Festival camping now costs more than festival tickets
DEAL · Premium camping at UK festivals like Glastonbury costs £1,800+ while tickets cost £415. Explore cheaper glamping and accommodation alternatives.
UK festival operators have worked out a neat trick: charge more for the tent than the ticket. At Glastonbury, a Worthy View yurt costs £1,800 against a £415 ticket. Reading's premium camping hits £600 vs a £295 ticket. If you're booking accommodation as part of the experience, you need to know what you're actually paying for.
The deal
Seven major UK festivals now offer premium camping packages that exceed ticket prices:
- Glastonbury: Worthy View yurt £1,800 (ticket £415)
- Reading: premium tent £600 (ticket £295)
- Wilderness: boutique camping £799 (ticket £279)
- Camp Bestival: family bell tent £550 (weekend ticket £245)
- Boomtown: cosmic camping +£99 on £279 ticket
- Latitude: premium tent £350pp (ticket £245)
- Download: premium camping £225 (ticket £230)
Why we like it
This is a reality check, not a recommendation. Festival operators have pivoted: the music ticket is now the loss leader, accommodation is the profit centre. If you're tempted by glamping, know you're paying top whack for a field and a canvas roof.
The piece includes genuine alternatives worth considering: bring your own tent (free if you've got one), book an off-site Premier Inn and commute, or grab a day ticket and shuttle service. None are glamorous, but all cost significantly less than a branded yurt.
How to book
Each festival sells premium camping direct through its official ticketing site. Check what's actually included — some packages add meals or facilities, others are just the structure. If the cost stings, the alternatives section shows how to shave hundreds off without sacrificing the festival itself.
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