Gig Tripping: Where to Stay for the UK’s Best Music Festivals & Concerts
16 May 2025
Music has long been a reason to travel. But the days of enduring a rain-soaked tent or a late-night scramble for the last train home are over.
The latest trend in luxury travel? UK music festivals 2025 as the centrepiece of an unforgettable getaway - also known as gig tripping. From the rolling hills of the West Country to the neon-lit stages of London, a gig-trip means making an event of the music - swapping damp sleeping bags for cloud-soft linens, festival food for fine dining, and chaotic departures for a slow, indulgent stay.
With an unrivalled reputation for UK live music breaks, Britain is a dream for gig-goers. Legendary rock venues, intimate jazz festivals, and cutting-edge electronic showcases pepper the country, making it the perfect stage for a culture-infused escape. Whether you’re heading to a sun-drenched beach festival or a jazz weekend in the countryside, a gig-trip combines the thrill of live music with the refinement of a five-star retreat. Below, we pair the most anticipated UK music festivals 2025 with the most luxurious places to stay.
South West
Glastonbury Festival, Somerset (25th - 29th June)
Glastonbury isn’t just a festival; it’s a pilgrimage. The UK music festivals 2025 calendar wouldn’t be complete without its five days of hedonism and history, where mud meets magic and music royalty commands the Pyramid Stage. This year’s headliners? Olivia Rodrigo, The 1975, Neil Young, and Charli XCX. Beyond the big names, expect secret sets, late-night raves, and theatre performances scattered across Worthy Farm’s legendary fields. The festival’s blend of heritage and hedonism makes it the ultimate gig-tripping experience, but that doesn’t mean you need to endure the mud and mayhem the entire time…
Stay at: Homewood Hotel or The Royal Crescent in Bath, both offering a serene escape from Worthy Farm’s whirlwind. Swap wellies for spa robes, reset with a Champagne breakfast, and savour the calm after the storm. These elegant retreats allow you to immerse in the festival’s magic by day and indulge in fine dining and deep-soak baths by night.
Wilderness Festival, Oxfordshire (31st July - 3rd August)
Think of Wilderness Festival as Glastonbury’s refined, bohemian cousin. A lakeside setting in the Cotswolds, long-table banquets, wild swimming, and artists like Basement Jaxx and Aurora make this a high-brow escape into nature and music. Expect thought-provoking talks, yoga sessions at sunrise, and decadent feasting in between performances. It’s a festival where Michelin-starred chefs cook under canvas, and where the line between culture and revelry blurs into an unforgettable experience.
Stay at: Ellenborough Park, a honey-stone country house with 90 acres of rolling countryside, perfect for decompressing after a night of revelry. Here, roaring fires, plush interiors, and a world-class spa offer a welcome antidote to festival hedonism.
Boardmasters, Newquay (9-13 August)
Surf by day, dance by night. Boardmasters is Cornwall’s signature summer event, bringing the likes of The Prodigy and London Grammar to the golden sands of Watergate Bay and Fistral Beach. The salty breeze and electric atmosphere make for an unbeatable coastal festival experience. Beyond the main stage, you’ll find surf competitions, yoga on the beach, and pop-up culinary experiences that showcase Cornwall’s vibrant food scene.
Stay at: The Headland Hotel, an oceanfront retreat perched above Fistral Beach, where you can swap festival frenzy for sea-view serenity. Expect sumptuous suites with panoramic views, a state-of-the-art spa, and award-winning dining. After dancing under the stars, wake up to the sound of crashing waves and indulge in a leisurely breakfast before strolling along the rugged coastline.
South East
Love Supreme, East Sussex (30th June - 2nd July)
For jazz lovers, this is the jewel of UK concert getaways. Set against the rolling South Downs, Love Supreme blends the cool of Montreux with a quintessentially English backdrop. Expect Maxwell, Nile Rodgers, and The Roots to set the mood. Beyond the music, this festival offers a sophisticated mix of artist Q&As, jazz cinema screenings, and decadent food and wine pairings.
Stay at: Ockenden Manor, where Georgian elegance meets modern indulgence - the perfect retreat during festival weekend stays. A spa built into 19th-century brickwork, fine dining featuring locally sourced produce, and stunning views over the South Downs make this the ideal post-festival sanctuary. After a weekend of jazz-fuelled revelry, relax in the heated outdoor pool or enjoy a massage before heading home.
Latitude Festival, Suffolk (21st - 23rd July)
Indie, art, and a touch of the surreal define Latitude, where you’ll find Fatboy Slim, Sting, and Snow Patrol playing among the forests and lakes of Henham Park. Beyond music, expect literature readings, paddleboard yoga, and immersive theatre. Latitude is a multi-sensory experience, where visual arts, spoken word performances, and experimental dance intersect with an outstanding musical lineup, creating an event that feels more like an artist’s retreat than a traditional festival.
Stay at: Talbooth House or The Swan at Lavenham, where beams and four-poster beds bring a touch of old-world luxury to your festival weekend stay. With spa facilities, award-winning dining, and quintessential English charm, these hotels provide a peaceful contrast to the festival’s vibrant energy. Unwind in an outdoor hot tub, sip a G&T in a historic courtyard, and extend your Latitude adventure with a stay steeped in relaxation.
Rewind Festival, Henley (15th - 17th August)
The Rewind Festival, also known as Rewind South, is the largest 1980s music festival in the UK that takes place annually at Temple Island Meadows near Henley-on-Thames. The festival celebrates iconic 80s bands and artists while also offering a wide range of entertainment, including a silent disco, funfair rides, themed bars, fireworks, and a kid-friendly zone. Attendees often dress in vibrant retro costumes, adding to the lively atmosphere.
Stay at: Relais Henley, a boutique riverside retreat that captures the charm of this historic town. Enjoy elegant rooms, waterside dining, and an intimate setting that’s perfect for unwinding after a neon-fuelled weekend of nostalgia and music.
London
BST Hyde Park, London (28th June)
BST Hyde Park is an annual music festival held in London's Hyde Park, lasting up to three weeks. It features nine days of ticketed concerts with legendary headliners and rising stars, alongside eight days of free community-focused activities known as "Open House." Open House includes outdoor cinema, live performances, workshops, and food vendors, making it a family-friendly event. Since its inception in 2013, BST Hyde Park has hosted renowned artists like Adele, Taylor Swift and Elton John.
Stay at: The Athenaeum, an elegant Mayfair hideaway where refined luxury meets Hyde Park’s vibrant festival spirit. After a day of music, retreat to plush interiors, indulgent spa treatments, and an exquisite dining experience in one of London’s finest neighbourhoods.
Coldplay (27th August - 8th September, Wembley Stadium)
Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres Tour continues its record-breaking run, blending dazzling visuals, sustainability initiatives, and anthemic singalongs. With ten nights at Wembley, these concerts will be a spectacle of pyrotechnics, immersive light shows, and eco-friendly innovations. Expect confetti showers, glow-in-the-dark wristbands, and Chris Martin’s signature crowd engagement.
Stay at: The Capital, a refined Knightsbridge hotel offering sophisticated comfort near Wembley. Unwind with fine dining and boutique elegance after a night of stadium-scale magic.
Beyoncé (5th - 7th June, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium)
Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour marks her return to the UK, bringing her genre-defying country-infused album to life with powerful visuals and electrifying performances. These exclusive London shows will celebrate her artistry, blending country, soul, and R&B. Expect stunning stage design, intricate choreography, and show-stopping vocals.
Stay at: The Hari, a stylish luxury hotel in Belgravia offering sleek design, delicious dining, and a tranquil haven to recharge post-show.
Scotland & Wales
Oasis Reunion (8th - 12th August, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium)
Oasis Live '25 marks the long-awaited return of Britpop icons Noel and Liam Gallagher, reuniting to celebrate 30 years of Definitely Maybe. After a 15-year feud, the band’s comeback is one of the most anticipated moments in UK music history and set to be one of the best UK gigs. Fans can expect a nostalgic setlist featuring classics like Wonderwall, Don't Look Back in Anger, and Live Forever, alongside potential surprises. The reunion has reignited Britpop fever, with tickets selling out in record time.
Stay at: Prestonfield House or Fingal, Edinburgh’s most luxurious stays, where opulence meets history in grand surroundings fit for rock legends.
Green Man Festival, Brecon Beacons (17-20 August)
Green Man Festival is Wales’ premier celebration of music, arts, and culture, set in the breath-taking Brecon Beacons. This independent festival blends cutting-edge live performances with wellness activities, comedy, literature, and science exhibits, creating a rich, immersive experience. With ten unique areas - including the Mountain Stage, Far Out, and the tranquil Nature Nurture space - it caters to music lovers and creative minds alike. Sustainability is at its heart, with initiatives like plastic-free policies and a focus on local Welsh culture.
Stay at: The Angel, a charming retreat blending Welsh hospitality, award-winning afternoon tea and refined elegance, making it the perfect base for this ethereal festival.
“With an unrivalled reputation for UK live music breaks, Britain is a dream for gig-goers.”
Related Content
More Stories
Flavour & Savour
Taste Of Britain: A Foodie’s Ultimate Guide to the UK
6 June 2025
A celebration of the best of UK food travel: food festivals, delicious dining experiences and ever-so-gourmet getaways.
Art of Living
Botanical Therapy: How Flowers Can Transform Your Mind & Mood
22 May 2025
Discover the power of floral wellbeing with our pick of mood-boosting gardens, botanical spa retreats, and the Chelsea Flower Show 2025.
British Travel
The Ultimate UK Summer Bucket List
9 May 2025
Discover the ultimate UK summer bucket list, from world-class festivals to historic spectacles and outdoor adventures, all paired with luxury stays.
