The 10 Best UK Country Shows 2024 to Visit This Summer

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The 10 Best UK Country Shows 2024 to Visit This Summer

Top 10 2024 Country Shows in the UK to Visit This Summer

Something as British as tea and toast - the fantastic country show!

These events, held over the summer across the United Kingdom, are a time when communities come together, showcasing the very best of agriculture, craftsmanship, and entertainment.

Here at Hollands Country Clothing, we know a thing or two about the importance of these gatherings. After all, our story began amidst the bustling commerce of Chelford Agricultural Centre back in 1978.

So, if you're on the hunt for a cracking day out that's equal parts entertainment and agriculture, you're in luck. We've lined up 10 of the best country shows in the UK this summer here, ready for you to mark on your calendars.

Let's dive in and see what each one has to offer.

Please note that every effort has been made to provide the correct information here below, but we advise referring to the official websites or social media platforms for each event to stay up-to-date.

 

1. The Royal Cheshire County Show

  • Location: Tabley, Knutsford
  • Date: Tuesday 18th - Wednesday 19th June 2024
  • Time: Tuesday - 8AM to 10PM, Wednesday - 8AM to 6PM

Something close to home for us here at Hollands, the Royal Cheshire County Show is an annual celebration of agriculture, food, and rural life in the beautiful county of Cheshire.

This two-day event boasts a jam-packed schedule featuring livestock competitions, equestrian displays, and a wide variety of food and drink stalls showcasing the best of local produce. There's also live music from boyband legends Boyzlife!

  • Exciting Fun: Get ready for monster truck rides and mini off-roading adventures that bring thrills around every corner. Plus, be wowed by the Knights of Nottingham, Police Dog Displays, and the hilarious antics of The Sheep Show.
  • Horse Lover's Delight: Enjoy the grace of the Horse Show and the adrenaline rush of the JF Polo Academy.
  • Meet Celebs: Calling all Corrie fans! Don't miss the Live Food Theatre featuring culinary master Jean Christophe Novelli with Coronation Street's Samia Longchambon on the Tuesday.

The Cheshire Show is an absolutely wonderful day out for the whole family and gets rave reviews every year.

 

2. The Royal Highland Show

  • Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
  • Date: Thursday 20th - Sunday 23rd June 2024
  • Time: 20th - 22nd: 7AM - 8PM, 23rd: 7AM - 6PM

The Royal Highland Show is a celebration of all things Scottish.

This traditional country show features the best of Scottish agriculture, including livestock exhibits, equestrian events, and sheep shearing demonstrations.

  • Royal Highland Hoolie: Spend your Saturday evening in style at the Royal Highland Hoolie by Farmer's Bash. Get ready for a fantastic night of music, from Scottish folk tunes to Irish country beats. It's the perfect way to wrap up your day on a high note!
  • Best of Scottish Agriculture: See amazing livestock exhibits, exciting equestrian events, and watch skilled sheep shearers in action. You'll even catch a glimpse of prize-winning cattle strutting their stuff in the Main Ring, giving you a close-up look at different breeds.
  • Scotland's Larder: Meet local producers, treat your taste buds to the finest Scottish goodies, and explore artisan delights from all over the UK. And make sure not to skip the Highland bothy for some delicious freshly baked cakes, tea, and coffee in the lively atmosphere.

For those in Scotland or looking for a reason to visit, the Royal Highland Show is not one to be missed.

 

3. The Highclere Show

  • Location: Highclere Castle, Newbury
  • Date: Sunday 26th & Monday 27th May 2024
  • Time: 9AM – 5PM (last entry at 3:30 PM)

If you're thinking the location name sounds familiar, it might be because you recognise it as the famous castle from Downton Abbey!

The Highclere Show promises a brilliant family day out, with so much to do and see over the whole weekend.

  • Exciting Attractions: From first-class field sports competitions to an array of country sports and feature arenas, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
  • Entertainment Galore: Enjoy the Food Festival, explore Craft and Antiques Fairs, and groove to musical entertainment while browsing over 150 quality trade stands.
  • Fun-filled Activities: Try your hand at clay pigeon shooting, marvel at gundog events, discover traditional rural crafts, and indulge in delicious food and drink from local stalls.

The Highclere Show is a celebration of the British countryside that brings together people from both town and country.

 

4. The Great Yorkshire Show

  • Location: Harrogate, Yorkshire
  • Date: Tuesday 9th - Friday 12th July 2024
  • Time: 7AM – 5:30PM

The Great Yorkshire Show is one of the biggest and most prestigious agricultural events in the UK.

Held over four days, it draws an amazing 130,000 visitors eager to enjoy a variety of animals and agricultural displays.

  • Something for Everyone: While farming is the star, there's a little something for everyone at The Great Yorkshire Show. Explore all the attractions, from delicious local food stalls to top-notch entertainment capturing the countryside's spirit.
  • Main Ring Spectacle: You won't want to miss the heart-pounding Main Ring Attraction featuring the Paul Hannam Quad Bike Stunt Show, performing daily. Witness thrilling stunts and breathtaking displays that will keep you on the edge of your seat!

Get ready for the 165th edition of The Great Yorkshire Show, promising to be bigger and better than ever with attractions and activities to delight visitors of all ages.

 

5. The Royal Welsh Show

  • Location: Llanelwedd, Builth Wells
  • Date: Monday 22nd - Thurs 25th July 2024
  • Time: 8AM - 9.30PM

Widely considered one of the most iconic rural events in the UK, the Royal Welsh Show always has a packed schedule that includes everything from horticulture to countryside sports.

  • Wide Range of Livestock Classes: This attracts more than 7,500 entries from across Wales, the UK and the rest of Europe!
  • Exciting Entertainment: With a 12-hour programme each day, there's never a dull moment at The Royal Welsh Show. From thrilling entertainment to captivating displays, there's something to keep the whole family entertained throughout the day.

No event is complete without delicious food, and the Royal Welsh Show does not disappoint on this front! Lots of tasty local Welsh delicacies are on offer to enjoy throughout the day.

 

6. Sandringham Game & Country Fair

  • Location: Sandringham Estate, Nr Kings Lynn
  • Date: Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th September 2024
  • Time: 10AM - 6PM

The Sandringham Game & Country Fair is a fantastic weekend of family fun and country pursuits.

Held in the beautiful grounds of the Sandringham Estate, this fair showcases traditional rural activities such as fishing, falconry, and horse riding.

  • Fun Variety: From thrilling horse boarding to engaging jousting acts, and amazing falconry displays, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
  • Family Time: Let the kids have a blast with face painting, petting corners, and tractor rides, while you savour local treats and check out the craft village.
  • Country Vibes: Watch gun dog handling demos, chainsaw carving shows, vintage car displays, and traditional craft exhibitions.

Don't miss out on the fun!

 

7. Royal Three Counties Show

  • Location: Malvern, Worcestershire
  • Date: Friday 14th - Sunday 16th June 2024
  • Time: 8AM to 6PM

Celebrate the best of British farming and countryside at this prestigious show!

  • Learn Heritage Skills: Check out traditional crafts and skills at the special forgotten skills area. Watch demos on wool spinning, rope making, and fly tying while chatting with skilled artisans about their craft.
  • Yummy Culinary Treats: Treat your taste buds at the Food and Drink Theatre, where Matty Edgell, the champ from Channel 4's The Great British Bake Off in 2023, will show off his baking skills. Join him for live demos, Q&A sessions, and book signings. Also, catch BBC Countryfile and The One Show host, Matt Baker MBE, as he talks about the future of farming at the Future of Farming theatre.
  • Family Time: Let the kids have a blast at the potato patch, where they can dig for spuds to take home and munch on. Young farmers and handlers will also showcase their pigs, cattle, and sheep in the ring, displaying their hard work and dedication.

Not to mention the hundreds of animals you will see in the Grand Parade of Livestock!

 

8. Ayr County Show

  • Location: The Ayr Racecourse, Ayr
  • Date: Saturday 11th May 2024
  • Time: 9AM - 5PM

Experience the buzz of the 179th Ayr County Show! It's the 188th year of this fantastic event, where old-fashioned values mix with modern-day excitement.

  • Lots to Do: Check out animal shows, craft stalls, vintage tractors, and more, showcasing everything we love about country life.
  • Family Fun: Bring the kids along for a day of music, games, and the always-popular 'TT Ayr' (Trucks & Tractor) Show.
  • Taste the Goodness: Don't miss out on tasty local food and drink, celebrating the journey from farm to plate.

It's sure to be a day packed with nostalgia, excitement, and the warmth of community spirit.

 

9. Wolsingham Show

  • Location: Wolsingham, Bishop Auckland
  • Date: Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th September 2024
  • Time: Gates open at 9AM

Head out for a weekend packed with excitement at Wolsingham Show.

  • Saturday - Agricultural Day: Check out craft tents, showjumping, donkey rides, vintage cars, birds of prey, and more! Grab a bite at the food market, groove to live music, and catch the parade.
  • Sunday - Country Fair Day: Watch the KC Dog Show, ferret show, pony exhibitions, and dog agility contests. Join in line dancing, see vintage cars, and pick up treats from the market.

Secure your tickets now for a great family day out!

 

10. Lochaber Agricultural Show

  • Location: Castle Farm, Happy Valley
  • Date: Saturday 24th August 2024
  • Time: TBC

Head out for a family day out at the 125th Lochaber Agricultural Show with the stunning Ben Nevis in the background.

  • Exciting Main Ring Events: Watch shearing demos, sheep dogs, and birds of prey - a show not to miss!
  • Fun for Kids: The Children's Tent has loads of activities and games to keep the little ones happy.
  • Explore the Show Field: Check out trade, craft, food, entertainment, and charity stands all around the show field and in the food/craft tent.

This promises to be an unforgettable day in Scotland's beautiful countryside.

 

UK Country Shows 2024

Can't make any of these events or perhaps they're not quite close enough for a visit?

Don't worry! We've rounded up some more excellent shows across the UK:

 You can also have a browse through a full list on Love Buying British.  

 

Summary

So there we go, a wonderful selection of UK country shows and events to brighten up your summer calendar.

From our corner of the countryside to yours, we hope you've enjoyed this guide. Our blog is your go-to resource for all things country living, packed with tips, insights, and event highlights, so make sure you follow along with us. 

Will you be joining in on the fun at any of these gatherings, or do you have any other countryside favourites to recommend? Drop us a line in the comments below – we'd love to hear from you!

 

About the Author

Mark Holland has a keen eye for all things men's country clothing. Living amidst the fields and farms, he understands the practical aspects of rural living and the timeless style that accompanies it. His advice reflects a genuine appreciation for the comfort and connection that come with country wear. If you're looking for down-to-earth recommendations, then trust Mark to guide you through kitting out your wardrobe with firm favourites and classic designs.

Back to Country Files at Hollands

1 comment

Anne
Anne

Love this! I’m definitely going to Cheshire show this year 😍

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