California to Glastonbury

[Yoghurt on a Stick]

thanks for crossing those fingers! got my pass today on the coach sale.

 

Looks like my finger crossing worked! Really happy to hear that you've got a ticket.

[tjamest]

You need to camp otherwise you'll miss out on so much. Get yourself a cheap tent and sleeping bag when you are here and away you go

[Amnesiac83]

You need to camp otherwise you'll miss out on so much. Get yourself a cheap tent and sleeping bag when you are here and away you go

 

Will do - thanks! First time in UK, as well, any recommendation on where to get a reasonably priced tent/sleeping bag? The equivalent of a Target or Walmart in the states...

[Yoghurt on a Stick]

Will do - thanks! First time in UK, as well, any recommendation on where to get a reasonably priced tent/sleeping bag? The equivalent of a Target or Walmart in the states...

 

I can't really help on the tent advice because you'll probably be buying the stuff in London. Then again I believe you could buy some stuff on site - I just don't know what and what price it would be because I've never had to take notice.

 

That said, I can offer you one major word of advice - Please use the lock ups to store your valuables, excess cash, passports etc etc. Especially overnight. The lock ups are free and secure. Don't leave vaulables in your tent when you go away or even when you are sleeping.

 

Now you are going to think that you've let yourself in for a not very nice ordeal. You haven't. It'll be the best party that you will ever possibly go to. It's just that there are some thieves about. It only affects a relatively very small number of people - the kind of people who don't use the free lock ups to store their valuables. So, just saying, do that and the need to worry is then over. It's all yours to enjoy after that. And enjoy you will.

[Pbird81]

Will do - thanks! First time in UK, as well, any recommendation on where to get a reasonably priced tent/sleeping bag? The equivalent of a Target or Walmart in the states...

Argos is cheap for stuff like that.... Just don't get the cheapest tents - in my experience they slow the rain down rather than stop it

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Home.htm

There's a load of outdoor gear shoos near Covent Garden in London, but don't think they are particularly cheap

[tjamest]

Decathlon are good value and their Quechua pop up tents are very good. You may also want to look at camplight where you hire preused tents etc.

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/

www.camplight.co.uk

Edited October 2, 2015 by tjamest

[tommywillo]

Congrats on your ticket your gonna love every second of it,

 

I,m sure there is a stall on site that you can actually pre-order your equipment and pick it all up when your on site, a tiny bit more expensive than outside but no lugging your camping equipment all over the place and that means you can carry more alcohol or whatever.

 

Have a wonderful time and do let us know how it went for you afterwards.

 

ps. camplight is a great idea as you dont have to pack up on the Monday and can make your way back home straight away.

 

Edited October 2, 2015 by tommywillo

[rideincircles]

I got my ticket and will be heading back from Texas this year. This will be my second time heading over there, I went last in 2010 and can't wait. I am still looking at where to fly into and what to do outside of the fest. Most likely I will have 3 weeks overseas, and will be visiting my mom in Finland for a week at somepoint during the trip, either that or fly her somewhere in Europe.

 

I plan on bringing a tent, and most of the basic gear, but I went overboard last time and carried too much stuff there and it was a pain to drag around. I also just went to Burning Man last month and that was absolutely fucking incredible, but it is easily the most effort and work I have ever put into anything. It is totally worth it, but would be so much harder when travelling overseas for it. I packed a cargo van full of stuff to the brim and then drove 3750 miles round trip. I plan on going back another year, but Finland, Glasto and a couple other stops looks like my plan for next year.

 

I may look at trains to get there, but most likely will use a coach. Still sorting out where I want to stay and what to see before and after the fest. I went to Paris and London last time, but am looking at other places to visit. Most likely will leave to Glasto from London unless I wind up on the other side by Scotland or Ireland. Tickets to Heathrow and Paris are about $1600 and up at the moment. Want to shave off $300 of that price at least.

[Yoghurt on a Stick]

I got my ticket and will be heading back from Texas this year. This will be my second time heading over there, I went last in 2010 and can't wait. I am still looking at where to fly into and what to do outside of the fest. Most likely I will have 3 weeks overseas, and will be visiting my mom in Finland for a week at somepoint during the trip, either that or fly her somewhere in Europe.

 

I plan on bringing a tent, and most of the basic gear, but I went overboard last time and carried too much stuff there and it was a pain to drag around. I also just went to Burning Man last month and that was absolutely fucking incredible, but it is easily the most effort and work I have ever put into anything. It is totally worth it, but would be so much harder when travelling overseas for it. I packed a cargo van full of stuff to the brim and then drove 3750 miles round trip. I plan on going back another year, but Finland, Glasto and a couple other stops looks like my plan for next year.

 

I may look at trains to get there, but most likely will use a coach. Still sorting out where I want to stay and what to see before and after the fest. I went to Paris and London last time, but am looking at other places to visit. Most likely will leave to Glasto from London unless I wind up on the other side by Scotland or Ireland. Tickets to Heathrow and Paris are about $1600 and up at the moment. Want to shave off $300 of that price at least.

 

I just did a quick search on cheapflights.co.uk using Houston as a start and flying in to London using the dates 20th June to 11th July and it's given the cheapest as being  $1133.63.

 

http://www.cheapflights.co.uk/search/flights-to-London/from-George-Bush-Intercontinental/departing-2016-06-20/returning-2016-07-11/

 

Just saying that it might be worth your while getting a backward quote (ie flying from Texas return) from a UK provider rather than an American one.

[Amnesiac83]

General question for you all - I'm going to be coming from Copenhagen (after flying in from LAX), then to Amsterdam, then catching my coach from London on Thursday. As of right now, unless we link up with cool people on here, it's me and my buddy for the festival. We're both around 29/30 years old (one gay, one straight - doubt that matters tho)...

 

I understand there are different "camping areas" - my question is two fold. First, for guys our age that want to have a good time, where are the "fun/party" camping grounds, or the "family ones" to avoid? Secondly, considering we'll be getting there who knows what time on Thursday, which are the ones that most likely available and easiest to set up shop at?

Thanks all.

Edited October 7, 2015 by Amnesiac83

[gerardfenton18]

General question for you all - I'm going to be coming from Copenhagen (after flying in from LAX), then to Amsterdam, then catching my coach from London on Thursday. As of right now, unless we link up with cool people on here, it's me and my buddy for the festival. We're both around 29/30 years old (one gay, one straight - doubt that matters tho)...

 

I understand there are different "camping areas" - my question is two fold. First, for guys our age that want to have a good time, where are the "fun/party" camping grounds, or the "family ones" to avoid? Secondly, considering we'll be getting there who knows what time on Thursday, which are the ones that most likely available and easiest to set up shop at?

Thanks all.

That questions a minefield, everyone is going to say the place they camp is the best. I stayed in dairy grounds and had a great time, from what i gather the sites closest in seem to be the more crowded. However as Glastonbury is like no other U.K. festival there is no inner arena that closes at a certain time, you can bring your drink anywhere so no one really hangs about the tents as much partying/drinking in the early hours people are normally still out at other areas socialising.

 

I've only been once in 2014 (going back 2016)  and stayed in the dairy ground with my partner, we immediately started talking to our neighbours who turns out where from wales and London (we're from Ireland).

1 and a half years later and we're still in touch and going to their wedding in January

 

There are separate areas for family camping so don't worry to much about that, just pitch your tent strike up a convo with neighbours and unless your really really unlucky you'll have a ball!!

Edited October 8, 2015 by gerardfenton18

[sheffieldlady]

General question for you all - I'm going to be coming from Copenhagen (after flying in from LAX), then to Amsterdam, then catching my coach from London on Thursday. As of right now, unless we link up with cool people on here, it's me and my buddy for the festival. We're both around 29/30 years old (one gay, one straight - doubt that matters tho)...

 

I understand there are different "camping areas" - my question is two fold. First, for guys our age that want to have a good time, where are the "fun/party" camping grounds, or the "family ones" to avoid? Secondly, considering we'll be getting there who knows what time on Thursday, which are the ones that most likely available and easiest to set up shop at?

Thanks all.

Congrats on getting your tickets. 

The 'best' camping is a debate that will never end. If you're arriving on the Thursday I would suggest going for some of the campsites that are near Ped A (the gate you will enter on arrival) these are Pylon, Rivermead and Bushy. All will have plenty of room for you to set up camp and go for your first explore.

http://cdn.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/FG-Website-Map-v4.png

Map of the festival site so you can see the areas.

Alternatively, if you are wanting to avoid spending money on camping items whilst in the UK, I would suggest taking a close look at Camp Light. It provides you with everything you need for camping, the tent, sleeping bag etc. All you have to worry about is yourself and your clothes / booze. Also, you won't have to worry about packing it down on the Monday morning. Tangerine Fields may also be an option. https://www.tangerinefields.co.uk/

If you're budget allows there are also plenty of other pre-erected campsites dotted around - Worthy View is a notable mention, but it is outside the fence and up a large hill.

The best thing about Glastonbury is the wonderful late night areas which are filled with music, dancing and other wonderful weird stuff. 

Some videos to get you in the mood

 

[Amnesiac83]

Congrats on getting your tickets. 

The 'best' camping is a debate that will never end. If you're arriving on the Thursday I would suggest going for some of the campsites that are near Ped A (the gate you will enter on arrival) these are Pylon, Rivermead and Bushy. All will have plenty of room for you to set up camp and go for your first explore.

http://cdn.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/FG-Website-Map-v4.png

Map of the festival site so you can see the areas.

Alternatively, if you are wanting to avoid spending money on camping items whilst in the UK, I would suggest taking a close look at Camp Light. It provides you with everything you need for camping, the tent, sleeping bag etc. All you have to worry about is yourself and your clothes / booze. Also, you won't have to worry about packing it down on the Monday morning. Tangerine Fields may also be an option. https://www.tangerinefields.co.uk/

If you're budget allows there are also plenty of other pre-erected campsites dotted around - Worthy View is a notable mention, but it is outside the fence and up a large hill.

The best thing about Glastonbury is the wonderful late night areas which are filled with music, dancing and other wonderful weird stuff. 

Some videos to get you in the mood

 

 

THANKS MUCH.

[theDandy]

Congrats on getting your tickets. 

The 'best' camping is a debate that will never end. If you're arriving on the Thursday I would suggest going for some of the campsites that are near Ped A (the gate you will enter on arrival) these are Pylon, Rivermead and Bushy. All will have plenty of room for you to set up camp and go for your first explore.

http://cdn.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/FG-Website-Map-v4.png

Map of the festival site so you can see the areas.

Alternatively, if you are wanting to avoid spending money on camping items whilst in the UK, I would suggest taking a close look at Camp Light. It provides you with everything you need for camping, the tent, sleeping bag etc. All you have to worry about is yourself and your clothes / booze. Also, you won't have to worry about packing it down on the Monday morning. Tangerine Fields may also be an option. https://www.tangerinefields.co.uk/

If you're budget allows there are also plenty of other pre-erected campsites dotted around - Worthy View is a notable mention, but it is outside the fence and up a large hill.

The best thing about Glastonbury is the wonderful late night areas which are filled with music, dancing and other wonderful weird stuff. 

Some videos to get you in the mood

 

 

Does anybody know what the song is called in the first shangri-la video?

[theDandy]

General question for you all - I'm going to be coming from Copenhagen (after flying in from LAX), then to Amsterdam, then catching my coach from London on Thursday. As of right now, unless we link up with cool people on here, it's me and my buddy for the festival. We're both around 29/30 years old (one gay, one straight - doubt that matters tho)...

 

I understand there are different "camping areas" - my question is two fold. First, for guys our age that want to have a good time, where are the "fun/party" camping grounds, or the "family ones" to avoid? Secondly, considering we'll be getting there who knows what time on Thursday, which are the ones that most likely available and easiest to set up shop at?

Thanks all.

 

Doesn't really matter where you camp as you'll only really be sleeping there as there's too much to see and do but if you're getting there Thursday I'm thinking the likes of Darble, Lime Kiln and Hitchin Hill maybe Bailey's? I'm not sure but either way it shouldn't really matter where you're camped. I think the ones which get fullest the quickest and are probably the fun/party areas are Pennard Hill & Oxylers especially then Row Mead, Big Ground & Kidney Mead? Again I'm not too sure! We camped in Bushy Ground in 2014 the only year I've been and it was fine! As I say it's only used as a base just take everything you need out with you each morning!

[Yoghurt on a Stick]

Does anybody know what the song is called in the first shangri-la video?

 

Music by Elderbrook - Could (Black Butter Records)

[Kellg80]

Last year cosy campers were taking pre orders of camping packs. Tent sleeping bags and mats. That you pick up on site. That might be a option, than trying to find places in central London? Always a thought.

[TheNewUnion]

http://www.camplight.co.uk/product-category/glastonbury-festival/

These guys seen pretty cheap, they had a good spot last year too.

[theDandy]

Music by Elderbrook - Could (Black Butter Records)

 

Marvellous, many thanks!

[alexzandra]

Sound advice all around here. I come over from LA every year, and have tried a few different ways of doing Glasto..driving and getting the coach from different departure points. If you're not hiring a car, I'd recommend staying in Greenwich and getting the London SeeTickets coaches, which leave from the O2. Then you can still do some London sightseeing after Glasto. Or go with a Bristol departure because it's closest and least exhausting.

Driving is easiest because you can keep your suitcases in the car, rather than having to stash them at a hotel or something..but it's not worth hiring a car for specifically I don't think.

Realize this info comes a bit late given ticket sale dates. I'll try and stay a bit more plugged in for an other questions :-)

Hey guys, another regular Coachella go-er making my way to Glasto for the first time next year with 4 friends! How long is the coach from London to the festival site? It does seem exhausting to make that trip everyday... Any other close surrounding cities it will be easy to catch a coach from? Thanks!

Just realized you recommended that for getting there for the weekend  silly mistake. My friends and I plan on staying off-site nearby and somehow getting to and from the festival

Edited October 24, 2015 by alexzandra

[Smeble]

You are better off camping on site, there aren't really any hotels nearby and being a rural area the public transport isn't great. the taxi drop off point isn't actually on site, it's a few miles up the road and then you use a shuttle bus, I think all this messing about would tarnish your experience and you would end up missing a lot.

I live 20 minutes from the festival and I'll be staying on site, wouldn't even think of travelling in each day.

one option depending on finances would be Worthy view, which is pre erected tents just outside the  fence, quite expensive but between 5 of you may be feasible. These go on sale on Thursday at noon.

 

[sedra]

Hey guys, another regular Coachella go-er making my way to Glasto for the first time next year with 4 friends! How long is the coach from London to the festival site? It does seem exhausting to make that trip everyday... Any other close surrounding cities it will be easy to catch a coach from? Thanks!

Just realized you recommended that for getting there for the weekend  silly mistake. My friends and I plan on staying off-site nearby and somehow getting to and from the festival

you really don't want to stay off site - you would miss so much - you can camp at Worthy View or chose more "luxury" camping such as Tangerine a Fields or Love Fields or the pop up motel if you must but there is no point in travelling in and out each day - Glastonbury is not like Coachella!! 

Glastonbury is a 24 hour experience - once the main stages finish at about midnight there is stuff just starting in the SE corner til about 5 or 6am!! 

We are talking about a site that is 8 miles round in a rural area with very limited transport options - if you drive in and out then someone has to stay sober which can be a bit of a challenge! It could take you 45mins to an hour just to get out to a point you can drive or get some transport. The festival is 5 days not just a weekend and it's not just music on the main stages - there are over 100 stages and venues on site! Unless you are staying somewhere very local in the village don't bother - you could end up spending hours just getting to and from the site- it's best to just arrive on Weds or Thurs and stay until Monday !! 

Good luck 

[AliceQ]

We are from California and went to the festival in 2014 and 2015.  I wrote a blog post about what I learned in 2014 here: http://aliceqfoodie.blogspot.com/2014/07/glastonbury-2014-part-ii-what-i-learned.html  I cannot stress enough that you should not stay in Wells. Stay inside the fence or within short walking distance of the festival. You absolutely won't want to miss that much, and it is an all night affair - catching a car or taxi back to where you're staying in the wee hours could be impossible.  If you want to stay onsite in pre-set up accommodations try for a Tipi (on sale at the same time as Worthy View), or contact CampLight - they set up tents on Pennard Hill Ground close to the tipis. We stayed in a tipi this year and it was great - so convenient.  There are several other options just offsite, Love Fields, Pop Up Hotel, Tangerine Fields, Zooloos, etc.  

Definitely read Torts FAQs and get ready for lots of sweet people asking you "You came all the way here just for this??"