusive offers on travel, food and a range of experiences.
While you’re here, explore more South West festivals in our Local Highlights and sign up to our newsletter for travel inspiration, competitions and exclusive offers.
