24/06/2020
Planning your escape to the sun-kissed shores of Newquay for Boardmasters? Securing your spot at this iconic surf and music festival is just the first step, but how you get there and where you rest your head can make all the difference to your experience. The good news is, for those seeking ultimate convenience and a seamless start to their festival adventure, booking an official Boardmasters weekend camping ticket with return coach travel in one easy package is the smart choice.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about these sought-after packages, ensuring you're well-prepared to snag yours and kick off your Boardmasters journey without a hitch. Forget the stress of separate bookings and travel woes; let's explore how to make your festival planning as smooth as a perfect wave.
- Why Choose a Boardmasters Camping & Coach Package?
- Understanding the Booking Windows: Presale vs. General Sale
- Booking Your Package with Big Green Coach
- What's Included in a Boardmasters Weekend Camping & Coach Package?
- Tips for a Smooth Booking Experience
- Comparing Travel Options: Coach vs. Other Methods
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: Can I book just a weekend camping ticket without coach travel?
- Q: What if I miss the presale? Can I still get a package?
- Q: Can I choose my coach departure point and time?
- Q: When do I receive my tickets and coach details?
- Q: What should I bring for camping at Boardmasters?
- Q: Is there an age restriction for Boardmasters?
- Q: What's the difference between a weekend camping ticket and a day ticket?
- Conclusion: Your Boardmasters Adventure Awaits
Why Choose a Boardmasters Camping & Coach Package?
The appeal of a combined ticket and travel package is undeniable. It's designed for festival-goers who value simplicity, peace of mind, and often, a more sustainable approach to travel. Here's why these packages stand out:
- Unrivalled Convenience: One booking, one payment, two essential elements sorted. No juggling multiple websites or worrying about coordinating travel with your ticket.
- Guaranteed Travel: With your coach travel locked in, you won't have to fret about finding a ride, navigating public transport, or the dreaded festival parking.
- Cost-Effective: Often, these packages offer better value than booking your ticket and travel separately, helping your festival budget go further.
- Eco-Friendly Choice: Coach travel significantly reduces your carbon footprint compared to individual car journeys, making it a greener way to get to Boardmasters.
- Community Spirit: Start the festival fun early! Travelling with fellow festival-goers builds anticipation and camaraderie from the moment you set off.
- Official & Secure: Booking through official channels ensures your ticket is legitimate and your travel reliable, avoiding any last-minute disappointments.
Understanding the Booking Windows: Presale vs. General Sale
Access to these coveted packages often comes in distinct phases. Historically, festivals like Boardmasters offer a presale window, followed by a general sale. Understanding these phases is crucial for maximising your chances of securing a package.
The Boardmasters Presale Advantage
The presale is typically an exclusive opportunity for those who have registered their interest in advance. For example, in previous years, signing up for the Boardmasters presale before a specified date (e.g., a Thursday in March) granted early access to tickets and packages. The benefits of the presale include:
- First Dibs: You get an earlier chance to purchase tickets before they become available to the general public, often before popular options sell out.
- Wider Choice: More ticket types and coach departure points are usually available during the presale.
- Reduced Stress: Less competition means a calmer booking experience.
If you're serious about attending Boardmasters, always look out for opportunities to sign up for the presale. It’s your best bet for securing the exact package you want.
General Public Sale
Following the presale, any remaining tickets and packages are released during the general public sale. While still a great opportunity, demand is much higher, and certain options, especially popular coach routes or specific camping areas, may have already sold out. For instance, in previous years, the general sale for day ticket and return coach travel packages, along with other options, commenced on a specific Friday morning (e.g., March 28th at 10 am).
Booking Your Package with Big Green Coach
When it comes to official coach travel for major UK festivals, Big Green Coach is often the go-to provider. They specialise in festival transport, offering reliable and convenient services from various locations across the UK directly to the festival gates.
What Big Green Coach Offers:
- Extensive Network: Big Green Coach typically operates from dozens of pick-up points nationwide, making it accessible for many festival-goers.
- Direct Travel: Their coaches take you directly to the Boardmasters site, often with dedicated drop-off and pick-up areas, minimising walking and hassle.
- Eco-Friendly: As mentioned, choosing coach travel is a more sustainable option, and Big Green Coach is committed to reducing the environmental impact of festival travel.
- Return Journey: All packages include return travel, ensuring you have a ride home after a weekend of music and surf.
When booking your package, you'll select your preferred departure town and time (if options are available) during the purchase process. It's vital to double-check all details before confirming your booking.
What's Included in a Boardmasters Weekend Camping & Coach Package?
While specific inclusions can vary slightly year to year, a typical package will encompass:
- Official Boardmasters Weekend Camping Ticket: This grants you access to the festival arena and the standard camping areas for the entire weekend. It usually covers entry from Wednesday or Thursday through to Monday morning.
- Return Coach Travel: Your seat on a Big Green Coach (or similar official provider) from your chosen departure location directly to the festival site and back again after the festival concludes.
It's important to note that while the package covers your entry and transport, it typically doesn't include specific camping pitches (unless specified for a premium package), camping equipment, or food and drink. These are aspects you'll need to plan for separately.
Tips for a Smooth Booking Experience
Securing your Boardmasters package, especially during high-demand periods, requires a little preparation. Follow these tips to maximise your chances:
- Sign Up for Presale Alerts: Always register for the Boardmasters mailing list and presale opportunities well in advance. This is your first line of attack.
- Be Ready on Time: For both presale and general sale, be logged in and ready on the booking platform a few minutes before tickets go on sale. Popular packages can sell out in minutes.
- Have Payment Details Handy: Ensure your credit/debit card details are correct and easily accessible, or use a payment method with autofill if available.
- Check Your Internet Connection: A stable and fast internet connection is crucial.
- Know Your Desired Package: Decide in advance which ticket type (weekend camping, day ticket) and coach departure point you want. Don't waste time making decisions during the booking process.
- Read the Terms & Conditions: Familiarise yourself with the refund policy, transfer options, and any other important details before purchasing.
Comparing Travel Options: Coach vs. Other Methods
While the coach package offers convenience, it's helpful to understand how it stacks up against other ways of getting to Boardmasters.
| Travel Method | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Coach Package | Stress-free, eco-friendly, direct to site, often cost-effective, community vibe. | Fixed schedule, less flexibility for detours, potential for longer journey times due to multiple pickups. | First-time festival-goers, groups, those without a car, eco-conscious travellers, anyone prioritising convenience. |
| Driving (Private Car) | Flexibility, personal space, can bring more gear, direct if no traffic. | Parking costs & availability (often pre-booked), traffic congestion, designated driver needed, higher carbon footprint, potential for stress. | Families, those with lots of camping equipment, people combining festival with a wider trip. |
| Train + Local Transport | Scenic journey, can be quick for long distances, good for solo travellers. | Requires multiple changes, lugging luggage, potentially expensive, local transport to site can be limited/costly. | Solo travellers, those seeking a more independent journey, if trains are significantly faster. |
| Lift Share | Cost-effective, eco-friendly, social. | Reliability depends on driver, less control over schedule/route, potential for last-minute changes. | Budget-conscious, adventurous, flexible travellers. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I book just a weekend camping ticket without coach travel?
A: Yes, typically Boardmasters offers weekend camping tickets as a standalone purchase. However, the package deal bundles both for added convenience.
Q: What if I miss the presale? Can I still get a package?
A: If you miss the presale, you can still try to purchase a package during the general public sale. However, availability may be more limited, and popular routes could sell out quickly.
Q: Can I choose my coach departure point and time?
A: Yes, when booking a coach package, you'll be presented with a list of available departure towns and often a choice of departure times, if multiple are offered for a specific location. Make sure to select the one that best suits your needs.
Q: When do I receive my tickets and coach details?
A: Typically, e-tickets for both the festival and coach travel are sent out closer to the festival date, often a few weeks in advance. Always check your booking confirmation for specific details and keep an eye on your email (including spam/junk folders).
Q: What should I bring for camping at Boardmasters?
A: Beyond your ticket and travel, essentials include a tent, sleeping bag, roll mat, head torch, suitable clothing for all weathers (even in summer, Cornwall can be unpredictable!), portable charger, reusable water bottle, and toiletries. Remember, you'll need to carry your gear, so pack smart!
Q: Is there an age restriction for Boardmasters?
A: Boardmasters typically has age restrictions, often requiring attendees to be 16+ or accompanied by an adult if under 18. Always check the official Boardmasters website for the most up-to-date age policy before booking.
Q: What's the difference between a weekend camping ticket and a day ticket?
A: A weekend camping ticket grants you access to the festival arena and the standard campsite for the entire duration of the festival (e.g., Wednesday/Thursday to Monday). A day ticket, conversely, only allows entry for a specific day and does not include camping access.
Conclusion: Your Boardmasters Adventure Awaits
Booking your official Boardmasters weekend camping ticket with return coach travel is more than just securing entry; it's investing in a hassle-free, enjoyable, and often more sustainable festival experience. By understanding the booking process, being prepared for presales and general sales, and appreciating the value of a combined package, you're well on your way to enjoying the electrifying atmosphere, incredible music, and legendary surf that Boardmasters is famous for.
So, get ready to pack your bags, rally your mates, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure on the Cornish coast. With your ticket and travel sorted in one go, all that's left to do is countdown to the waves, the music, and the memories!
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