Best Summer Festivals in the UK

Planning a holiday in the UK? Why not line your dates up with one of the country's exciting summer music festivals. As the warmer weather rolls in so does the fantastic musical line-ups. Whether it is folk music, hard rock or dance you prefer, you will surely be able to find something through the season.

The holiday doesn't have to stop once the festival wraps up. Consider picking up a rental car and exploring more of the area. There is plenty to see in the UK, and you can make your holiday even more memorable by adding on a few extra stops.

Isle of Wight Festival

In June, head to the beautiful Isle of Wight for some summer sightseeing and great music. Kicking off the summer music calendar, the festival annually includes great headliners, since 1968. In the 70s the festival hosted big names such as Leonard Cohen, Jimi Hendrix and Chicago. The Festival has been evolving ever since, and is now attracting music fans of all ages.

	How do I get there? The Isle of Wight is located three hours from London. The journey will involve a ferry crossing, which should take less than an hour depending on your point of departure. You can hire a campervan in the Isle of Wight with VroomVroomVroom.

	What to see in the Isle of Wight: Located in the English Channel, the Isle of Wight is a fascinating place to explore. The Isle is home to many stunning beaches, as well as cycling trails, golf courses and shopping destinations.

Glastonbury

We can't have a list of UK music festivals without including the most famous of them all. Glastonbury attracts thousands of people to Somerset to camp in tents and enjoy days of great music and other fun activities. Headliners in the past have included David Bowie, Elvis Costello, Oasis, Robbie Williams, Adele and Coldplay.

	How do I get there? If you are planning on a trip to the Glastonbury Festival, get ready for long travel times and even longer queues. There are car parks on site, but if you'd prefer to avoid the traffic chaos, you can opt for a train or bus. Rent a car from nearby Bristol or Bath to explore the surrounding area in more depth.

	What to see in the area? During the festival, you can see the historic sights of Glastonbury and learn about the history of King Arthur in the area. The fun doesn't have to stop when the festival ends, spend some time exploring the beautiful cobblestone streets of Bath.

Download Festival

If its hard rock you're after, head to Donington Park in Leicestershire for the annual Download Festival. In the past, the venue has hosted some of the biggest names in rock music like Iron Maiden, Metallica and Guns N Roses.

	How do I get there? The park is located near the East Midlands Airport. You can pre-purchase car parking tickets for one of the two carparks. Consider picking up a car hire in Derby and exploring more of the nearby area.

	What else can I see in the area? After the festival, explore more of the Midlands. Nearby Nottingham has plenty of exciting attractions, including the Nottingham Castle.

Parklife

If you're up north and looking for a unique summer music festival, head to Manchester's Heaton Park. The music festival Parklife is a recent addition to the UK calendar, and it has been growing in popularity ever since. The music focuses on dance and electronic artists, with previous performers including Snoop Dogg, Rudimental, Plan B and Dizzee Rascal.

	How do I get here? If you've got a rental car in Manchester, it is a good idea to leave it parked at your accommodation and take the Metrolink Tram. The tram is easily accessible from the city centre, with a stop directly at Heaton Park.

	What else can I see in the area? There is plenty to see with a rental car in Manchester. Head to the famous Old Trafford, or find some quirky dining spots in the Northern Quarter. Take a day trip to Liverpool and explore the home of the Beatles.

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