If you already have your calendar prepped and ready for country show season, then you probably already know that June is a month worth putting a big circle around, and this year we’ve blinked, and it’s arrived already!
It’s the month that hosts three of the biggest dates in the summer calendar: the Royal Three Counties Show down in Malvern, the Royal Cheshire County Show on our doorstep in Tabley, and the Royal Highland Show up in Edinburgh. And each one is a very good excuse to get the good boots out.
If you've been to any of these, then you'll know they're a full day on your feet. You're trekking from the livestock rings to the food halls, dodging the odd muddy patch, and eyeing up a pastry from the catering tent…. But sweet treats aside, what you wear matters just as much, and not just for appearances, but for practicality too.
So, whether you're a seasoned showgoer or thinking of making your first trip this year, we’re here to give you the lowdown of the big three, and what we'd suggest wearing to make the most of it.
Royal Three Counties Show: Malvern Magic
When: 12th - 14th June 2026
Where: Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire
If you've not been to the Three Counties before, it's definitely worth the trip. Set against the backdrop of the Malvern Hills in Worcestershire, it's a celebration of everything agriculture, equine life, food, and rural life that draws in crowds from across the three counties of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, and Worcestershire.
It was even named UK Rural Event of the Year 2024, and with special guests including Kaleb Cooper (for any Clarkson’s Farm fans) on the line-up for 2026, it's not going to be one to miss this year.
As with most of these shows, expect a full day- with livestock rings, a Farming Village, a Food & Drink Festival, family activities and more trade stands than you can get round without accidentally buying something you didn't strictly need….
So, What to Wear: Royal Three Counties
The Malvern Hills in June can be glorious, but like any British summer day, it can also bring the clouds. Lightweight layers that cover all bases are definitely the way to go- I always say smart enough for the main arena, practical enough for the livestock sheds. Here’s some of my top picks:
For Men:
- Alan Paine Combrook Shooting Waistcoat - For classic country style with real practicality. It looks the part over a shirt without overheating in a full jacket.
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Hoggs of Fife Inverness Pure Cotton Tattersall Shirt- Breathable, durable, and exactly right for a long day walking round in the sun (hopefully!)
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Hoggs of Fife Mens Carnoustie Chino Trousers -Smart, comfortable, and definitely won't let you down when you're getting the steps in.
- Blundstone 585 Classic Chelsea Boots - Comfort is key, and these are the dependable all-rounder. Comfortable from the first step, and smart enough for anywhere on the showground.
For Women:
- Joules Womens Albury Cotton Blazer - Works beautifully as a lightweight top layer for that summer breeze. Add a pop of summer colour with pink or blue, or stay traditional with classic tan or black.
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Hoggs of Fife Womens Aberlady Tattersall Shirt - Honouring traditional country clothing, whilst bringing a contemporary colour and finish to the equation, it's a choice you can't go wrong with.
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Hoggs of Fife Dee Stretch Denim Jeans - Practical, polished, and flexible enough to get the strides in from stand to show ring!
- Dubarry Jamaica Deck Shoes - Of course, a summer country show staple. Comfortable, classic, and effortlessly put-together.
Royal Cheshire County Show: A Day Out on The Doorstep
When: 16th & 17th June 2026
Where: Cheshire Showground, Tabley, Cheshire
If the Three Counties is worth the trip, the Royal Cheshire is practically on our doorstep (and for that reason, it's always a highlight of the summer calendar for us.) Taking place just outside Knutsford, it's one of the North West's biggest agricultural events, and, as a father of two (rather lively) children myself, I can say it’s a brilliant family day out.
Again, it's got everything you'd expect from a county show, from champion livestock, and show jumping to rural crafts, food and drink and an expansive trade stand village. At least one of the Hollands lot is usually in attendance (it's too close to home not to be), so if you spot someone in a Hollands cap looking very much at home by the cattle ring, do say hello- it’s probably Rob!
And you never know, one day we might even be there in brand as well as person… we can dream!
So, What to Wear: Royal Cheshire County Show
It’s no surprise that the Cheshire show tends to draw a well-dressed crowd, but it's still a working showground, so you want something that looks smart without making you miserable when the heavens open (and in Cheshire in June, they might!) Think classic country with a practical edge.
For Men:
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Hoggs of Fife Struther Lightweight Waterproof Jacket- A lightweight waterproof you won't resent carrying as a ‘just in case’ option.
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Alan Paine Combrook Trousers- If you're going to dress up for one show this summer, the Combrook are a good shout. These look brilliant and wear all day comfortably, win-win.
- Blundstone Original 500 Chelsea Boots- Blundstone have already earned their place in this post, but we can’t forget the Originals. A classic country boot for a classic country show.
For Women:
- Lighthouse Kendal Waterproof Coat - Elegant, waterproof and exactly right for a Cheshire show day.
- Helly Hansen Women's Maridalen Shorts- If the sun's out, why not get the legs out? These fitted ladies shorts not only have pockets for the essentials, but are sun-protective too!
- Chatham Women's Java II G2 Premium Leather Deck Shoes- Deck shoes have already done the Three Counties, and they're more than up for Cheshire too.
Royal Highland Show: Scotland's Finest Country Show
When: 18th - 21st June 2026
Where: Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh
If you're only going to make one big trip for show season, the Royal Highland is a serious contender. Held just outside Edinburgh at Ingliston, it's Scotland's largest annual event, boasting four days of the very best food, farming and rural life, with over 750 trade stands, world-class livestock classes, and a packed main arena programme.
As with the others, a proper occasion deserves a proper outfit. And without putting a dampener on things, you're also in Scotland in June, which means you pack for sunshine and prepare for everything else!
So, What to Wear: Royal Highland Show
This one calls for smart country dressing with genuine weatherproof plan B’s. The Highland Show has a well-dressed crowd and a full showground to cover, but the British weather will do what the British weather does in summer (give very mixed signals), so layering is your best friend here.
For Men:
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Didriksons Mens Biak Jacket - Built for ‘real’ weather, but smart enough to wear confidently in the main arena...and light enough to grab if there's any doubt about the forecast.
- Hoggs of Fife Kessock Tattersall Short Sleeved Shirt - Always the reliable foundation. A trusty Hoggs Shirt has earned its second appearance in this post (what can we say?)
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Blundstone 1477 Antique Brown Waterproof Chelsea Boots - Four days on the showground? You'll be glad of a pair of Blunnies, whichever style you choose.
- Heather Highland Harris Tweed Flat Cap- Come rain or shine, you've got head protection. Plus tweed is a must when in Scotland.
For Women:
- Joules Holkham Waterproof Packable Raincoat With Hood- Lightweight, waterproof and packable. Available in 10 colourways, the Holkham offers practical weather protection with style!
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LeMieux Isabelle Full Seat Breeches or smart country trousers - You don't need to be out riding to don the breeches! Both options are comfortable enough to walk all day, but still polished enough for the main ring.
- Dubarry Antrim Country Boots - If there's one show that earns a proper country boot, it's this one. The Antrim is a classic for a reason.
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Alan Paine Ladies Richmond Felt Hat- Finally, a classic felt hat never looks out of place at a country show, whether it's glorious sunshine or the odd cloud overhead.
Show Season is Here, Make the Most of It!
Whether you're heading to one of these or trying to tick off all three, June is a month worth dressing well for. The shows above are some of the best days out the countryside calendar has to offer, and the right clothing can really make the difference between a brilliant day and one you spend with a packet of plasters wishing you'd worn different shoes.
If you're putting your show season wardrobe together, you can browse our full show-ready men's and women's collections here at Hollands. And if you need a hand picking the right piece, we're always happy to help.
And on that note, we’ll see you on the showground.
About the Author
Matthew Holland
Matt Holland is passionate about sharing tips on how to enjoy the British countryside, whether it’s through family-friendly activities or connecting with nature. Living and working in the beautiful Cheshire countryside, Matthew is a proud advocate for our British farmers and the importance of eating local, seasonal food. He combines his love for rural life with practical advice, helping others make the most of the seasons and embrace the beauty of country living.
