happiest

Camp Bestival 2026 review – Britain’s happiest family festival proves there’s still nothing quite like it

What do you get if you cross two mini ice-cream cones with Ursula and King Triton from the Little Mermaid?

The wacky and immersive world of Camp Bestival of course!

Britain’s happiest family festival once again put on a show for not just the ages, but all ages.

For one glorious weekend each summer, the stunning grounds of Lulworth Castle in Dorset are transformed into what can only be described as a giant playground.

The brainchild of renowned music specialist Rob da Bank and creative director Josie da Bank, and founded in 2008, Camp Bestival is known as the UK’s ultimate family festival, having won Best Family Festival at the UK Festival Awards six times.

Created with a vision of reinventing family time, it has gone from strength to strength, and from personal experience as a multi-time Bestivaler, 2026 delivered one of its strongest editions yet.

While Camp Bestival has never been centred on drawing the crowds solely for big name headline acts, you’d be hard pushed to get a better line up than rave DJ Fatboy Slim, De La Soul, the Cuban Brothers, Billy Ocean, Leftfield and chart-topping Bastille, just to name a few.

For sure, these acts would pull in massive crowds at any venue round the country, but the magic for 30,000 festival goers in any year is what you will find away from the main stages.

Have you ever danced to a country band in a Pig’s Big Ballroom, or raved with your kids to a grammatically correct rap MC Grammar? No, then what are you waiting for?

For our family, two big kids (me and my wife Katie) and our two small humans, aged five and two, like so many others, running around sun soaked fields, listening to music, climbing giant robot sculptures (them not us!), riding a ferris wheel or letting loose on swinging chairs at the fun fare; this was a real chance to connect.

Let’s be honest, life can seem pretty tough these days. The news cycle can be overwhelming at times, then chuck in work, school, bills, exams, kids!

But as soon as you enter into this kaleidoscope of countryside colour, where bubble machines float across fields packed with picnics, children chasing giant puppets through woodland trails, and every pathway revealing another adventure waiting to be discovered, your worries can be a distant memory.

Unlike many festivals where the music is everything, Camp Bestival’s magic lies in the moments in between.

As we gathered for the annual trolley competition – the type you either haul to the beach or the park with your camping chairs in, or your exhausted children back to your tent after a day of festival fun – we were given a glimpse into how special this place can be.

The aforementioned mini ice-cream cones were two toddlers dressed up in exquisitely made papier mache inventions, alongside parents dressed as ice cream sellers and their vehicle imaginatively turned into a mobile ice cream stall.

Dozens of families queue patiently every year to show off their creative talents, but this particular entry had an added meaning.

As people clapped and cheered their flawless construction, the mum-of-two not only announced that she was pregnant – nine months and a week in fact! – but that she had just got the all clear from cancer and the festival was the family celebration of how far they had come.

I’ve always been impressed with how, unlike many large-scale events, at Camp Bestival there is an overwhelming sense that everyone was looking out for one another, but the cheers and applause that rang out in that moment was something magical.

And what more could you want from a weekend away with your loves ones?

Scenes where parents dance with toddlers on their shoulders to TV pranksters Dick & Dom, chats with Traitors star Joe Marler and the odd appearance from kids’ favourite Bluey – even on stage with Bastille – and teenagers queuing patiently for activities alongside parents and grandparents.

This is a place where children truly get to enjoy the rare freedom of exploring a safe, welcoming environment where imagination is not only encouraged, but pretty much mandatory, at every turn.

Festival founders Rob and Josie have spent years perfecting an event that understands exactly what families need.

Every year the festival revelers such as us also get a chance to play dress up and this year’s theme played homage to the Sunday headline act, Brighton boy Norman Cook, aka DJ Fatboy Slim,.

The 2026 At the Seaside Fancy Dress Competition was a full-blown celebration of British seaside spirit: swimmers, mermaids, jellyfish, lobsters, sailors, and a Baywatch themed lifeguard flashmob.

Yes, there are headline acts capable of filling arenas, but there are also puppet shows, storytelling sessions, outdoor adventures, comedy, wellbeing activities and enough arts and crafts to keep even the busiest little minds occupied for hours.

There are hundreds of free activities for families to explore from theatre, circus skills, science explorations, sports and immersive theatre through to amazing live acts and DJs, family raves, comedy, award-winning street food, and flamboyant evening cabaret – all shared with families simply there to have the best time.

Tucked away in a haven of calm amidst the festival buzz, Slomo Wellbeing offered a three-day programme of free wellbeing session designed for all ages.

Headliners Jasmine Hemsley, Joe Wicks, Zita West, Trish Whelan, Rosie Underwood, Jonni Pollard, Carla DiMattina and Mama Shrooms lead a wellbeing programme featuring soundbaths, meditation, breath work, mindful movement, dance, yoga and food workshops, alongside a range of one-on-one treatments and, of course, Slomo Wellbeing’s hugely-popular saunas, ice baths and hot tubs.

Reflecting on Camp Bestival, presented by Debenhams 2026, festival curator Rob da Bank says: “What a ridiculously fun and sun kissed weekend we’ve had, bringing families together in proper Camp Bestival style.

“It always blows us away to see 30,000 revellers get stuck into so many activities, dancing to the beats and bands, getting arty and active with their families across our amazing site.

“There’s nothing Josie and I love more than to see all generations enjoying time together. We can’t wait for 2027 and are thrilled to announce that Early Bird Weekend Tickets go on sale this Friday! See you in Lulworth next year, campers!”

Returning for a second year as a headline partner, Dan Finley CEO of Debenhams Group added: “After such a fantastic debut with Camp Bestival last year, we couldn’t be more thrilled to return as headline partner for 2026.

“The energy, engagement, and connection we saw across families and festival-goers was incredible, it brought the heart of Debenhams to life in a vibrant way.

“We’re looking forward to building on that momentum, deepening our relationships, and delivering another unforgettable experience together.”

In an increasingly crowded festival market, Camp Bestival remains exactly what it has always aspired to be: a joyful celebration of music, adventure and family life, leaving thousands already counting down the days until next summer.

Thank you Camp Bestival. We can’t wait to come back!

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With memories made and next year’s adventure already calling, eager fans can already snap up 2027 Early Bird Weekend Tickets from 10am on Friday 7th August 2026.

Camp Bestival by Debenhams will take place from Thursday 29th July – Sunday 1st August 2027.

Early Bird Weekend Tickets go on sale 10am on Friday 7th August.

For more information and to buy tickets visit campbestival.net.

2027 Early Bird Prices:

Adult Weekend Camping: £225

Teen Weekend Camping: £157.50

Child 10-12 Weekend Camping: £130.50

Child 5-9 Weekend Camping: £110.50

Child 2-4 Weekend Camping: FREE (but ticket required)

Babes In Arms Weekend Camping: FREE (but ticket required)

If you’re looking for a staycation this summer, this beautiful UK city should be top of your list, with its picture-postcard scenes and status as the world’s happiest for 2026

The happiest city in the world has been named for 2026, and it’s right here in the UK.

There’s a lot that can define what makes a great city, from its green space, shops, sights and culture, but knowing that residents are happy is perhaps one of the most telling. After all, if they’re content residing there, we’re bound to enjoy a weekend or a day trip to the city that even the locals praise.

Luckily for us, the happiest city in the world is right on our doorstep, as Bath topped the list in Time Out’s annual ranking. In a survey of more than 24,000 locals, respondents were asked to rate various aspects of their city, including its culture, green spaces, neighbourhoods, food offerings, art and nightlife, community spirit, and overall happiness.

Thanks to glowing reviews from locals, Bath was named the world’s happiest city for 2026 by Time Out. A staggering 93% of residents in the beautiful city, nestled in the valley of the River Avon in Somerset, agreed that their city made them happy, while 92% also said that they feel happiest in Bath than anywhere else.

The research also found that 90% of locals had positive experiences with their neighbours, while 91% found joy in everyday life, thanks to the city’s offerings. Community is a major factor in Bath, with 83% saying it’s easy to find in the city, while 76% agreed that their sense of happiness has recently increased, with green space and nature also topping the rankings.

Bath is one of the most popular cities in the UK, drawing in around six million visitors every year, so it’s hardly surprising to hear that it’s been widely recognised. However, there’s so much more to the city, and it’s absolutely brimming with life, whether you’re a local or a tourist.

As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the renowned spa town is celebrated for its preserved Roman Baths, grand honey-hued Georgian architecture and natural thermal springs. Adding to its picture-postcard scene are the cobblestone lanes, pristine gardens and parks, the historic Pulteney Bridge, and sweeping townhouses, all set within the rolling hills of Somerset.

I’ve spent countless days wandering around the city that easily makes you feel as though you’ve stepped onto a film set, and rightly so, as it’s notoriously been used as the stunning backdrop for the hugely popular Netflix drama Bridgerton. The Royal Crescent and the Holburne Museum were featured in the series, while Bath has also appeared in movies such as Les Misérables, Wonka and The Duchess.

Against its serene backdrop, the city’s food scene is nothing short of exceptional, and over the years, I’ve tasted some of the best food in the world. One of my go-to spots is the Mexican restaurant Dos Dedos, tucked down Bartlett Street, serving up tacos alongside a spicy margarita in its vibrant, funky setting that comes alive by night.

Another favourite of mine is the Japanese restaurant Robun, which offers traditional sharing plates and bento boxes. It has been featured in the Michelin Guide alongside 11 other restaurants in Bath, including Olive Tree, Upstairs at Landrace, Emberwood and Beckford Canteen.

For an authentic Italian, I recommend a visit to Portofino, which is one of the many independent restaurants in Bath. For that desirable lunch stop, Cortado Café is another favourite among mine, serving up a selection of mouthwatering empanadas and artisan coffee that you won’t be able to find anywhere else.

But no visit to Bath for me is complete without a stop at Good Day Cafe for one of their incredible brookies – a cookie and brownie all rolled into one. For that extra sweet treat on a summer’s day, there’s Brickell’s Ice Cream, and for a refreshing beer, Kingsmead Street Bottle can’t be missed.

Aside from going on a food crawl around the city with flavours from around the world, there’s plenty to do and a plethora of attractions. Some of the city’s most famous include tours around the ancient Roman Baths, or a relaxing afternoon spent at Thermae Bath Spa, where you can soak in the rooftop pool with panoramic city views.

There are boat trips available to meander down the river, and the tranquil Royal Victoria Park to soak up the city’s ambience before a walk past the towering Bath Abbey, in the heart of the city and, by Christmas, the backdrop to the famed market. But I find that the best way to explore Bath is just by following my feet and seeing what I stumble upon, after all, that’s what locals would do.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

TOM Holland has finally confirmed he and Zendaya are married after months of speculation.

A number of AI-generated wedding pics took the Internet by storm earlier this year sparking an ‘are they/aren’t they?’ frenzy.

In a new interview with Esquire UK, the Spider-Man star, 30, was asked if he needed to address the viral images with his family in case they awkwardly felt they’d been left out.

He said: “No, because they were all there…That’s all you’ll get on that.”

While he wouldn’t go into any more detail on the A-list couple’s wedding, he was happy to speak about the relationship more generally and how he is the “happiest I’ve ever been”.

He said: “Our business can present very stressful situations and it’s really nice to have a bedrock of a relationship that will stand the test of time.

stamp of approval

Zendaya flashes side-boob and shows off new tattoo tribute to Tom Holland

‘AT EASE’

Zendaya shares moment she knew Tom Holland was The One but won’t confirm wedding

“We can support each other in ways that only we can, because only we understand really what it’s like to live this life, and I think that is such a luxury, because I just don’t understand how I would be able to have anything like that with anyone else.

“So, for me, I found my person. She’s my best friend, and I’m the happiest I have ever been when I’m with her, but I have also never felt so supported and safe, ever. Period.”

The nuptials have been a not so well kept secret for some time.

Zendaya’s stylist Law Roach said in March that the pair were husband and wife at the Actor Awards.

He told Access Hollywood: “The wedding has already happened. You missed it.”

When asked to spill more details by the reporter, the stylist laughed and said: “It’s very true.”

The same month she was seen wearing a wedding band at the 19th annual Essence Black Women in Hollywood.

The A-list pair reportedly got engaged between Christmas 2024 and New Year, in one of Zendaya’s family homes in the US.

Tom popped the question in a romantic and intimate setting, sources told TMZ at the time.

The English actor reportedly asked Zendaya’s dad, Kazembe Ajamu Coleman, for his blessing months before the proposal but waited until the time was right to get down on one knee.

Although they didn’t announce their engagement, during a panel event a reporter called Zendaya Tom’s “girlfriend”, to which the actor corrected them and said: “Fiancée.”

In January 2025, Zendaya was pictured wearing a huge £500,000 diamond ring by Jessica McCormack.

Tom and Zendaya first met on the set of Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2016.

After years of speculation about their relationship, the pair finally confirmed their romance in 2021 after they were photographed kissing in Los Angeles.

While the couple has kept their relationship mostly under wraps, Tom previously opened up about Zendaya’s support during his sobriety journey.

Speaking in October 2024, the actor said throughout his journey his girlfriend showed an “overwhelming sense of support.”

“I realised who my real friends were,” Tom told TV host Michael Strahan.

“And getting an overwhelming sense of support from them and enjoying a nightlife experience with them without the pressure of having a drink was a beautiful experience.”

This year they will appear on the big screen twice together, firstly in Christopher Nolan’s historical epic The Odyssey and later in Spider-Man: Brand New Day.