The BMC's family-friendly festival weekend - a chance for children, beginners, and anyone curious about the outdoors to try in good company.

Who We Are

From climbing walls to mountain peaks, we are building a movement, where challenge is invited, access is open, and there’s a route for everyone. We work for every hill walker, climber and mountaineer.

About Basecamp

Spend a weekend in the heart of the Peak District trying something new. Basecamp is built around opening the BMC's activities to all, whatever your starting point. Whether you're climbing for the first time, catching up with friends on the crag, or looking for a brilliant family weekend away, there's something for you here.

Over three days at YHA Castleton you can:

Try taster climbing sessions on our mobile climbing wall

Head out for some social cragging

Take aim with soft archery for kids

Get hands-on with bushcraft for kids

Join a guided hill walk through some of the Peak District's best scenery

Listen to engaging talks about the BMC's access and conservation work

Enjoy music in the evenings and join us on Friday for a live Ceilidh

Breakfast and evening meals are provided throughout your stay, whether you're bunking in or camping on site.

BMC Awards

Join us on Saturday evening as we celebrate the 2026 BMC Awards: recognising the volunteers, clubs and individuals who go above and beyond for hill walking, climbing and mountaineering across the UK.

The Awards evening is included for all residential Saturday guests, and open to Saturday day ticket holders too.

More info.

Where to stay

Shared bunkhouse accommodation at YHA Castleton

Camping available on site, with the same catering included. Please note: this is for tents, there is no space for campervans on site

Day tickets also available (catering not included)

Tickets

Tickets are tiered by accommodation type:

BMC Members:

Bunk: £85

Camping: £60

Day ticket (Sat/Sun): £20

Family (2 adults, 2 children) Bunks: £180

Family Camping: £130

Non-members:

Bunk : £100

Camping: £75

Day Ticket (Sat/Sun): £30

Family (2 adults, 2 children): £210

Family Camping: £160

Day Tickets

Day tickets include full access to the day's programme. Saturday day tickets include entry to the BMC Awards evening. Catering is not included with day tickets. Please plan to bring your own food or purchase on site.

Please get in touch if you'd like to request a private room - these will be available by request, first come, first serve, subject to availability.

Who it's for

Families, beginners, and anyone new to BMC activities, as well as anyone looking for a relaxed weekend of climbing, walking and community. No experience necessary. Instructors and guides are there to help you have a go, safely and at your own pace.

All under 18's must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times.

Basecamp Festival T-Shirt

Grab a Basecamp Festival t-shirt when you book!

Available to add at checkout. Please select your size carefully, as we order based on ticket sales and can't guarantee changes at the event.

Shirts will be available to collect at registration.

Volunteering at Basecamp Festival

New to BMC volunteering? Apply for a free ticket to Basecamp!

We're looking for people keen to get involved in event volunteering for the first time, this is a chance for newcomers to get a taste of what's involved.

We'll give two half-day shifts, so you'll have time to explore the festival on your time off.

This is an application, not a confirmed place. Selecting this ticket registers your interest in volunteering, it does not guarantee a role. We'll review all applications and contact you directly to confirm your role, dates, and next steps. Please don't make travel or accommodation arrangements until you've heard back from us.

Volunteers will be provided with accomodation and breakfast and evening meals.

Questions in the meantime? Contact events@thebmc.co.uk.

Description supplied by the event organiser.