Festivals, for me, have always been about more than just the music or the schedule. It is the feeling of being outside for a few days, watching kids run freely, sharing food, and settling into that slower rhythm that only camping and open space seem to create.
But planning a family festival is never quite as simple as just booking tickets, especially when you have a dog. I have often found that many of the biggest festivals don’t allow them at all, which can make things feel unnecessarily complicated.
That is what led me to look more closely at festivals that genuinely work for the whole family, including the dog. In this post, I am sharing some of the best UK festivals where you can bring everyone along, without compromising on atmosphere, space, or experience.
Note: Every festival on this list has been verified to allow dogs by a human.
Top Dog Friendly Festivals UK
1. Red Rooster Festival (Suffolk)
A laid-back Americana and blues festival set in a rural location.
- Dogs allowed with a ticket and must be on a lead.
- Family-friendly with workshops and outdoor activities
A great mix of music and space for children to explore.
2. Dubs in the Middle (Worcestershire)
VW campervan festival with a strong community feel.
- Dogs welcome on leads.
- Foam parties, shows, and activities for kids
One of the most relaxed environments for families with pets.
3. Knockengorroch Festival (Scotland)
A world music and arts festival in a remote valley.
- Dogs allowed under control.
- Open space and nature-focused activities
Ideal if you prefer a quieter, less commercial experience.
4. Vanlife Festival (Shrewsbury)
A festival centred on campervan and outdoor living culture.
- Dogs allowed in outdoor areas on leads.
- Talks, displays, and family-friendly entertainment
Best suited to families who enjoy outdoor lifestyles.
5. Farm Fest (Somerset)
An independent music festival with a strong community focus.
- Dogs are allowed during the day on leads.
- Arts, crafts, and activities for children
A smaller festival that’s easy to navigate with kids.
6. Camper Calling (Warwickshire)
A relaxed music and camping festival aimed at families.
- Dogs allowed on leads.
- Tribute acts, children’s zones, and a laid-back vibe
A simple and enjoyable option without large crowds.
7. Wild Fest (Multiple locations)
A relaxed, pop-up family camping festival style experience.
- Dogs welcome on festival site.
- Focus on families, firepits, music, outdoor living.
8. DevaFest (Cheshire)
A relaxed family-friendly music and camping festival.
- Dogs allowed on leads.
- Live music, street food, and family entertainment.
9. Lake Fest (Herefordshire)
A relaxed family music festival set in grounds of a castle.
- Friendly dogs on leads allowed.
- Live music, food stalls, and outdoor activities.
10. Camper Jam (Shropshire)
A tribute acts music festival set in a countryside location.
- Dogs are allowed throughout festival.
- Live music, circus-style entertainment, and family activities.
11. Mighty Dub Fest (Northumberland)
A music festival that includes a dog show and a fun fair.
- Well-behaved dogs allowed.
- Workshops, wellness tents and live music.
12. Woodshrop (Shrewsbury)
Lively festival with the best tribute acts to enjoy.
- Dogs allowed on leads.
- Live acts and brilliant party atmosphere.
What to Know Before You Go
Even at dog-friendly festivals, there are usually rules in place:
- Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times
- Access to busy or indoor areas may be restricted
- Owners are responsible for their dog’s comfort and behaviour in noisy environments
It’s always important to check the latest festival guidelines before booking, as policies can change.
Final Thoughts
The best family festivals are often the ones that feel the least complicated. A bit more space, a bit less rush, and the freedom to enjoy it all at your own pace.
Choosing a festival that welcomes dogs tends to lead you to exactly those kinds of places. And in many ways, they end up being the more memorable weekends, not because they are bigger, but because they simply work better for everyone involved.
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