Bloodstock Festival 2026: Travel Guide for Lancashire Metalheads

Thousands of metalheads across Lancashire will once again be making the journey, but with so many travel options out there, it can be confusing to know which is the least stressful.

Preston is Lancashire’s Official Coach Departure Point

One of the easiest ways to get to Bloodstock Festival is by taking the Big Green Coach, Bloodstock’s official travel partner.

In 2026, there is only one official Lancashire pick-up location. Coaches run from Thursday, 6 August to Monday, 10 August.

Lancashire metalheads can grab a return ticket for just £58, but if you book eight weeks in advance, you can reserve a seat for just £1. You can then spread the cost of the remaining ticket through monthly instalments.

The Preston service is ideal for those travelling from nearby towns, including Blackburn, Burnley, Blackpool, Lancaster, Fleetwood, Colne, Clitheroe, Chorley, Nelson and Leyland. The hassle of parking is non-existent, and you can enjoy the weekend without worrying about being the designated driver.

Anyone who wants to arrive on Wednesday, when the campsite opens, should know that there isn’t a departure from Preston. You would have to travel from Manchester, although you’ll also need an Early Arrival ticket if you want to enter the festival on that day. Another Wednesday departure location would be Liverpool.

Driving from Lancashire

If you’re driving from Lancashire, you can find some approximate journey times below:

• Preston – 2 hours 3 minutes

• Chorley – 2 hours 

• Blackburn – 2 hours 7 minutes

• Burnley – 2 hours 15 minutes

• Colne – 2 hours 17 minutes

• Clitheroe – 2 hours 19 minutes

• Blackpool – 2 hours 18  minutes

• Lancaster – 2 hours 24 minutes

Festival organisers have stressed the importance of navigating to Catton Park or DE12 8LN before following the Bloodstock road signs. Motorists are being asked to turn off their sat navs as they approach the site, as they may otherwise be directed along unsuitable local roads. The event signage has been designed to avoid narrow routes and congestion.

There are also planned roadworks taking place during the event in the local area, so be sure to allow extra travel time.

Campervans and Caravans

Lancashire fans travelling in campervans should take note of the width restrictions at Chetwynd Bridge. Live-in vehicles can’t use the usual route. Bloodstock has advised campervans and caravans to follow the A5121 rather than relying on a sat nav.

Train Travel from Lancashire

Travelling by rail is another popular option for Lancashire fans. Regular services connect Preston, Lancaster, and Blackburn with Tamworth, the nearest railway station to Bloodstock. From Tamworth, you can hop on the official Bloodstock shuttle bus.

The shuttle bus runs from Wednesday, 5 August to Thursday, 6 August, between 11 am and 4 pm.

Return services operate on Monday, 10 August, between 7:30 am and 12:30 pm.

Advance return tickets cost £16, while on-the-day fares are £18 return or £10 single.

What’s the Best Option?

For Lancashire metalheads, the official coach that departs from Preston is the simplest and most stress-free way to get to Bloodstock. You’re taken directly to the festival, and you can avoid the stress of parking and driving home after the weekend.

Photo © Belphegor138, used under Public Domain