2025 is here, and that means the year’s festival season begins!
Here’s a roundup of some of the less famous, wacky UK festivals to visit in 2025 – with ideas for places to stay, too.
Sweeps Festival in Rochester, Kent
A person wearing a hat with flowers on his headDescription automatically generatedThe Rochester Sweeps Festival is a three-day annual celebration of British culture that this year takes place 3-5 May. It’s a symbol of the beginning of summer and recreates the traditional holiday of chimney sweeps, with live music, the world’s largest gathering of Morris dancers, as well as local and international dance, musical and theatre groups taking to the streets of this charming town in Kent.
Situated on the edge of historic Rochester, Bridgewood Manor Hotel & Spa is in the heart of the Garden of England and the perfect pit stop to celebrate this all-British festival. Double Rooms from £179 on 3 May 2025. To book visit Bridgewood Manor or call 01634 201333.
Royal Swan Upping on the River Thames
A group of white swansDescription automatically generatedThe River Thames never disappoints when it comes to regattas and boating events, with a number of the usual festivals taking place in 2025. For something a little bit different, the annual Swan Upping ceremony takes place during the third week of July, and is a census of swans where mute swans on the River Thames are rounded up, caught, ringed and then released. The Royal Swan Uppers, who wear the scarlet uniform of His Majesty, The King, travel in traditional rowing skiffs together with Swan Uppers from the Vintners’ and Dyers’ livery companies over five days. It’s a spectacular sight!
The Thames Riviera Hotel is set on the banks of the River Thames, with extensive outdoor dining space with views over the river – perfect for watching the Swan Uppers in action. Double Rooms from £109 third week of July. To book visit Thames Riviera Hotel or call 01628 956 370.
UK Wife Carrying Race in Dorking, Surrey
A person carrying a person in a fieldDescription automatically generatedThe UK Wife Carrying Race is a quirky, iconic event run by the Leith Hill Trail Runners, with a 380m up and back down a steady 15m ascent just outside Dorking, Surrey. The next event is on Sunday 16 March 2025 – and runners do not have to carry their own wife, and they should ideally weigh less than they do! Competition is fun – but tough – and the winning couple qualify for the annual World Wife Carrying Championship in Finland.
Make a weekend of it with a stay at Wotton House Country Estate Hotel, with plenty of space to practice carrying in the 17th century gardens. Double Rooms from £126 in March 2025. To book visit Wotton House or call 01306 730 000.
The Big Fake Festival in Doncaster
A crowd of people at a concertDescription automatically generatedThe UK Fake Festival Tour hits Doncaster’s Sandall Park on Saturday 3 May 2025, with SIX live fake bands taking to the stage in a giant marquee. Dive headfirst into killer riffs, pounding drums and vocal powerhouses, with performances from the Antarctic Monkeys, Kings of Lyon, Stereotonics and Guns2Roses to name a few.
Stay the night at the nearby Holiday Inn Express Doncaster, with free parking, easy transport links, free WIFI and breakfast included to recover from the night before. Double Rooms from £86 on 3 May 2025. To book visit Holiday Inn Express Doncaster or call 00800 80 80 0800.
International Festival of Wormcharming in Devon
A person digging in the grassDescription automatically generatedBlackawton in Devon is the home of the International Festival of Wormcharming, held each year on the Sunday of the May Day Bank Holiday weekend. Teams of three contestants (a Charmerer, a Pickerer and a Counterer) walk in a procession to the George Inn to Toast the Worms and sing the Worm Song, before gathering as many worms as possible from a metre-square plot in 15 minutes! There is also a dog show, fancy dress competition, live music and lots of fun for the whole family.
After the worms have been collected, head to Paignton for a seaside break at The Marine Hotel, which is a great place to unwind. Double Rooms from £79.73 on 3 May. To book visit The Marine Hotel Paignton or call 01803 559778.
Granite Noir in Aberdeen
A close up of a bookDescription automatically generatedCrime lovers can head to the granite city of Aberdeen 20-23 February 2025 for one of Scotland’s leading literary festivals, inspired by crime fiction in all its forms. Steeped in history and the setting of many a crime drama, this is an atmospheric place to indulge in some classic ‘whodunnit’ drama, with author conversations, workshops and panel talks featuring big names like Iain Stirling, Lucy Foley and Chris Whitaker.
Just a short drive from Aberdeen city centre, Hilton Aberdeen TECA is the perfect base from which to explore the area and take in the festival’s many activities. Double Rooms from £161 on 20 February. To book visit Hilton Aberdeen TECA or call 01224 984111.