TRAVEL ADVICE
Bearded Theory takes place at Catton Park, Derbyshire. Its central location means 50% of the UK’s population is within a 2-hour drive. With attendees coming from all directions, please read the travel guidance carefully to plan your route.
Important: Vehicle Access and Bridge Restrictions
There are two narrow bridges connecting the A38 to the festival site. Chetwynd Bridge (A38/A513 junction for Rugeley/Tamworth/Alrewas) is our primary route for cars and motorcycles only. It is not suitable for campervans or caravans.
Campervans, caravans, and larger vehicles must follow the prescribed routes listed below and must not use Chetwynd Bridge.
If you’re in a vehicle larger than a car or motorcycle, follow the campervan/caravan route instructions to reach the correct car parks.
Cars and Motorcycles:
Use postcode DE12 8LL for directions to Catton Park, then follow the AA event signs and ignore your sat nav. Do not follow sat navs near the site, especially through Walton-upon-Trent, due to another unsuitable narrow bridge.
All attendees:
Allow extra time for your journey and expect delays. No waiting is permitted on roads leading from the A38—vehicles parked here will be towed and denied entry.
CAMPERVANS & CARAVANS
Chetwynd Bridge (A38/A513 for Rugeley/Tamworth/Alrewas) has a width restriction and is strictly off-limits to all live-in vehicles (campervans and caravans). This will be enforced throughout the festival – do not attempt to use this route.
Prescribed routes have been set for campervans and caravans, using waypoint postcodes that guide you to the correct approach. From near these points, follow the festival signage to reach the site safely. Caravans must follow all ‘campervan’ signs – the same rules apply.
Avoid using sat nav directions that may take you over either Chetwynd Bridge or the Walton-on-Trent Bailey Bridge (Station Lane), both of which are unsuitable for live-in vehicles.
Waypoint postcodes are not meeting points – they are only reference locations to guide you onto the correct route. Do not plan to stop or meet others at these points. If you’re arriving in convoy, organise your meet-up well before reaching the waypoint to avoid delays.
Do not enter postcodes for Catton Hall or nearby addresses. Only follow the official event signage once near the site.
Live-In Vehicles from the North & North West
USE POSTCODE:
DE15 9UA
If travelling from Derby, Stoke-on-Trent, Manchester, Liverpool and anywhere in the North/North-West, use the postcode DE15 9UA. This postcode will bring you close to Drakelow, on the outskirts of Walton-On-Trent. From here, you will be able to follow yellow event signage to the festival site.
Live-In Vehicles from the East
USE POSTCODE:
LE65 1GW
If travelling from Nottingham, Leicester, Market Harborough, Kettering, Mansfield, Lincoln and anywhere in the East, use the postcode LE65 1GW. This postcode will bring you close to the edge of Ashby-de-la-Zouch. From here, you will be able to follow yellow event signage to the festival site.
Live-In Vehicles from the South
USE POSTCODE:
B79 8AB
If travelling from Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Coventry, and anywhere in the South, use the postcode B79 8AB. This postcode will bring you close to Tamworth. From here, you will be able to follow yellow event signage to the festival site.
OTHER TRAVEL
Travelling by Bicycle
Cycle to Bearded Theory with Zig Zag, along a fantastically scenic 50km route with pub lunch stops and accompanied by your fellow festival-goers. Drop your bags off in advance and they’ll be transported to the festival for you, leaving you to enjoy the thrill of the journey with support along the way. We’re offering free secure cycling parking plus, to show our gratitude for your individual commitment to event sustainability we’ll be providing “Dinner On Us” and some drinks to anyone who cycles to the festival.
Travelling by
Coach
We’re delighted to have Big Green Coach on board as our official travel partner. Travel sustainably to Bearded Theory with like-minded festival-goers.
Your carbon-neutral coach will arrive at the festival’s official coach park on Thursday and return to your pick-up location on Monday, hassle-free.
Multiple pick-up locations available, find out more below!
Travelling by
Train
If you’re coming by train, we’ll be running a £15 shuttle bus from Tamworth Station to help you go the full distance!
The service runs between 11am-2pm and 4pm-7pm on Thursday, with a returning service between 7:30am and midday on Monday morning.
Traffic is likely to be heavy when leaving site so plan enough time for your journey back to the station. Advance tickets only.
MORE INFORMATION
Travel Sustainably
Read more about how you can arrive at Bearded Theory in a more sustainable way, from taking public transport, to making use of our shuttle buses, travelling lighter, and even incentivised cycling – we’re not kidding! Our sustainability hub is full of ideas for you to check out.
Read the FAQs
For lots more information about arriving at Bearded Theory, travelling, camping, what to bring (and not bring!) and everything else… have a read through our FAQs and familiarise yourself with the answers.
