10 Reasons Why Your Family Will Love CarFest

If you’re looking for a festival that’s fun for everyone – not just music lovers or car fans – then CarFest needs to be on your radar. Created by radio host Chris Evans, CarFest isn’t just a celebration of cars and music; it’s a heartwarming, action-packed, feel-good family adventure. Whether you have toddlers in tow, tweens looking for thrills, or teens who need a bit of convincing, CarFest has something for everyone – including you!

Here are 10 reasons why CarFest should be on your family’s must-do list:

1. There’s Something for Everyone – Yes, Really!

Let’s face it – finding a day out that the whole family enjoys can be tricky. But CarFest has cracked the code. It blends high-octane car displays with live music, food, crafts, sports, comedy, and kids’ zones. Mum can relax with a coffee and listen to live music, Dad can drool over supercars, and the kids? Well, they’ll be everywhere – from bouncing on inflatable castles to watching science experiments or making pizza in the food zone. 

Biscuit decorating at Foodfest

2. The Kids’ Zone is a Mini Festival All on Its Own

CarFest’s KidsFest area is a paradise for little adventurers. Think soft play, face painting, character meet-and-greets (yes, Bluey and Peppa Pig were there in 2024!), and entertainers on stage all day long. There are shows, craft workshops, storytelling corners, and even areas for toddlers to chill out when they need a break. It’s safe, secure, and designed specifically with families in mind.

Last year my kids highlight of the Kids Zone was the Frubes stall. Here they donned a velcro suit and attached themselves to a velcro wall - it was brilliantly bonkers! Not to mention the multiple free boxes of Frubes that were handed out over the weekend - especially nice on a hot day when they're frozen :)

3. It’s a Car Lover’s Dream (Big or Small)

Got a kid who’s obsessed with cars? A partner who’s never grown out of their love for fast engines? CarFest brings together a jaw-dropping selection of over 500 vehicles – from rare vintage classics to the latest supercars. There are live demos, track parades, and even the chance to ride in some of them with the Dream Rides experience. It’s interactive, hands-on, and thrilling – perfect for all ages. 

On the Sunday afternoon, the Paddock is open for eveyone to look round and Elliot was in his absolute element surrounded by all his favourite cars. 

Elliot in the Carfest Paddock

4. The Music Line-Up is Amazing – and Family-Friendly

Families will love the music at CarFest because it’s designed to be fun, feel-good, and suitable for all ages. With a mix of chart-topping pop, nostalgic throwbacks, raucous rock bands and chilled acoustic sets, there’s something for every generation to enjoy – whether you’re dancing with the kids in the sunshine or swaying to a sunset performance. 

We all loved seeing Sam Ryder at last year's Carfest - what a voice! We also thoroughly enjoyed The Feeling on Sunday evening - I didn't realise I knew so many of their songs and it was a fantastic atmosphere down the front. 

5. It’s Designed with Families in Mind

CarFest is brilliantly organised when it comes to families. You’ll find:

• Baby-changing facilities

• Child-friendly toilets

• Quiet spaces for naps or overstimulation

• Plenty of seating and shade

• Water refill points and first aid stations

Plus, the layout makes it easy to navigate with buggies or wheelchairs. Unlike other festivals, there is plenty of room across site so you never feel jammed in.

6. See Your Favourite Celebrities Up Close and Personal!

One of the most exciting things about CarFest is the chance to see your favourite celebrities up close and personal – and not just on a stage or behind a barrier. From TV stars and musicians to sports legends and celebrity chefs, CarFest brings big names right into the heart of the action. Whether they’re cooking in the Kitchen Stage, reading stories in KidsFest, performing live, or just walking around the festival grounds, you never know who you might bump into. I managed to bump into Tom Ellis at last year's festival - such fun! 

7. Camping = Big Family Adventure

Camping isn’t a must, but we highly recommend it. CarFest’s camping areas are safe, family-friendly, and full of festival spirit. There are quiet areas for early bedtimes, or livelier spots if your kids have energy to burn. Plus, there’s nothing like waking up in your tent to the sound of laughter, music, and the buzz of the festival starting up again.

Campers arriving on the Thursday evening can also take advantage of the Big Early - an evening of fun and games with TV's Aj & Curtis Pritchard. 

Photo Credit - Emma Varnom Carfest Buddies Facebook Group

8. It’s Sustainable and Forward-Thinking

CarFest 2024 took huge steps toward being a greener festival. All their official vehicles ran on eco-friendly plant-based fuel, and they introduced EV charging on-site for campers. If your family is eco-conscious, it’s reassuring to know that this is a festival trying to do better for the planet. As a bonus, if you are heading to the festival in your EV in 2025, you can sign up for exclusive festival perks such as lounge passes and priority EV parking. 

photocredit - Carfest website

9. All Proceeds Support Children’s Charities

Here’s something special: CarFest isn’t just for families – it’s for a good cause, too. The event raises money for several UK children’s charities including BBC Children in Need, Teenage Cancer Trust, and the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. Just by attending, you’re helping other families across the UK. It’s a festival with a heart.

10. You’ll Leave With Full Hearts (and Probably Full Tummies Too)

There’s delicious food (from street food to sweet treats), craft markets with handmade treasures, and enough entertainment to last all weekend. But more than that, you’ll leave with a heart full of joy, a phone full of photos, and stories your kids will be telling for weeks.

Final Thoughts

CarFest isn’t just a festival – it’s a family experience. It’s the kind of event where you can unplug, unwind, and just enjoy being together. Whether you’re a first-time festival-goer or seasoned pros, you’ll find everything you need for a brilliant, bonding weekend away.

So pack the wellies, grab the glitter, and get ready to make memories – CarFest is waiting for you.

For more information and to book tickets, visit the website here

*Disclaimer - We were gifted weekend tickets for Carfest but all thoughts and opinions are honest and we genuinely had a fantastic time! 

BEAULIEU - NATIONAL MOTOR MUSEUM REVIEW

 Last year we visited the charming village of Beaulieu in Hampshire, home of the National Motor Museum. With lots to see, and something for all ages, it makes the ideal family day out. Elliot has been getting into his cars recently so he was very excited about the prospect of seeing an Aston Martin up close! 

The great thing about Beaulieu is that you ticket covers multiple attractions and there is no limit to how long you can stay. We arrived around 1030 and stayed until it closed so there is plenty to see. 

The National Motor Museum

This is the largest attraction and probably what most people associate Beaulieu with. A collection of over 285 vehicles ranging from classic cars from yesteryear, to legendary F1 cars, land speed record breakers, vintage motorcycles and even the Tardis! Lots of the displays are interactive and there is plenty of information to read about each vehicle. We loved spotting the more unusual cars, like the Mini Outspan Orange! The museum’s spacious layout makes it easy to explore at your own pace, and there are plenty of hands-on activities for children, including a fun play area and a chance to sit in some of the vehicles. The museum also offers a fascinating insight into the evolution of motoring, with exhibits on racing history, car design, and the role of cars in popular culture.

Here's some of the displays that can be found in this section: 

• Driving Change - Explore the evolution of the motor car, learn about how suspension works, meet Beaulieu's crash test dummy and much more
• Motopia? Past Future Visions - be quick, this exhibition is only running until 14th April 2024 but here you can see future visions of the motor car from the past and what ideas have become reality
• A Chequered History - here you can learn about the history of Formula One and other motorsports
• Jack Tucker's Garage - a 1930's garage packed full of artifacts
• The Motorcycle Story 
• For Britain & For the Hell of it - a multimedia display shining a light on the British Land Speed Record
• The Luxury of Motoring - here you can find some of the most luxurious cars and the history behind them

We even found the Tardis tucked away in a corner along with some dress up options - think Erin's got a bit of growing to do before she can be the next doctor 😁

On screen Cars

This exhibit was a particular favourite with the kids - here you can find some very recognisable cars from films and TV including Mr Bean's Mini, The Weasley's Ford Anglia and many more. 

The Monorail

The Monorail is free to ride and the mile long monorail is the oldest in England. It's a lovely way to see the grounds and even takes you through the middle of the roof of the National Motor Museum. We loved the monorail and must have ridden it at least 5 times throughout the day!

Little Beaulieu

Beaulieu isn't just cars and there are lots of areas to explore in the grounds. Little Beaulieu is a fantastic wooden play area that kept our kids busy for ages. We were able to sit in the sunshine at one of the many picnic benches and enjoy lunch while the kids played. 

Beaulieu Abbey

We had a lovely stroll around the peaceful grounds and learnt that the Abbey dates back to 800 years ago. It was founded by King John but then destroyed on the orders of King Henry VIII in 1538. Some of the Abbey still remains, such as the Monk's Refectory (now the Parish Church of Beaulieu) and the Domus, which is now a museum/wedding venue. 

We heard the Abbey was haunted but luckily for us, we didn't catch anything spooky!

Palace House

The Palace House has served as the home of the Montagu family for over 400 years and is known for it's beautiful architectural style. This was a nice surprise for us as I didn't even know there was a Palace House here and we had lots of fun exploring! The staff are all dressed in traditional Victorian costumes and it's very hands on for children. We spent quite abit of time in the Victorian kitchen where the kids were able to dress up and have a go at using some of the old fashioned kitehen gadgets. 

The staff were really friendly and chatted to us for ages about what life would have been like for the staff back in Victorian times. The rest of the house had lots of rooms to explore and the kids really enjoyed playing with the old fashioned toys....and not a screen in sight! 

If you don't fancy the walk back to the Motor Museum (which isn't far), you can jump on the Veteran Bus which makes regular trips throughout the day around the grounds. This replica 1912 open top London bus is a lovely way to see the estate. 

The Verdict

Beaulieu National Motor Museum and Estate is an incredible destination for families looking to experience a mix of history, adventure, and learning. The museum’s impressive car collection is complemented by family-friendly activities, and the Beaulieu estate offers a serene and beautiful backdrop for a day out. 

We can’t recommend it enough as a family day out in the New Forest!