The Best Outdoor Mountain Festivals in the UK
Outdoor mountain festivals are special events that celebrate outdoor activities, mountaineering, film, music, art and culture. These festivals take place in scenic locations, surrounded by nature. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking and more. They can also attend live talks, film exhibitions and try local food.
In the UK, we’re lucky to have tons of mountain festivals. Many of them take place in beautiful locations such as the Lake District and Peak District National Parks. Others are hosted in the country’s largest cities, which makes them easy to reach. Wherever you’re based, you won’t be far from one of these epic adventure festivals.
Attending an adventure festival is quickly becoming a must for outdoor lovers. Each year, these festivals grow bigger and better. Whether you’re a lover of the outdoors or seeking inspiration for your next adventure, mountain festivals and outdoor film festivals have something for everyone.
Best Outdoor Adventure Festivals in the UK
Here’s our pick of the best adventure festivals and events across the UK. We guarantee they’ll leave you feeling inspired and motivated to get outside and explore.
- Kendal Mountain Film Festival | Kendal | 19 - 22 November 2026
- Keswick Mountain Festival | Keswick | 15 - 17 May 2026
- Fort William Mountain Festival | Scotland | 12 - 15 February 2026
- London Mountain Film Festival | London | 7 - 22 March 2026
- Alpkit Big Shakeout Festival | Peak District | 25 - 27 September 2026
- Armchair Adventure Festival | Cornwall | 23 - 26 July 2026
- Banff Mountain Film Festival Tour | UK | Feb - Nov 2026
- Braemar Mountain Festival | Scotland | March 2027
Now let’s take a look at each of them in more detail.
Kendal Mountain Film Festival
Date: 19 - 22 November 2026
Location: Kendal, Cumbria, England
Kendal Mountain Festival (KMF) started in 1980. It's the UK's biggest and best outdoor film festival, uniting film lovers and outdoor enthusiasts every year.
The 2026 KMF programme is the biggest yet. It will offer a wonderful mix of content. Excitingly, they are set to announce a third wave in September. During the four-day festival, visitors can enjoy over 200 live sessions. There will be more than 300 speakers, 180+ films, and 80+ activities. Over 30,000 attendees are expected to join the fun.
On a side note, you’ll find the Kandoo team at Kendal Mountain Film Festival each year, so come and say hi! We’ll have giveaways and merchandise galore, plus you can grill our travel experts. If you can only make it to one 2026 mountain festival, Kendal should be top of your list.
Who it’s best for:
- Outdoor enthusiasts and adventure fans who want to watch world-class mountain and expedition films from international filmmakers.
- People keen to hear inspirational talks from explorers, athletes, activists, and authors across hundreds of sessions.
- Outdoor community members who enjoy meeting brands, attending talks and socialising in the festival village.
Keswick Mountain Festival
Date: 15 - 17 May 2026
Location: Keswick, Cumbria, England
Keswick Mountain Festival 2026 is another popular mountain festival, held every May. The event usually features a fantastic mix of outdoor sports, activities, live music, inspiring speakers, and outdoor brands.
This year, there’s a wide range of sports events like trail runs, triathlons, swimming, cycling, and hiking. There will also be activities and entertainment for everyone, no matter their age or ability.
Keswick Mountain Festival takes place in a stunning part of the Lake District. It’s an outdoor festival that the whole family can enjoy.
Who it’s best for:
- Endurance athletes and active adventurers interested in trail running, triathlons, open-water swimming and cycling events.
- Festival-goers who want a mix of sport, live music, talks and food in a scenic Lake District setting.
- Outdoor beginners and families who want to try different activities or challenges in a supportive festival atmosphere.
Fort William Mountain Festival
Date: 12 - 15 February 2026
Location: Fort William, Highlands, Scotland
The Fort William Mountain Festival is a great way to escape for a few days. You can explore the outdoors and enjoy the festival’s mountain-related events. It’s a huge success every year and a must on every outdoor enthusiast’s calendar.
The annual festival programme is jam-packed with outdoor guided events, inspiring speakers, and engaging films. They also have a fabulous line-up of adventure-inspired workshops each year, so there’s something for everyone at the Fort William Mountain Festival.
Who it’s best for:
- Mountaineers and outdoor learners looking to develop skills through workshops, winter skills sessions and guided mountain events.
- People interested in adventure films, storytelling and talks from climbers, photographers and campaigners.
- Adventurers who want to experience the Scottish Highlands while taking part in activities like trail running, wild swimming or mountaineering.
London Mountain Film Festival
Date: 7 - 22 March 2026
Location: London, England
The London Mountain Film Festival celebrates adventure, mountaineering, and the great outdoors. Showcasing films from around the globe, this festival connects climbers, trekkers and outdoor enthusiasts, who share the incredible big screen journeys.
With talks, workshops and networking opportunities throughout the event, this is a great chance to immerse yourself amongst fellow adventurers to share stories and successes. Films screen at multiple locations and in select theatres across the UK.
Who it’s best for:
- City-based outdoor lovers who want mountain and adventure films without travelling to a mountain location.
- Climbers, trekkers and explorers interested in talks, workshops and networking with the outdoor community.
- People looking for inspiration for future expeditions and adventure travel through film and storytelling.
Alpkit Big Shakeout Festival
Date: 25 - 27 September 2026
Location: Peak District, Derbyshire, England
The Alpkit Big Shakeout is a fantastic non-profit outdoor festival. It’s designed to make the outdoors accessible to everyone. This area is famous for its world-class rock climbing, mountain biking, and countless walking trails, all within a 20-minute drive.
All the proceeds from the Alpkit Big Shakeout go directly to the Alpkit Foundation, which helps to remove barriers to getting outdoors and exploring wild places. The event is packed with activities both on and off-site. You can enjoy live sessions from inspiring speakers and adventure films.
Who it’s best for:
- Outdoor beginners or families who want a friendly introduction to adventure activities.
- Climbers, mountain bikers and hikers who want to explore the Peak District’s trails and climbing spots.
- People interested in community-driven outdoor events supporting access to nature and outdoor participation.
Armchair Adventure Festival
Date: 23 - 26 July 2026
Location: Mount Edgcumbe, Cornwall
The Armchair Adventure festival is held on a stunning hilltop in Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, Cornwall. It started life as a virtual adventure travel agent during the first lockdown in 2020.
Today, it's an in-person festival, and you'll find activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, yoga, foraging, and cooking demos. There’s also a lineup of inspiring adventure speakers, along with live music.
Who it’s best for:
- Adventure travel fans who love hearing stories from world-class explorers and expedition speakers.
- Festival-goers who want to try activities like paddleboarding, kayaking or yoga in a coastal setting.
- People looking for a relaxed festival with live music, travel inspiration and social outdoor experiences
Banff Mountain Film Festival Tour
Date: Feb - Nov 2026
Location: Various
The Banff Mountain Film Festival is probably the most famous mountain film festival in the world. Founded in 1975, this renowned event happens in Banff every November. After that, it travels around the world on the Banff Mountain Film Festival Tour.
Each year, there are special screenings at theatres across the UK. These showcase short films about epic journeys. This film festival is a celebration of all things outdoors and is not to be missed.
Who it’s best for:
- Adventure film fans who want to see award-winning short films about expeditions, climbing and exploration.
- Outdoor enthusiasts seeking inspiration from extreme adventures and remote expeditions worldwide.
- People who prefer a cinema-style event rather than a full outdoor activity festival.
Braemar Mountain Festival
Date: 6 - 9 March 2027
Location: Braemar, Cairngorms, Scotland
The Braemar Mountain Festival takes place every year in the beautiful Cairngorms National Park, right in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. It celebrates highland culture, outdoor adventure, and, of course, the mountains.
The festival’s dramatic backdrop makes it perfect for its guided walks, running events, climbing workshops, and wildlife treks, which are enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.
Presentations and talks by mountaineers, explorers and conservationists give insights into the importance of community, sustainability and preserving the natural landscapes. These sessions are entertaining and educational. It’s a wonderful way to learn about the incredible landscapes and feel inspired by the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
Who it’s best for:
- Outdoor enthusiasts who want to take part in guided hikes, trail runs, mountain biking or wild swimming in the Cairngorms.
- People interested in learning skills such as navigation, photography or first aid via workshops.
- Visitors curious about Scottish mountain culture, community events and talks from notable mountaineers.
Adventures that Inspire
What makes these outdoor festivals and mountain film festivals truly exceptional is the variety of experiences they offer. Attendees can enjoy many activities. They can try new skills, attend live sessions with inspiring speakers, and take part in outdoor workshops. There's something for everyone, no matter their age or ability.
Whether you’re a solo traveller looking to connect with like-minded individuals, a family seeking a memorable outdoor experience, or a group of friends in search of your next adventure, these UK adventure festivals offer something truly special for everyone.