Holiday Cottages Near the UK's Top Music Festivals

Alternative Festival Stays: Enjoy the Soundtrack of Summer in Comfort

As summer rolls in and the UK gears up for its legendary music festival season, you've probably started dreaming of sun-soaked days filled with incredible tunes, vibrant crowds, and the unmistakable festival spirit. But let’s be real—what’s the fun in braving muddy campsites with limited bathroom facilities when you can enjoy the same atmosphere and still have the comfort of a proper bed? Enter the world of alternative festival stays—specifically, holiday cottages near the UK’s top music festivals like Glastonbury, Latitude in Suffolk, Download and the Isle of Wight Festival.

One of the biggest perks of renting a holiday cottage for a festival stay is the sheer comfort it provides.

Here’s why you should consider it:

🎵 Proper Sleeping Arrangements

After dancing your heart out to your favourite bands, nothing beats crashing on a comfy mattress, tucked away in a modern cottage.

🎵 Private Facilities

Gone are the days of queuing for portaloos or showers. With a holiday cottage, you can access clean, private bathrooms whenever you need.

🎵 Home-cooked Meals

While festival food can be fantastic, it can also be pricey and repetitive. With a fully-equipped kitchen at your fingertips, you can prepare your own meals, perhaps even throwing together a pre-festival barbecue!

So, pack your bags and let's dive into why a holiday cottage might just be the perfect option for your festival adventure.

Glastonbury Festival - Holiday Cottages.

Glastonbury Festival is one of the most iconic and renowned music festivals in the world. The festival was first held in 1970 and has grown exponentially since then, becoming a cultural phenomenon. It was initially inspired by the ethos of the counterculture movement and was organised as a way to bring people together to celebrate music, arts, and alternative lifestyles. Glastonbury Festival showcases a diverse range of musical genres, from rock and pop to indie, hip-hop, electronic, folk, and world music. Some of the biggest names in the music industry have graced the festival's stages, including David Bowie, Rolling Stones, Beyoncé, Arctic Monkeys, Radiohead, and many more.

Russet Lodge, Coxbridge, Glastonbury, Sleeps 6, 3 beds, 2 dogs. 7 nights from £739

Nestled alongside the Somerset Levels, this calming estate only 10 minutes from Glastonbury offers four luxurious Safari Lodges, perfectly equipped for a relaxing break beneath the stars. The bespoke accommodation has been carefully designed to combine comfort, style, and functionality. Each lodge sleeps up to 6 with a well-equipped kitchen, comfy lounge, luxury bathroom, and a private veranda with cast iron BBQ. The log burner will keep you lovely and toasty while the atmospheric lights, stylish decor, and Egyptian cotton sheets create a luxury feel throughout. Outside enjoy a variety of plant life from towering trees that line the entrance to the apple and pear trees sprinkled through the little orchard. The glamping field sits amongst a blooming wildflower meadow with manicured paths meandering through the seasonal flowers. There are designated spaces to gather with friends as well as a few tranquil corners to linger quietly in the wilderness.

Merriman Lodge, Street, Glastonbury. Sleeps 6, 3 beds. 7 nights from £695

Welcome to Merriman Lodge, your exquisite gateway to an unparalleled holiday experience nestled in the heart of Somerset, in the charming town of Street. This luxurious holiday let is not just a dwelling; it’s a statement of style, comfort, and sophistication. Boasting three stunning bedrooms, Merriman Lodge accommodates up to six guests, offering a retreat that seamlessly blends modern elegance with quirky charm.

Old Farm Barn, Southwood, nr Glastonbury. Sleeps 6, 2 beds, 1 dog. 7 nights from £629

Views for miles, beautiful furnishings and every detail thought of, there is everything you could need and more here at Old Farm! Sit back, relax and enjoy! Old Farm is a stunning Barn conversion in Southwood, just outside of Glastonbury. Converted to an extremely high standard in 2021, it’s the perfect base from which to explore Somerset. There are fabulous walks in all directions that can be taken from the doorstep, whilst the towns of Glastonbury and Street are just under 15 minutes drive away. Glastonbury, famous for its festival and ancient legends, has a great mix of eclectic shops and larger stores whilst Street is well known for its outlet shopping centre, Clarks Village, where designer bargains are to be found!

Download Festival - The Spiritual Home of Rock

Download Festival, held at Donington Park in Leicestershire is one of the most prestigious and well-known music festivals in the UK, attracting thousands of fans from all over the world. The festival originated from the Monsters of Rock festival, which was held at Donington Park in the 1980s and 1990s. In 2003, the festival was relaunched as Download Festival, with a broader range of rock and metal genres. Download Festival features multiple stages, hosting a lineup of both established and emerging bands and artists. The festival showcases a wide variety of rock and metal subgenres, including heavy metal, alternative rock, punk, hardcore, and more. Some of the biggest names in the rock and metal industry have graced the stages of Download Festival over the years, such as Metallica, Iron Maiden, Guns N' Roses, Black Sabbath, and Slipknot.

Redwood House, Hoby, Leicestershire. Sleeps 8, 4 beds, 2 dogs. 7 nights from £625

With a spacious layout and cosy open fires, a perfect getaway in rural Leicestershire awaits. Set in the charming village of Hoby, offering easy access to scenic walks, local history, and the welcoming village pub. The ground floor boasts a large living room with a cosy open fire, a second snug with its own fire, a spacious kitchen/diner with modern amenities, and a formal dining room. A highlight of the property is the expansive conservatory, featuring underfloor heating, a log burner, a pool table, and comfortable seating.

The Stables, Sproxton, Leicestershire. Sleeps 2, 1 bed, 2 dogs. 7 nights from £465

A very special retreat for a couple looking for beautiful holiday accommodation in this stunning part of Leicestershire. Nestled in the picturesque village of Sproxton in Leicestershire, this one-bedroom luxury holiday cottage is a former stable beautifully transformed into a charming retreat. With its stunning features and thoughtfully themed decor, it promises a truly memorable escape. As you step through the aptly themed stable front door, you’re greeted by an open plan kitchen, living, and dining area that exudes elegance and comfort. The well-equipped kitchen is a delight for cooking enthusiasts, offering everything you need for gourmet meals. The dual-aspect log burner, perfectly situated between the dining area and living room, creates a warm and inviting ambience, making it an ideal place to relax after a day of exploration.

Rainbow Cottage, Market Bosworth, Leicestershire. Sleeps 4, 2 beds, 1 dog. 7 nights from £589

Feel like a special guest and stay in one of the most photographed properties in the heart of Market Bosworth. Rainbow Cottage is a 17th century Grade II listed property complete with many traditional features which gives it fantastic character including exposed beams, low ceilings and doorways and a beautiful thatched roof. You’ll also be impressed with the stunning cottage garden which has won multiple awards including the RHS Gold Award in the East Midlands Britain in Bloom.

The festival was originally held in 1968, during the peak of the counterculture movement, and attracted a crowd of around 10,000 people. It quickly gained popularity and soon became known for its diverse lineup of musicians and its relaxed, bohemian atmosphere. In 1970, the Isle of Wight Festival drew massive crowds, with an estimated attendance of over 600,000 people. This made it one of the largest music events ever held in the world at that time, rivalling the legendary Woodstock festival in the United States. Some of the most iconic artists of the era, such as Jimi Hendrix, The Who, and Joni Mitchell, performed on the festival's stage, cementing its place in music history.

After a long hiatus, the festival was revived in 2002 and has since become a prominent fixture on the UK's festival calendar. It has welcomed some of the biggest names in music, including acts like The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Muse, Fleetwood Mac, and Kings of Leon.

Fair Isle Cottages - Trafalgar, Newport, Isle of Wight. Sleeps 8, 4 beds, 2 dogs. 7 nights from £659

A beautiful and contemporary, pet-friendly, detached holiday home on the fringes of the island’s capital. It offers beautiful south-facing views across the countryside and over the Downs. Discounted ferry travel can be arranged. . Built in 2023, this property features LED mood lighting. The living area has large bi-fold doors opening directly onto the garden, where you can enjoy glorious sunrises and sunsets and beautiful countryside views. The property is conveniently located and central to attractions, set back from the road leading to Newport and the village of Arreton, and the seaside resort of Ryde is about a 10-minute drive. Trafalgar (UK44982) can be booked with Viking (UK44983) to accommodate up to 16 guests.

Winkle Cottage, Calbourne, Isle of Wight. Sleeps 4, 2 beds, 2 dogs. 7 nights from £539

The hidden gem of West Wight, Calbourne, is arguably the prettiest village on the island, famous for the film-set perfection of Winkle Street with its audibly babbling brook and thatched cottages. Picturesque Winkle Street in Calbourne was originally known as Barrington Row and it was named after the Barrington family who owned the estate when the first cottages were built in the 1750s. You will almost certainly be visited by families of ducks that will be eager to be fed. The hosts have access to ferry discounts as a member of trade association, they will be able to help when you book this accommodation.

The Apricot Tree, Carisbrooke, Newport, Isle of Wight Sleeps 4, 2 beds. 7 nights from £365

Welcome to your idyllic getaway in Carisbrooke on the picturesque Isle of Wight. Nestled in the heart of this charming village, this holiday cottage offers a serene escape surrounded by natural beauty and historic charm.
The highlight of your stay is undoubtedly the outstandingly large garden that graces the property, providing breath-taking views towards the iconic Carisbrooke Castle. Recently renovated, it boasts a brand-new kitchen diner that seamlessly blends modern comfort with classic charm. The highlight of this space is the bi-folding doors that lead out onto a delightful patio, providing a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living.
The large garden beyond awaits, promising moments of relaxation and joy, whether you’re sipping your morning coffee or enjoying a peaceful evening under the stars.

Latitude Festival - Henham Park, Suffolk

Taking place over a weekend in July and attracting thousands of visitors from all over the UK and beyond. The festival is known for its diverse lineup, which includes a wide range of music genres, as well as comedy, literature, poetry, theatre, and dance performances. The festival held at Henham Park, in Suffolk, a stunning location surrounded by fields, forests, and a lake. The site is transformed into a vibrant and lively hub for creativity and entertainment, with multiple stages hosting different acts throughout the weekend.

Latitude Festival features headlining musical acts from various genres, including rock, indie, pop, and electronic music. In addition to the large main stage, there are smaller stages and tents showcasing lesser-known but equally talented artists. The festival also brings in renowned comedians who perform at dedicated comedy stages, providing plenty of laughs for festival-goers.

Sea Breeze, Kessingland, Suffolk Sleeps 4, 2 beds, 3 dogs. 7 nights from £435

Within walking distance of Kessingland’s glorious sand dunes beach, this detached bungalow boasts its own private sunny decked area and enclosed garden. It is the ideal retreat for a short break. Sea Breeze is a brand new property completed in 2022 and has been finished to a very high standard, with no expense spared, making it an ideal choice for a staycation. Southwold with its pier and summer theatre; Dunwich Heath and beach; RSPB Minsmere; Aldeburgh with its fishing boats and local seafood, and Snape Maltings Concert Hall are all easily accessible, as are the lovely Norfolk Broads.

Merchant House, Kessingland, Suffolk Sleeps 8, 4 beds, 1 dog.

Enjoying a great location within reach of shops, activities and the beach, Merchant House has oodles of space to unwind in. The owners have lovingly built this property with accommodation over three floors. It enjoys a large open plan kitchen/dining room with bi-folding doors spanning the length of the light and airy space. The cosy living room at the front of the property is perfect for relaxing with a film or two. With two en-suites and a family bathroom, families, friends and groups will enjoy their stay at Merchant House. Beach 500 yards. Shop 700 yards, pub and restaurant 500 yards.

Willow Pool House, Kessingland, Suffolk. Sleeps 10, 5 beds. 1 dog. 7 nights from £1779

Just 500 yards from the glorious sand duned beach at Kessingland, a traditional seaside village on the Suffolk Heritage Coast, is this superb, very spacious, detached holiday home. The house has the added addition of a private hot tub, large garden, its own cinema room with a 2½ metre screen and a games room, and is the ideal base for a family holiday or for friends to get together to relax and unwind.

Make Your Festival Experience Unique

In a sea of tents and are-you-kidding-me-long queues, holiday cottages near major UK festivals provide a unique, comfortable alternative that doesn't compromise the fun. You’ll enjoy the best of both worlds—easy access to incredible music venues while being able to retreat to a tranquil space that feels like home. So grab your mates, book that cottage, and get ready to make memories at Glastonbury, Latitude, Download and the Isle of Wight Festival.

Remember, festival fun doesn’t just have to mean roughing it; it can also mean enjoying a bit of luxury amidst the chaos! Happy festival season!

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