VW Festival
Location:VW Festival, Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds, LS17 9LG - (what3words location)
Distance: no route, it’s a wander round vehicles, stalls and food places
Accessibility at a glance:
Access: ⭐⭐
Dog friendliness: ⭐⭐
Facilities: ⭐⭐
Enjoyment: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
More in depth:
Parking and entrance
Ample parking is available, including designated disabled spaces
Some closer spaces are on grass, requiring a walk to the entrance
Paths and distance
The festival is mostly held on grassland, which can be uneven
My scooter was generally fine, though bumpy
Surfaces are uneven and some areas can be crowded
Facilities
Portable festival toilets are provided, with at least one ramp-accessible unit.
Dog-friendly event but bring a water bottle and bowl
Plan for shade if it’s sunny, as there’s limited cover
Lots of different food and drink options
The VW Festival takes place each summer at the stunning Harewood House in West Yorkshire (LS17 9LG), usually over the second weekend of August. Tickets typically cost around £25 per adult, and you can purchase them either in advance or on the day. For enthusiasts, there’s also the option to camp on-site for the full weekend, enjoying a variety of activities, but we’ve only opted for a one-day visit.
As a fan of VW cars, particularly the iconic VW Camper, this event is a dream. It’s a perfect opportunity to admire hundreds of vehicles, from vintage classics to the latest models, and soak up the unique campervan culture.
There are a number of schedule activities throughout the day such as:
Vehicle Displays with hundreds of VW cars across all eras
Competitions and Shows including show-and-shine competitions, dog shows, and military marches.
Live music acts throughout the weekend
A wide range of street food including pizza, burgers, hog roast sandwiches, and plenty of ice cream stalls.
A large market with VW-themed merchandise and quirky finds for everyone.
The festival is designed to be fun for all ages, offering a relaxed, sunny day out full of atmosphere and quirky attractions.
The festival welcomes dogs, but it’s important to plan ahead, we take a water bottle and bowl and definitely check the weather before bringing your dog, as there is limited shade and the grounds can get quite hot. I only take Betty, when conditions are suitable for her comfort.
The VW Festival is relatively scooter-friendly as much as a field can be. While the terrain is mostly grass and uneven in places, my scooters generally manages well. Parking includes designated disabled spaces, though some are on grass near the entrance and require a walk. Portable toilets are provided, including one ramp-accessible unit, though I haven’t used these.
The VW Festival at Harewood House is a fantastic day out, whether you’re a VW enthusiast or simply looking for a lively summer event. You can easily spend the whole day strolling through the vehicles, eating and enjoying the sunshine. We’ve loved every visit and can’t wait to return!
Tip: if you’re a VW fan, this is a fun event
