10 Reasons Why Your Family Will Love CarFest

If you’re looking for a festival that’s fun for everyone – not just music lovers or car fans – then CarFest needs to be on your radar. Created by radio host Chris Evans, CarFest isn’t just a celebration of cars and music; it’s a heartwarming, action-packed, feel-good family adventure. Whether you have toddlers in tow, tweens looking for thrills, or teens who need a bit of convincing, CarFest has something for everyone – including you!

Here are 10 reasons why CarFest should be on your family’s must-do list:

1. There’s Something for Everyone – Yes, Really!

Let’s face it – finding a day out that the whole family enjoys can be tricky. But CarFest has cracked the code. It blends high-octane car displays with live music, food, crafts, sports, comedy, and kids’ zones. Mum can relax with a coffee and listen to live music, Dad can drool over supercars, and the kids? Well, they’ll be everywhere – from bouncing on inflatable castles to watching science experiments or making pizza in the food zone. 

Biscuit decorating at Foodfest

2. The Kids’ Zone is a Mini Festival All on Its Own

CarFest’s KidsFest area is a paradise for little adventurers. Think soft play, face painting, character meet-and-greets (yes, Bluey and Peppa Pig were there in 2024!), and entertainers on stage all day long. There are shows, craft workshops, storytelling corners, and even areas for toddlers to chill out when they need a break. It’s safe, secure, and designed specifically with families in mind.

Last year my kids highlight of the Kids Zone was the Frubes stall. Here they donned a velcro suit and attached themselves to a velcro wall - it was brilliantly bonkers! Not to mention the multiple free boxes of Frubes that were handed out over the weekend - especially nice on a hot day when they're frozen :)

3. It’s a Car Lover’s Dream (Big or Small)

Got a kid who’s obsessed with cars? A partner who’s never grown out of their love for fast engines? CarFest brings together a jaw-dropping selection of over 500 vehicles – from rare vintage classics to the latest supercars. There are live demos, track parades, and even the chance to ride in some of them with the Dream Rides experience. It’s interactive, hands-on, and thrilling – perfect for all ages. 

On the Sunday afternoon, the Paddock is open for eveyone to look round and Elliot was in his absolute element surrounded by all his favourite cars. 

Elliot in the Carfest Paddock

4. The Music Line-Up is Amazing – and Family-Friendly

Families will love the music at CarFest because it’s designed to be fun, feel-good, and suitable for all ages. With a mix of chart-topping pop, nostalgic throwbacks, raucous rock bands and chilled acoustic sets, there’s something for every generation to enjoy – whether you’re dancing with the kids in the sunshine or swaying to a sunset performance. 

We all loved seeing Sam Ryder at last year's Carfest - what a voice! We also thoroughly enjoyed The Feeling on Sunday evening - I didn't realise I knew so many of their songs and it was a fantastic atmosphere down the front. 

5. It’s Designed with Families in Mind

CarFest is brilliantly organised when it comes to families. You’ll find:

• Baby-changing facilities

• Child-friendly toilets

• Quiet spaces for naps or overstimulation

• Plenty of seating and shade

• Water refill points and first aid stations

Plus, the layout makes it easy to navigate with buggies or wheelchairs. Unlike other festivals, there is plenty of room across site so you never feel jammed in.

6. See Your Favourite Celebrities Up Close and Personal!

One of the most exciting things about CarFest is the chance to see your favourite celebrities up close and personal – and not just on a stage or behind a barrier. From TV stars and musicians to sports legends and celebrity chefs, CarFest brings big names right into the heart of the action. Whether they’re cooking in the Kitchen Stage, reading stories in KidsFest, performing live, or just walking around the festival grounds, you never know who you might bump into. I managed to bump into Tom Ellis at last year's festival - such fun! 

7. Camping = Big Family Adventure

Camping isn’t a must, but we highly recommend it. CarFest’s camping areas are safe, family-friendly, and full of festival spirit. There are quiet areas for early bedtimes, or livelier spots if your kids have energy to burn. Plus, there’s nothing like waking up in your tent to the sound of laughter, music, and the buzz of the festival starting up again.

Campers arriving on the Thursday evening can also take advantage of the Big Early - an evening of fun and games with TV's Aj & Curtis Pritchard. 

Photo Credit - Emma Varnom Carfest Buddies Facebook Group

8. It’s Sustainable and Forward-Thinking

CarFest 2024 took huge steps toward being a greener festival. All their official vehicles ran on eco-friendly plant-based fuel, and they introduced EV charging on-site for campers. If your family is eco-conscious, it’s reassuring to know that this is a festival trying to do better for the planet. As a bonus, if you are heading to the festival in your EV in 2025, you can sign up for exclusive festival perks such as lounge passes and priority EV parking. 

photocredit - Carfest website

9. All Proceeds Support Children’s Charities

Here’s something special: CarFest isn’t just for families – it’s for a good cause, too. The event raises money for several UK children’s charities including BBC Children in Need, Teenage Cancer Trust, and the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. Just by attending, you’re helping other families across the UK. It’s a festival with a heart.

10. You’ll Leave With Full Hearts (and Probably Full Tummies Too)

There’s delicious food (from street food to sweet treats), craft markets with handmade treasures, and enough entertainment to last all weekend. But more than that, you’ll leave with a heart full of joy, a phone full of photos, and stories your kids will be telling for weeks.

Final Thoughts

CarFest isn’t just a festival – it’s a family experience. It’s the kind of event where you can unplug, unwind, and just enjoy being together. Whether you’re a first-time festival-goer or seasoned pros, you’ll find everything you need for a brilliant, bonding weekend away.

So pack the wellies, grab the glitter, and get ready to make memories – CarFest is waiting for you.

For more information and to book tickets, visit the website here

*Disclaimer - We were gifted weekend tickets for Carfest but all thoughts and opinions are honest and we genuinely had a fantastic time! 

BEAULIEU - NATIONAL MOTOR MUSEUM REVIEW

 Last year we visited the charming village of Beaulieu in Hampshire, home of the National Motor Museum. With lots to see, and something for all ages, it makes the ideal family day out. Elliot has been getting into his cars recently so he was very excited about the prospect of seeing an Aston Martin up close! 

The great thing about Beaulieu is that you ticket covers multiple attractions and there is no limit to how long you can stay. We arrived around 1030 and stayed until it closed so there is plenty to see. 

The National Motor Museum

This is the largest attraction and probably what most people associate Beaulieu with. A collection of over 285 vehicles ranging from classic cars from yesteryear, to legendary F1 cars, land speed record breakers, vintage motorcycles and even the Tardis! Lots of the displays are interactive and there is plenty of information to read about each vehicle. We loved spotting the more unusual cars, like the Mini Outspan Orange! The museum’s spacious layout makes it easy to explore at your own pace, and there are plenty of hands-on activities for children, including a fun play area and a chance to sit in some of the vehicles. The museum also offers a fascinating insight into the evolution of motoring, with exhibits on racing history, car design, and the role of cars in popular culture.

Here's some of the displays that can be found in this section: 

• Driving Change - Explore the evolution of the motor car, learn about how suspension works, meet Beaulieu's crash test dummy and much more
• Motopia? Past Future Visions - be quick, this exhibition is only running until 14th April 2024 but here you can see future visions of the motor car from the past and what ideas have become reality
• A Chequered History - here you can learn about the history of Formula One and other motorsports
• Jack Tucker's Garage - a 1930's garage packed full of artifacts
• The Motorcycle Story 
• For Britain & For the Hell of it - a multimedia display shining a light on the British Land Speed Record
• The Luxury of Motoring - here you can find some of the most luxurious cars and the history behind them

We even found the Tardis tucked away in a corner along with some dress up options - think Erin's got a bit of growing to do before she can be the next doctor 😁

On screen Cars

This exhibit was a particular favourite with the kids - here you can find some very recognisable cars from films and TV including Mr Bean's Mini, The Weasley's Ford Anglia and many more. 

The Monorail

The Monorail is free to ride and the mile long monorail is the oldest in England. It's a lovely way to see the grounds and even takes you through the middle of the roof of the National Motor Museum. We loved the monorail and must have ridden it at least 5 times throughout the day!

Little Beaulieu

Beaulieu isn't just cars and there are lots of areas to explore in the grounds. Little Beaulieu is a fantastic wooden play area that kept our kids busy for ages. We were able to sit in the sunshine at one of the many picnic benches and enjoy lunch while the kids played. 

Beaulieu Abbey

We had a lovely stroll around the peaceful grounds and learnt that the Abbey dates back to 800 years ago. It was founded by King John but then destroyed on the orders of King Henry VIII in 1538. Some of the Abbey still remains, such as the Monk's Refectory (now the Parish Church of Beaulieu) and the Domus, which is now a museum/wedding venue. 

We heard the Abbey was haunted but luckily for us, we didn't catch anything spooky!

Palace House

The Palace House has served as the home of the Montagu family for over 400 years and is known for it's beautiful architectural style. This was a nice surprise for us as I didn't even know there was a Palace House here and we had lots of fun exploring! The staff are all dressed in traditional Victorian costumes and it's very hands on for children. We spent quite abit of time in the Victorian kitchen where the kids were able to dress up and have a go at using some of the old fashioned kitehen gadgets. 

The staff were really friendly and chatted to us for ages about what life would have been like for the staff back in Victorian times. The rest of the house had lots of rooms to explore and the kids really enjoyed playing with the old fashioned toys....and not a screen in sight! 

If you don't fancy the walk back to the Motor Museum (which isn't far), you can jump on the Veteran Bus which makes regular trips throughout the day around the grounds. This replica 1912 open top London bus is a lovely way to see the estate. 

The Verdict

Beaulieu National Motor Museum and Estate is an incredible destination for families looking to experience a mix of history, adventure, and learning. The museum’s impressive car collection is complemented by family-friendly activities, and the Beaulieu estate offers a serene and beautiful backdrop for a day out. 

We can’t recommend it enough as a family day out in the New Forest!

CAMP BESTIVAL DORSET 2024 REVIEW - DAY VISITOR!

Camp Bestival, held annually in the picturesque grounds of Lulworth Castle in Dorset, is a celebration of music, arts, and family fun that stands out as one of the best family-friendly festivals in the UK. This vibrant event, curated by DJ Rob da Bank and his wife Josie, offers an enchanting blend of entertainment that caters to all ages, making it a must-visit for families seeking a magical festival experience.

If camping is your thing then you pitch up with the family, you can bring motorhomes and campers, you can even splash out and do Hospitality Camping...which I'm told is the most exclusive festival experience. 

If you prefer to sleep in your own bed, then there is a great option to purchase a day ticket. We live locally to the festival so for us, this is perfect as we can drive in and spend the day, then be tucked up in our own beds within half an hour! 

The festival opens on Thursday to campers but the main days are Friday - Sunday. We had weekend tickets but chose not to camp, we actually drove in from Poole on the Friday and Saturday. Both days were very different, so read on to find out what our family of 4 got up to...

Day 1 - Friday

Due to work and childcare commitments, we weren't able to start our festival experience until late Friday afternoon but as soon as we drove in and saw the sea of tents and the colourful big top in the distance, we were eager to explore!

We were directed to the YELLOW car park and it took around 15-20 minutes to walk to the entrance. (We did arrive late though so our car was definitely one of the last in and the parked at the furthest point!). This isn't our first time at Camp Bestival but our last visit was in 2021 and it was interesting to spot the small changes. 

Making our way in to the Magic Meadow area, my husband was happy to see Caravanserai - this is one of his favourite parts of CB and is a great place for people watching! Made up of old caravans and vintage fairground bits and bobs, Caravanserai feels a bit like something you'd find in an apocalyptic world. In one corner you might find DJ's playing drum & base with little kids raving on their dad's shoulders, in another nook you might catch an artist singing an acoustic version of Radiohead's Creep with an accompanying banjo. It's all abit bonkers but it certainly has character!

Caravanserai - Camp Bestival

Good to see the Lovebot in the Magic Meadow, and we encountered the Earthbot who made her festival debut in 2023. Earthbot stands at over 8 metres tall and has two slides, a treehouse den and a huge sandpit. The queues were minimal to climb inside her and my two really enjoyed the slides. 

A new addition to this year's Camp Bestival is the Explorer's Passport. Designed by Josie Da Bank, the passport is packed full of illustrations and information, plus space to add your CB memories. Scattered around the festival are Stamping Stations and each one has a different stamp to put in your passport.  Erin (age 7) absolutely loved this activity - it encouraged her to really explore all the areas in the quest to find all the stamps and it made a lovely momento to bring home.     

Moving onto the Upper Kids Garden, my children were delighted to find the Circus area and the Crazy Bikes. This is somewhere we usually spend quite a bit of time in and this year was no exception! The crazy bikes are always a big hit and it was a race to see who could try the craziest bike. 

The Upper Kids Garden is also home to the Feast Collective - here you can find all kinds of food and drink offerings and the smell from DJ BBQ will lure you in! We found lots of benches and tables here and it was a great place to chill out for a while. Food is on the pricy side but to be expected at a festival. We paid £13-14 for burger and fries. Kids options can be found at most of the vendors for £6, although this isn't neccessarily a meal. Erin had a hotdog for £6 and we upgraded it to come with chips for an extra £2. She enjoyed this so much that she also chose it on the Saturday! 

If you are coming for the whole weekend then it's definitely worth looking into the Camp Kids Extra Pass. For £39.99 you will receive meal tokens which will get you six kids meals (x3 lunch options, x3 dinner options), daily sweet treat and unlimited fruit and water. 

Next to the Castle, we found the BBC Sounds Garden which turned out to be my son's favourite bit of the festival. A great place to chill - here we found deckchairs, giant beanbags, shade, headphones to listen to various different stations and podcasts and we were even able to have our photo taken in the Sounds Studio Photobooth. We realised that we could connect to wifi here so this place was a godsend over the weekend when our usual phone signal failed us! 

As the sun began to set, we made our way to the Castle Stage - this is the place to be if you want to catch some big name artists and bands over the weekend. Mcfly were the Friday night headliner and I for one, was very excited about this! The grassy area in front of the stage is pretty big and you'll find that lots of families with chairs and wagons will sit further back. We decided to head down to the front of the stage and join the throng of people waiting for Mcfly. As soon as the first song kicked in, it was a brilliant atmosphere and the kids were loving in! We sadly didn't get to see the entire set as both children were very tired but Mcfly were brilliant as always. 

As we made our way towards the exit, the fairground looked absolutely stunning all lit up and there was such a buzz in the air with families of all ages enjoying themselves. The walk back up to the car certainly felt longer on the way back but we couldn't wait to return in the morning to explore the rest of the festival. 

Day 2 - Saturday

We arrived bright and early to glorious sunshine across the festival site and we were excited for another fun day at Lulworth. The kids had lots of ideas about what they wanted to see/do so I was more than happy for them to take the reins! 

There are so many activities for children at Camp Bestival and this can be a bit overwhelming at first. Alot of these have to be prebooked (bookings generally open the day before) but for us, we were happy to explore and see what took our fancy. You can easily still find plenty to do without prebooking and I always find half the fun of festivals is stumbling upon random activities! 

We spent a bit of time playing on the swings in the Magic Meadow, and we also noticed a talent show happening inside the Big Top which was fun to listen to. A few minutes before we arrived there was a big Nerf battle which apparently happens every year. Saturday was fancy dress day and so many people had made amazing efforts for this years Space theme - we passed an entire family of aliens by the Lovebot! 

Just before 11am, we headed back up to the Upper Kids Garden to the Library where a whole host of talks were happening throughout the day. The line up included author Katie Kirby, who's Lottie Brooks books have been topping the book charts since their debut in 2021 and just so happen to be Erin's favourite! The Library tent was packed with tweens and parents and it was interesting to hear Katie talk about the books, and the characters. We were able to meet her at the book signed after and it made Erin's day to get a photo. Whilst this was happening, Elliot had been amusing himself in the BBC Sounds garden again! We did find it tricky with the lack of signal, especially when he wanted to go off by himself but we agreed a central meeting place at a specific time which worked...just. Shout out to the WI tent which can be found near the Library - here you can buy sandwiches, cakes and lots of refreshments that won't break the bank. 

After another play with the Crazy Bikes, we headed down to the Lower Kids Garden. Here you can find the old science tent which is now Space Camp - an exciting new venue where you can find demonstrations, workshops and plenty of interactive experiences. Erin really wanted to check out the Super Moose Toys Super Happy Playhouse - she was in her element with Bluey meet and greets, plus demonstrations from toys such as Magic Mixies, Cookez Makery and Little Live Pets. 

The Lower Kids Garden has so much for the kids to do and we ran out of time to do everything but we loved the vintage fairground rides and climbing up the observatory to look down at the festival. You can also find Navigation Town and lots of stamping stations for the activity passports.There are plenty of food options down in the garden and lots of shady areas to sit. We found the toilets here the nicest too! 

Looking out over Navigation Town

Next on the agenda was the much requested Dingly Dell area - both kids loved visiting here last time and it's a great place to come to get away from the hustle and bustle of the festival. Tucked away in the nearby woods you'll find a tranquil area where children can go wild with their imaginations. There are mud kitchens, instruments made from recycled instruments, you can create models from clay....there is even a lovely big play area which my kids love. The big plus is that it's lovely and shaded so I had a wonderful time sitting out of the sun whilst the kids played! 

We spent the rest of the afternoon having a wander round the festival - we caught a bit of Mr Tumble on the Castle Stage, we danced to some beats in the Bollywood Tent, we drank huge slushies when we got too hot, we chilled in the BBC Sounds area, we practised our tightrope skills at the Circus, we listened to some fab kids singing and playing Nirvana at Rock School, we waved at Mister Maker in the CBeebies bedtime tent and we played some retro games at the Games Museum. 

We also managed to catch another Q & A at the book signing - this time it was Cerrie Burnell who we know from her CBeebies time back in the day. She is a very succesful children's author and her Unicorn books have gained a brand new fan in Erin! There is even a well stocked book shop at Camp Bestival (run by some very friendly volunteers) so we were able to pick up one of Cerrie's books which Erin had signed. 

Our tummies were rumbling at this point so we followed our noses back to the Feast Collective where I had a really good buttermilk fried chicken burger and fries and the kids opted for hotdogs again. There are so many food options at Feast Collective - I wanted to try everything! There are plenty of seating areas near the food vendors and whilst we ate our dinner we chatted to some other families sat nearby and it was a great way to spend a bit of chill time. We have found that everyone is so friendly at CB and there is never any shortage of people to chat to - Erin even managed to bag herself a new penpal!

After a quick boogie to The Darkness on the Castle Stage we decided to call it a day with two very tired, sweaty children. The walk back up the carpark was less than appealing so we decided to treat ourselves to a ride up the hill in the Charity Concierge's Festival Taxis. Suggested donation was £7 per person (kids go free) and this was money well spent as we whizzed up the hill! All the money goes to charity and the taxis run throughout the weekend. Look out for the big "Taxi stop" signs - we hopped on one by the main entrance. 

After spending two days at Camp Bestival, these are my top tips to help you have the best time:

•  Take snacks! If your kids are anything like mine, then they'll have a bottomless stomach in the school holidays and it can work out very expensive if you have buy food everytime they say they're hungry. I packed a zip lock bag for each child with lots of snacks in for the day - once this was gone, that was it.
• Frozen capri suns make great icepacks
• Ensure kids are aware of welfare tents and what to do if lost. We had no signal all weekend so found it hard to stay in touch with my eldest when he explored by himself - we gave him specific instructions regarding meeting places. You could also make sure you take a photo of your child in the morning so you know exactly what they are wearing incase they get lost
• Go with the flow! The list of activities can be overwhelming but you can easily still have a fantastic festival experience without prebooking anything
• There are free water stations dotted around the festival site so bring your refillable bottle
• The festival loos weren't too bad but we found it helped bringing our own wetwipes and anti-bac gel for after
• Wear comfy shoes - you'll certainly rack up the steps walking around the festival, even more if you're parked in the yellow carpark!
• Less is definitely not more at Camp Bestival - wear the glitter, bring your sparkles, be bright! We did pack some festival glitter but definitely felt positively underdressed - I've never seen so many sparkly outfits in one day

Above all, have fun! Camp Bestival is an amazing experience for all ages and I'd definitely recommend getting a ticket. Tier 1 tickets are now onsale for 2025!

*Disclaimer - AD | We were offered free weekend tickets in exchange for an honest review 

A Spooky Evening at Moors Valley Country Park’s Halloween Trail: A Review

If you're looking for a family-friendly Halloween experience that blends outdoor adventure with spine-tingling fun, Moors Valley Country Park’s brand new Halloween Trail is the perfect destination! We recently visited on opening night, and from the creative displays to the eerie ambiance, it offered the ideal blend of Halloween thrills without being too scary for younger visitors.

There are three different time slots to consider. Daylight - which is perfect for younger visitors, Twilight - the scare level ramps up a notch, and Moonlight - as scary as it gets but still suitable for all. 

We arrived for our Daylight slot at 5pm and we were guided towards the main carpark. Be prepared for the carpark to be very busy at peak times - you may end up in the overflow carpark so it would be wise to bring a torch.

Before you begin your journey into the forest, you can grab a bite to eat at one of the many food vendors. Our group had hog roast, burgers and hotdogs but there were plenty of choices including greek and waffles. Prices were to be expected but the portions were very generous, as demonstrated by the size of my daughters hotdog!

Hot dogs at Moors Valley Halloween

The Halloween Trail winds through part of the park’s vast woodland and takes between one to two hours to complete, depending on how long you linger at each stop. Visitors follow a mapped path, where they’re greeted by engaging characters, creepy props, and spooky sounds that set an eerie but enjoyable tone.

The sun was setting as we walked around and it made for a spooky backdrop to my photos, with the orange glow peeking through the trees. We took our time exploring and I appreciated booking the earlier time slot as it wasn't too busy. We were able to take lots of photos and never felt rushed. 

Headless Horseman - Moors Valley Halloween Trail

Midway round the trail, we found a small pitstop area where a pop up bar was selling amazing looking hot chocolates and spooky themed drinks. There was also Candy Cauldron where the kids bought apples dipped in freshly melted chocolate and covered with spooky sprinkles. Definitely a highlight of the evening for them!

Once the sun had set and darkness arrived, we saw the forest from a different perspective. It felt quite spooky and we wondered what (or who!) we would encounter at each twist and turn of the path. 

Family-Friendly Fun

The Moors Valley Halloween Trail is an excellent option for families with children. It avoids the extreme frights you’d find in a traditional haunted house, making it accessible for younger kids who want to join in on the Halloween fun. The interactive elements encourage exploration and curiosity, and the characters along the way are much more friendly than frightening.

If you’re a Halloween enthusiast hoping for something truly terrifying, you might find this experience more on the mild side. However, for a festive, spooky evening with the family, the Halloween Trail offers just the right balance.

Practical Tips

If you’re planning to visit, here are a few tips to make the most of your experience:

• October evenings can be chilly, so bundle up and wear comfortable walking shoes since you’ll be navigating forest paths.

• While some parts of the trail are lit, a torch can help you see the path clearly and add to the spooky fun.

• There are no toilets on the trail so make sure you use the ones in the event village before you begin

• Take your time and look up! There is lots to see on the trail and I'd recommend taking your time so you don't miss anything. We spent almost two hours on the trail from start to finish (including time eating chocolate apples 😀)

Halloween Trail by torchlight

Final Thoughts

The Moors Valley Country Park Halloween Trail is a delightful Halloween outing that families and kids of all ages can enjoy. It combines outdoor exploration with gentle frights and offers an experience filled with magic and creativity. 

Overall, it’s a fantastic seasonal experience for anyone looking to enjoy Halloween festivities without too many scares. Highly recommended for families and Halloween lovers who appreciate a blend of nature and enchantment with a spooky twist. 

The Halloween trail is running everyday until Sunday 3rd November with timed entry slots. For more information including ticket prices and booking information, check out the website here.

*Disclaimer - We were given tickets to the opening night in exchange for an honest review - we really loved it though and will definitely be returning next year!