The days of festival debauchery are…well, still here. But today, music fans want more than warm cider and ankle deep mud from their festivals. Running clubs, holistic and wellness areas and a range of activities designed to get the blood pumping are all pretty common sights at many festivals across the UK.
Here, we pick some of the best festivals out there where dancing until the wee hours isn’t the only form of exercise you’ll be getting.
Love Trails
Festival: Love Trails
Location: Gower Peninsular, Wales
Dates: 2-6 July 2026
Acts: TBC
Set amongst the harsh yet stunning terrain of South Wales, Love Trails brings together trail running, music and outdoor culture for a four day celebration. By day, you’ll spend your time exploring ancient woodlands, scaling towering cliffsides and enjoying yoga sessions on the beach. At night, you’ll keep the energy going with a host of live bands and DJs. Just make sure to stay hydrated.
The Big Retreat
Festival: The Big Retreat
Location: Lawrenny, Pembrokeshire
Dates: 22-25 May 2026
Acts: Craig Charles, Rebecca Ferguson, Jack Broadbent and more
With over 300 experiences designed to revitalise the heart, mind and soul, The Big Retreat is exactly that – a big retreat. Offering wild swims, yoga, engrossing talks, great food, arts and crafts, late-night music and much more, there’s little risk of being bored at this four-day weekender.
Kendal Mountain Festival
Festival: Kendal Mountain Festival
Location: Kendal, Cumbria
Dates: 19-22 Nov 2026
Acts: TBC
Set amongst the sprawling hills and local venues of Kendal, Lake District, Kendal Mountain Festival is a celebration of all things arty and outdoors. From trail running activities and hiking expeditions to exclusive film screenings, expert talks, literary discussions and free events, Kendal Mountain Festival is a must for outdoor enthusiasts.
Wellnergy
Festival: Wellnergy
Location: Wimbledon Park, London
Dates: 12-13 June 2026
Acts: TBC
If you’re trying to find some peace in the heart of London, there are few better places to do that than at Wellnergy. Whether you want to hit it hard with intense workouts or spend your time sipping beers on gigantic beanbags, Wellnergy offers a perfectly customised experience for anyone looking to relax (and in whatever way they do it).
Elderflower Fields
Festival: Elderflower Fields
Location: Ashdown Forest, Sussex
Dates: 22-25 May 2026
Acts: Mellowmatic, Mista Trick Collective, The Jive Aces, The Scribes and more
With a music programming that spans hip-hop, jazz, rave and Latin to a range of activities that quite literally range from Taekwon-Do to twerking workshops, Elderflower Fields offers a truly diverse line-up. It’s also one of the best family festivals out there!
Also Festival
Festival: Also Festival
Location: Park Farm, Warwickshire
Dates: 10-12 July 2026
Acts: TBC
If you enjoy amazing food, daily wilderness pursuits and dancing under the strobe lights by night, then Also Festival may be the one for you. Now in its 13th year, this hidden gem nestled in the woodlands of Warwickshire fuses late-night antics with daytime speaker sessions, wild swimming and more.
