Without a shadow of a doubt, the Dingly Dell is our favourite haunt at Camp Bestival and this year was our most magical yet.
The Dingly Dell takes you away from the rush of the festival and into the nurturing bosom of nature’s playground. In the daytime, the kids adore exploring Lizzie’s Way where they get to read stories, act out puppet shows, make mud pies and potions and make wishes to fairies.
Walk a little further in and try your hand at some of the National Trust #50things activities including climbing trees, rolling down a hill and building a den.
Then meet Fore Adventure for nature, craft and wilderness skills workshops and activities including bushcraft activities and how to light a fire. They also run events that have to be pre-booked including a picnic walk and sleeping under the stars and this year we headed out with them, the National Trust and the brilliant Martin Maudsley in the evening for story telling around the Camp Fire.
The kids were literally hanging off Martin’s every word as he brought stories to life whilst interacting with them and taking their ideas to weave in too. His songs were full of fun too and the evening was rounded off with some hot chocolate and toasting marshmallows on the campfire.
New for this year was Longdown Farm who brought along some animals for the children to interact with. The kids loved stroking the donkey’s and holding the cute yellow chicks. There is also a large children’s playground shaded in the woods which is a great place to let the kids blow of some steam, although Isaac was more interested in some pant flinging fun.
Back in the Dingly Dell the ATE Trust were running children’s activities and playing games. Last year we saw a lantern parade on the last night and this time we were determined to join in. Isaac and Eliza made willow lanterns with them on Friday and we returned on Sunday to “pimp” them with lights and decorations.
As the light faded the woods come alive with light and wonder as the kids helped rescue a stranded alien by recreating her solar system around a giant lantern sun before singing as they paraded around the lake.
For us, the Dingly Dell was a magical experience and the highlight of this years Camp Bestival experience.
Wow it looks amazing! It seems every blogger I know went apart fro me!
I will have to put it in my diary for next year!
That looks so much fun
I’ve been following all the CB pics from the weekend and it looks amazing
That look like so much fun! I’ve probably mentioned this in past comments already, we’ve been meaning to go to Camp Bestival for ages but never get around to actually going. MUST GO NEXT YEAR! 🙂
We loved our time in the Dingly Dell and can’t believe we didn’t go back in at night this year! So much to do elsewhere! Lovely pics and the Fore Adventure sounds amazing 🙂
Wo, there is so much going on. It looks like yoru kids were having a ball. Mich x
This looks so much fun especially for kids definitely want to go to this.
Aw, it looks lovely! We really need to try and get to Camp Bestival ones year, it looks like great fun.
When I was younger I use to BEG my parents to go to a summer camp and they would never let me. This look so much fun!!
I think we need to go back next year just for this, as we didn’t manage to fit it in! The boys had a blast, even though it was a long journey and eventful start for us!
It really looks like you had such an amazing time. Love the sound of The Dingly Dell! I need to go to Camp Bestival next year!
The joy on your kids faces – so much fun and so interesting too. We are for sure heading there next year x
I think that would be my favourite part of Camp Bestival too as I love stories and puppets!
Looks fantastic! I am sure little man would love so much fun at Camp Bestival – off to look for some tickets for next year! 🙂
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This looks amazing and I can totally see why it’s your favourite part x
Love the look of contentment on your little ones faces 🙂
Looks like a really awesome place for the kiddies, think I will have to look into this for next year.
Lovely photos 🙂 x
It all looks absolutely amazing and I bet the kids had a fantastic time. I’d really like to viist.
I can see the kids had a lovely time. Loving the pictures.
This looks SO much fun! It’s made me want to go x
Oh wow, this place looks amazing!! I have never been before but would love too!!
Camp Bestival has always looked amazing and with this much to do for the kids it only adds to the amazingness, it looks fantastic and like you all had an amazing time, I love seeing your pics over on IG.
Camp Bestival always looks so much fun, we don’t do camping but seeing all your pics did tempt me! x
That looks so much fun, and what a lovely experience for children to go to a festival. Camp Bestival always looks lovely – I want to take our godchildren.
Wow! This looks super fun and lots of things to do. Sounds like the best festival for youngster around.
Camp Bestival looks like an amazing fun for all the family. What amazing adventures.
This is lovely! I’d love to have children to go to this places, although I would enjoy it going with my bf too! xx
Love seeing the joy in all of your photos. Looks like an amazing adventure. #countrykids
Camp Bestival is one of the places that I’d love to take the kids to. It looks so much fun going by your photos x
Dingly Dell would be my favourite part of the festival too, I’m sure my original fairy garden idea came from an old Camp Bestival post of yours. It always looks so magical and the staff look like real enthusiasts who engage the children in the activities being offered. The lanterns do look quite amazing lit up in the evening.
Thank you for sharing another great Camp Bestival on #CountryKids
I’ve read so much about Camp Bestival – it sounds awesome. This bit looks really magical. #countrykids
What a wonderful experience. The fireside story telling looked magical and fun! #CountryKids
There is so much too see and do in Camp Bestival! They are also improving every year! Lookd like you and your fam had a grand time there. #countrykids
Wow this looks amazing! So much to do, love it!! Great post 🙂 #countrykids
Great post! I’m gutted we missed the lantern parade it looked fabulous x