Plan your Big Shakeout

Get close to nature, learn something new and step out of your comfort zone. Our packed schedule of courses and activities has something for every festival goer to find their own challenge.

Dark Arts Of The Compass

This course will teach you that the compass is actually a simple and invaluable piece of kit to make sure you always take the right path.
€0,00

Introduction to Bikepacking

Explore the confusing world of kit selection and luggage options before showing you what and how to pack.
€0,00

Beginner Caving

Our Beginner Caving Day offers an ideal first taste of underground adventure
€0,00

Hike and Plunge Intro to Wild Swimming

Walk to a secluded waterfall/swim spot. Swim for an hour and walk back, all while discussing the pertinent things to consider when getting into wild swimming.
€0,00

Open Canoe Reservoir Safari

Explore the natural surroundings of Tittesworth Water on a guided tour by 2 person canoe.
€0,00

Mountain Biking Intro to Jumps & Drops

The highly experienced coaches will provide you with building blocks you need to develop skills and perfect in your own riding after the course.
€0,00

Weather Skills Workshop

You'll learn about forecasting high winds, thunderstorms and inversions.
€0,00

Beginner Outdoor Bouldering

Bouldering is the art and science of climbing boulders. By restricting the height of the...
€0,00

Outdoor Rock Climbing Taster Day

You'll be given the chance to push your ability and climb as hard as you desire. You'll receive coaching and instruction from a qualified climbing instructor.
€0,00

Introduction to Sit On Top Kayaking

Try open top kayaking at the scenic Tittesworth Reservoir. If you’ve ever fancied trying paddling,...
€0,00

Zip Wire & Via Ferrata

Fly over Steeple Quarry on The Rooftop Rider Zip Wire. It is 108 metres in...
€0,00

Mountain Biking Taster Day / Saturday / 9am

Mountain Biking Taster Day covers the core trail skills and is ideal for either complete beginners or for those wanting to progress their mountain bike experience.
€0,00

Monsal Bike and Abseil

Starting directly from the Big Shakeout site this makes an ideal activity for groups of friends or families with half a day to fill.
€0,00

Mini Adventurer

Mini Adventurer is all about letting your kids free to tackle and overcome challenges by themselves.
€0,00

Wet and Wild Underground

Full day subterranean trip which will involve walking, crawling and squeezing through one of the popular cave systems in Derbyshire
€0,00

Thank you for making Big Shakeout 2023 such an amazing festival

See again for our end of the summer weekend of fun and adventure. 27-29 September 2024. Save the date.

BSO 2025 Lodge Bunkhouse

Cosy on-site heated weekend accommodation
€289,99

BSO 2025 Teepee Village

Stay in an on-site teepee in the center of all the action
€119,99

Your Big Shakeout ticket gets you...

- Individual, family or friends weekend entry
- 2 nights camping at Thornbridge Outdoors
- Free festival T-shirt
- Adventure films, inspirational talks an lectures
- Heaps of on-site activities

1000+ activities and courses

Find adventure on and off site

Refuel. Refill. And go!

Street food and a well stocked bar.

Bands, talks and films

Explore your festival entertainment

Watch this years's trailer

Prepare for the best outdoor event of the year

Location: Thornbridge Outdoors

Our Big Shakeout base camp in the Peak District. Known for its world class rock climbing. Mountain biking. Caves. And endless walking trails. All within a 20 minute radius.

Big love for Big Shakeout

"With loads going on for families and adventurers of all ages, The Big Shakeout is a great weekend. Don’t forget to allow a bit of time to soak up the vibe and chill out with like-minded folk, as well as making the most of all the great activities and new skills you can learn... A lovely event."

- Rob Slade, Wired for Adventure


"We absolutely love living in the Peak District with all the outdoor adventures and stunning family walks on our doorstep... But for those families who live in towns and cities who want to cram as much outdoor adventure into a weekend as possible, Alpkit’s Big Shakeout Festival is a must."

- The TraveLynn Family

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Big Shakeout?

The Big Shakeout takes place atThornbridge Outdoorsnear Great Longstone in the Peak District.

Can I bring my pets?

Sorry no. Pets are not allowed on site.

Can I book on an AKF School of Adventure activity without a weekend pass?

No. You must have a valid Big Shakeout weekend ticket to participate in any School of Adventure Activities. Any orders for activities without a Big Shakeout weekend ticket will be cancelled and refunded.

Will School of Adventure activities still go on if the weather is bad?

We will do everything we can to make sure your chosen activity goes ahead, however in some circumstances a course may have to be cancelled due to weather or lack of numbers. In these cases we will either offer you a place on an alternative activity or refund.

When will I receive my tickets?

You will receive an email confirmation with an order reference number upon completing your order. Your order number is your unique reference number, bring it along with you and present it at registration.You will need your order reference number to register on arrival.

What disabled facilities are there?

There are no dedicated disabled weekend activity tickets, however some activities may be suitable with additional instruction. Please contact us with your requirements to see how we can tailor the experiences accordingly.

Is there any parking, and what if I am in a camper van?

Tickets will be available for on-site parking. If you are in a campervan, please buy a campervan ticket for the Big Shakeout festival, there will be a designated campervan space available for you. If the ground is unsuitable due to conditions, parking will be along the public road.

Can I make a group booking?

We do not reserve tickets for group bookings. Everyone in your group needs to register and purchase tickets in the same way as anybody else buying tickets.

What about under 18s?

Under 18 year-olds must be accompanied by a ticket-holding adult. Proof of age / photo ID may be required for entry.

What about refunds/cancellations/exchanges?

We cannot give refunds unless the event is cancelled or substantially altered. Tickets cannot be transferred to another name.

Can I get a day ticket?

This is a weekend event - no day or evening tickets are available for purchase.


Site Rules

  • No animals on-site except for registered guide dogs.
  • No fires, including Chinese lanterns, flying lanterns, flares, and fireworks.
  • BBQs must be raised from the ground and used outside your tent.
  • Noise must be kept to a minimum after 10pm in family and quiet areas.
  • Use toilets and urinals provided, do not pollute the waterways or hedges
  • All litter must be put in litter and recycling points provided.
  • Do not bring prohibited items onto the site.
  • To protect our guests safety, please act responsibly at all times.
  • As of 2007, smoking is not permitted in enclosed public spaces or buildings. Alpkit will provide a designated smoking area at the event.
  • Prohibited items include, but are not restricted to:
    Glass bottles, naked flames, drugs/illegal substances, guns, crossbows, generators, fireworks, chinese/flying lanterns, flares

    Terms and Conditions

  • The artist and performer line-up and all billed attractions are subject to change at any time without notice.
  • Alpkit and Thornbridge Outdoors reserve the right to refuse admission in any circumstances to ensure the security, safety and comfort of all guests.
  • Alpkit and Thornbridge Outdoors may refuse entry to ticket holders who attempt to enter the site with prohibited items.
  • Activities at the Big Shakeout may be photographed and/or filmed over the course of the weekend to be used for marketing by Alpkit and Thornbridge Outdoors. By participating, you consent to the publication of this material with no compensation for such use.
  • Admission is at the ticket holder’s own risk. Alpkit and Thornbridge Outdoors will not be held liable for any loss, injuries or damages sustained at the event, including damage, theft or losses to property and motor vehicles, if the cause is due to the negligence of the Ticket Holder or the actions of other patrons or third parties.
  • Any items which the organisers consider may be used in an illegal or offensive manner shall be confiscated. Persons suspected of carrying out illegal and/or offensive activities on site may face eviction from the site.
  • Alpkit Ltd does not offer refunds in the event of lost or stolen tickets.