End of the Road Festival – Blandford Forum, England 2026
Overview
End of the Road Festival is a beloved four-day haven of indie, folk, rock, and world music nestled in the whimsical Victorian Larmer Tree Gardens, a lush estate in rural Dorset that feels like a secret garden escape from modern chaos. Launched in 2006, it has earned a cult following for its intimate 11,000-capacity vibe, blending established acts with fresh discoveries across woodland stages, complemented by comedy, film screenings, poetry slams, and artisan markets. Set amid aviaries, temples, and wildflower meadows, the festival emphasizes a relaxed, eco-conscious ethos, drawing families and music aficionados for its blend of sonic adventure and serene countryside immersion.
In 2026, celebrating its 21st edition, expect a return to post-bank holiday splendor with enhanced family zones, sustainable initiatives like zero-waste bars, and pre-festival teasers in London. It’s not just sets—it’s a holistic retreat where attendees picnic under ancient oaks, dance in glades, and connect in a judgment-free bubble, as praised by The Guardian for its “magical, unpretentious charm.”
Event Highlights
- Main attractions: Curated indie-folk-rock lineups with past headliners like The National, IDLES, and Phoebe Bridgers paving the way for 2026’s eclectic mix of global and emerging talents across six stages.
- Main activities or performances: Day-long sets from Thursday previews to Sunday closers, including late-night Tipi Tent sessions, comedy clubs, silent discos, and family workshops like storytelling circles.
- Special traditions or features: Annual woodland fireworks, reusable cup campaigns for eco-drinks, and the “Give Something Back” firewood donation to support local conservation.
- Unique attractions for visitors: Stroll aviaries and Victorian temples between gigs, join yoga in the glade, or explore pop-up cinemas and craft beer tastings amid the gardens’ fairy-tale follies.
About This Event
- Historical roots: Founded in 2006 as a small indie gathering, it grew from Dorset fields to award-winning status, rooted in the Larmer Tree estate’s 19th-century pleasure garden legacy.
- Scale and impact: Caps at 11,000 for intimacy, generating £2M+ for local economy; partners with charities for woodland preservation and community funds.
- Family focus: Under-13s free with adult (ticket required), kids’ areas with crafts and low-noise zones; max 4 children per adult for supervised fun.
- Environmental commitment: Leave No Trace policy, full recycling/composting, solar-powered stages, and shuttle incentives to cut emissions.
- Community ties: Run by Practice Music with local stewards; supports Dorset traders and brews, fostering volunteer-led inclusivity.
- Evolution over years: From 2,000 attendees to perennial sell-out, 2026 amps up accessibility and fringe arts amid growing acclaim.
- Safety and inclusivity: Safer Spaces policy, anti-discrimination code, and 24/7 welfare teams ensure a supportive, diverse environment.
Why Attend
End of the Road 2026 beckons with its enchanting garden alchemy, where indie anthems weave through whispering woods, crafting a soul-nourishing interlude from daily grind. It’s a festival for the curious heart—wander from a blistering guitar set to a poetry nook, share picnics with strangers turned friends, all in a space that prioritizes joy over excess. The family-friendly nooks and eco-ethos make it effortless for multi-gen groups, while shuttles from cities keep it accessible without isolation.
This edition’s milestone vibe promises deeper magic: rare collaborations, glade-side feasts, and that rare festival glow where music feels personal. In Dorset’s embrace, you’ll rediscover wonder—sun-dappled dances, starlit tales—leaving recharged, connected, and humming forgotten favorites long after the encore.
Date & Duration
Dates: September 3 – September 6, 2026
Duration: 4 days
Venue / Location
Larmer Tree Gardens, Tollard Royal, near Blandford Forum, Dorset, England (main stages in woodland glades; additional areas include Tipi Tent, family village, accessible campsite, food groves, and folly paths across 25 acres of gardens and fields). Google Maps address: Larmer Tree Gardens, Tollard Royal, Salisbury SP5 5PY, UK.
Ticket Information
- Tickets sold online via endoftheroadfestival.com (powered by TicketSellers) and partners; early bird/tiered phases; payment plans from Tier 2 (£60 initial, monthly till June 30, 2026).
- Admission paid; under-13s free (ticket needed, with adult); no day tickets.
- Ticket pricing in USD: Weekend camping £240–£325 (approx. $312–$422); campervan add-on $65–$91; early bird savings up to 20%.
- Special seating or VIP options: Garden Lounge upgrades ($65–$130 extra) with private viewing, bars, fast-track; accessible platforms complimentary via application.
- Transferable via official resale (Twickets); no refunds, but deferrals for emergencies; group family bundles.
- All include fees; ID required (passport/driving license/PASS); under-18s max 4 per adult.
- Overall ticket price range: $312 (minimum weekend early bird) – $422 (maximum standard weekend).
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Contact Information
- Email: info@endoftheroadfestival.com (general inquiries); endoftheroad@theticketsellers.co.uk (tickets); access@endoftheroadfestival.com (accessibility); sinead@practisemusic.co.uk or will@practisemusic.co.uk (press).
- Phone: Not specified; email primary for all queries.
- Website: https://endoftheroadfestival.com (lineup, booking, FAQs, accessibility guide).
- Social Media: @endoftheroadfest (Instagram/Twitter for updates), End of the Road Festival (Facebook).
- Key Staff: Practice Music team; stewards/artists via dedicated emails.
- Press/Volunteers: Press as above; volunteering/stewarding form on site (opens spring 2026).
- Note: Response time ~5 working days for access; refer to FAQs first. English support; privacy policy at endoftheroadfestival.com/privacy-policy.
Getting There
- Nearest airports: Bournemouth (BOH, 25 miles/40-min drive, taxis ~$65 USD); Southampton (SOU, 35 miles/50-min shuttle).
- Public transport – rail: Tisbury or Salisbury Station (South Western Railway from London ~$52–$78 USD, 1.5-2 hrs); then festival shuttle bus ($26 round-trip, books via site).
- Public transport – bus/coach: National Express coaches from London/Victoria (2.5 hrs, $39–$52 USD) direct to site; shuttles from stations every 30 min.
- By car: A354 from Blandford Forum (10 miles); accessible parking pre-book via application; general parking $26–$39 (pre-purchase essential).
- Drop-off/pick-up: Designated zones at gates; no overnight non-camper vehicles.
- Taxis and rideshares: Local firms like Salisbury Taxis (~$39–$65 USD from station); Uber limited—pre-book for surges.
- Eco options: Liftshare scheme on site for carpools; bicycle/motorbike racks free; full public transport integration.
Accommodation Options
- On-site camping: Standard pitches included with weekend tickets (arrive Thu pm); facilities with toilets, showers ($6.50 tokens), water points.
- Accessible campsite: Pre-booked flat areas with nearby facilities, ramps; apply by July 1, 2026.
- Campervan/motorhome: Dedicated pitches $65–$91 (includes parking); live-in vehicles no electrics, waste disposal on-site.
- Hotels nearby: The Langton Arms (1 mile, $104–$156/night, pub grub); Salisbury hotels like Mercure ($91–$130/night, 10-min drive).
- B&Bs and guesthouses: Rural spots like Hanford School B&B ($130–$195/night, breakfast); family rooms available.
- Glamping upgrades: Tipi or bell tents $195–$260 (beds, electrics); book via site for luxury.
- Tips: No off-site camping needed; packages via VisitDorset.com include shuttles; book early as locals fill up.
Reviews
- Whispering woods pure magic—IDLES thundered through glades, camping cozy, family fireworks a dream.
- Indie bliss in Dorset’s jewel: Phoebe vibes lingered, food foraged fresh, shuttles seamless despite rain.
- Unmissable escape—comedy tents hilarious, eco-setup inspiring, worth the trek for that garden glow.
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
How do I apply for accessible facilities?
Email access@endoftheroadfestival.com with proof (e.g., PIP/DLA letter <12 months, photo ID) for PA wristbands (1:1 free companion), viewing platforms, or campsite/parking—deadlines July 1, 2026 (campsite/parking) and August 15 (PA). Site's hilly greenfield with paths/roads to most areas; uneven terrain but mobility scooters rentable ($26/day). Distances: entrance to main stage 300m, toilets 100m. Assistance dogs welcome; no advance issuance—collect on-site with docs. Staff trained for inclusivity; calm spaces available.
What are the camping guidelines?
Weekend tickets include standard camping (Thu-Sun, depart Mon noon); pitches on grass with gradients—stake well for wind. No BBQs (small stoves ok), gazebos limited; family/quiet zones separate. Campervans need add-on pitches ($65+ USD, no hookups); arrive separately? Park in field. Facilities: showers (tokens $6.50, 8am-10pm), toilets, charging stations. Eco-rules: Leave No Trace, recycling mandatory. Tent hire via partners ($91–$130); all count toward capacity, including infants.
How do I get to the festival by public transport?
Book National Express coaches from London/other cities direct to site (2-3 hrs, $39–$52 USD); trains to Tisbury/Salisbury (from $52 USD) then shuttles ($26 round-trip, every 30 min, book via site). No late shuttles? Taxis ~$39 USD. Eco-liftshare on site matches riders. Bikes/motorbikes free parking; arrive Thu for setup. Full maps emailed with tickets; post-fest shuttles staged to ease queues. It's designed car-light for green vibes.
Are children welcome and what tickets do they need?
Yes, family-focused with kids' zones (crafts, storytelling, low-noise areas); under-13s free but require tickets (with adult, max 4 per). Accompanied only—no unescorted under-18s. Baby changing/caring area near family campsite; earplugs advised. Programming suits all: mellow afternoons, fireworks evenings. Thousands attend yearly, raving about safe, whimsical fun—email for specifics.
What items are prohibited and what's the alcohol policy?
Banned: glass, own alcohol (bars only, Challenge 25 ID), drugs, weapons, drones, pro cameras (pass needed), sound systems, lanterns/flags if obstructive. Allowed: picnics (sealed non-glass), soft drinks, small stoves, chairs in zones. Bag searches at entry; decant food. Reusable cups for bars (deposit $6.50, refundable). Pets no (guides ok); this keeps gardens pristine—check full list on FAQs.
