TOP 10 WELLNESS FESTIVALS IN THE UK & WHAT TO PACK
• • •The UK is known for some of the world’s best festivals, and the great British festival season, finally upon us with a bang and relative return to normal after pademic hiatus’ and staggered re-openings. Heading to or need a reason to visit the fair British Isles this summer? The great British festival season, finally upon us with a bang and relative return to normal after pandemic hiatus’ and staggered re-openings. The UK is home to some of the world’s best festivals and draws international attendees. But how about if you prefer a festival with more of a wellness vibe Vs a Strongbow for breakfast? The rise of wellness festivals in recent years has been steady, producing some incredible options. Whether you like to start the day with a sun salute, wild swim with groups of fellow-stoked out revellers, take in some beautiful scenery and chow-down on some seriously tasty grub, there’s something for everyone. We’ve rounded up the 10 top wellness festivals in the UK this summer, plus a guide on what to pack!
Soul Circus 19th-21st August
Soul Circus is back with a bang this August, the 3 day festival of great music until 2am fused with holistic therapies, yoga, (eco) glitter, workshops, classes, lakeside views and more set to take on the Cotswolds, UK 19th-21st August. Get set to get down to music from The Cuban Brothers and Dj Yoda, yoga classes from MIchael James Wong, Maude Hirst and more yogi stars.
Wellfest 2-3rd July
The aptly named Wellfest takes place the 2-3rd July in Richmond, London, and with a lineup including The Body Coach (Joe Wicks), fitness, yoga and mental health workshops, it’s sure to bring good vibes and high energy, just a stone’s throw from central London.
Rock Oyster Festival 29-31 July
Rock Oyster Festival is a smorgasbord of epic happenings, from SUP and aerial yoga, surf trips and coasteering sea kayaking, Scandinavian wood-fired hot tubs, massages and more to incredible food from the best restaurants and chefs in Cornwall, open fire cooking, BBQ’s and street food traders at Dinham House Cornwall this 29-31 July. With a lineup including the Happy Mondays, Grandmaster Flash and Laura Mvula, Rock Oyster is set to be an epic family-friendly weekend.
Verve Wellness Festival September 17th
If you’re looking for something more relaxing Vs high octane, Verve Wellness Festival, set in the dreamy Wiltshire countryside this September 17th, is the perfect choice. From forest bathing to yoga, nutrition workshops, meditation, dance parties, even workshops on how to grow your own medicinal plants,get set for some soul-soothing goodness.
Also Festival 8th-10th July
Also Festival’s wellness lineup is a full-bodied mix of wild swimming, sound bath workshops, guided meditations, flow yoga and live music. High tail it over to Warwickshire 8th-10th July and you’ll also get to try Imad’s Syrian Kitchen, listen to live chats including the Sustainable Clothes Show and more.
The Big Retreat Festival June 2-3
The Big Retreat Festival has been voted one of the UK’s top 5 wellbeing and adventure festivals by The Guardian and for good reason, the 3 day festival set in Wales’ glorious Pembrokeshire June 2-3 includes over 200 classes, workshops, experiences and talks. With paddleboarding, forest bathing, bush crafts, fitness talks, foraging, fire walking, printmaking and performances from Reef, Huey Morgan, Top Loaded and more, you’re sure to find something new to try.
Balance Festival 17-19 June
Balance Festival is back with a bang in the heart of East London, Truman Brewery this 17-19 June. With an A List roster of events from the UK’s top cult studios including Barry’s, Boom Cycle, Barrecore, F45 and less high-octane offerings with meditation, live cooking, yoga, talks and food and travel brands exhibiting. Get ready to sweat!
Boardmasters 10-14 August
The perennial favourite British surf festival is once again taking over Newquay’s Fistral Beach. A stellar music lineup including Disclosure, Kings of Leon, Bastille and more, surf competitions, boutique camping, a strong sustainability programme and an abundance of amazing food offerings make this an all-time classic summer festival.
Wellnergy 4-5 September
Oxfordshire’s Wellnergy festival (we like what we did with their name there) takes place in Cornbury Park and brings together fitness fiends and wellness addicts to enjoy a full programme including yoga, comedy acts, live music, ballet, martial arts and more.
The World Yoga Festival 28-31 July
The World Yoga Festival is a true coming together of all that’s yoga to a beautiful country park next to the Thames. From wisdom talks to yoga asana from different lineages, meditation, pranayama, Ayurveda, chanting, music and more, get set for the ultimate yoga experience.
WHAT TO PACK FOR A FESTIVAL
From clothes and looks that take you from sun salute to sundown, including water-to-land apparel, plus must have packables, we got you covered.
RESUABLE BOTTLE: CHILLYS LAKE BATHERS BOTTLE
PACKABLE STRAW: MY BAMBOO BRUSH COLLAPSIBLE METAL STRAW KIT
RESUABLE FACE WIPES: WEARTH LONDON
PACKABLE CUP: SOLECUP
2-1 SHAMPOO AND BODYWASH BAR: KINKIND
RE-FILLABLE DRY SHAMPOO: WEARTH LONDON
WHAT TO WEAR: FROM STAND UP PADDLE BOARD TO SILENT DISCO
Look 1
VINTAGE LEVIS SKIRT, HARDLY EVER WORN IT
SLO ACTIVE BRALETTE SURF AND YOGA BIKINI TOP
Look 2
SLO ACTIVE HIGH WAIST BIKINI BOTTOMS
DESMOND & DEMPSEY + NET SUSTAIN belted printed organic cotton-voile robe
THE FOAMLIFE SUSTAINABLE SELENE SLIDES
Look 3
SUSTAINABLE CARGO PANTS: LUCY AND YAK
VINTAGE DR MARTENS: OH MY DOCS