Farming Traditions Meet Family Day Out
As summer starts to wind down and the evenings start drawing in, it might feel like the countryside is settling down for the season.
But not so fast, for those of us with an eye on the country calendar, September is only just getting started. Whether you're a seasoned showgoer or a curious first-timer, September is the prime time for agricultural shows, with days spent surrounded by livestock, sheepdog trials, farming machinery and of course, plenty of local delicacies and mugs of tea!
These shows aren’t just about prize bulls and ploughing demos (although there’s plenty of that too!) They’re a celebration of everything we love about rural life, and what better way to round off the season than by donning your wellies and joining us as we round up the top 10 agricultural shows to visit this September.
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.
The September Show Line-up
1. Usk Show
When: 6th September
Where: Usk Showground, Monmouthshire, NP15 1EY
Opening Times: Showground Opens at 8 am, Trade Stands from 9 am - 6:30 pm
On the second Saturday of September, every year since 1844, Usk Farmers’ Club have held the Usk Show to celebrate the very best of Monmouthshire farming and rural life.
At the 100-acre Showground near the village of Gwernesney, the Usk Show draws in the crowds with its top-quality livestock competitions, fun fair and traditional Welsh culture (including Bob Hogg’s Dog & Duck display, and a fantastic local food hall featuring Welsh delicacies!)
Now one of the largest one-day agricultural shows in the UK, its popularity is second to none, offering a perfect day out for all ages amongst the stunning countryside setting of South Wales.
2. Moreton-in-Marsh Show
When: 6th September
Where: Moreton Showground, Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 0AB
Opening Times: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
If we’re talking true Agricultural shows, Moreton-in-Marsh Show is a gem in the crown of the Cotswolds.
Honouring the best of British farming since 1949, the show still champions British farmers and celebrates the brilliance of the equestrian world, delivering everything from arena attractions to trade stands, tractors to sweet treats (if you’re a stickler for a Lardy Cake!)
Steeped in heritage, this one-day extravaganza provides a platform for local communities to come together and celebrate the best of the British countryside. And with so much on offer, it really is a bumper crop of farming, food, and family fun worth joining.
3. Alresford Agricultural Show
When: 6th September
Where: Tichborne Park, Alresford, SO24 0NA
Opening Times: 8:30 am – 6:30 pm
See prize-winning animals, sample local food and drink, or marvel at vintage and modern machinery- whatever your cup of tea (or coffee), there’s something for everyone at the Alresford Agricultural Show.
Held in the beautiful Tichborne Park, thousands of visitors flock to the fields for a day of entertainment, education, and to raise much-needed funds for local groups, organisations and charities.
Pay a visit to the show’s very own education tent, discover extreme sport ‘horseboarding’, or take a seat at the extremely popular Sheep Show, and, with children under 16 free of charge, free children’s entertainment and free parking on the show site, you’re in for a day fab for the family, and friendly to the bank balance (win win!)
4. Keighley & District Agricultural Show
When: 6th September
Where: Marley Fields, Keighley, BD22 7EW
Opening Times: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm
For those further North, the Keighley & District Agricultural Show blends traditional farming with local craftsmanship and community spirit in the scenic setting of West Yorkshire.
A true slice of rural Yorkshire life, the warm, welcoming atmosphere, combined with everything from donkeys to dog shows, handicrafts to horticulture, and much more, makes for a picture-perfect agricultural show. But don’t worry, with Dangerous Steve and his ‘one of a kind rollover’ taking the stage as the main attraction this year, you’re promised an exciting day as well as a wholesome one.
5. Westmorland County Show
When: 10th – 11th September
Where: Lane Farm, Crooklands, Cumbria, LA7 7NH
Opening Times: 8:00 am- 6:00 pm
A hop over to the Lake District, and you’ll find the buzz of the Westmorland County Show. Voted as one of the UK’s favourite Shows and enjoyed by over 37,000 visitors every year, the event is organised by the Westmorland County Agricultural Society, founded in 1799- now that’s some history!
Featuring a major livestock Show with classes for cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and alpacas, heavy and light horses too, you can meet the foxhounds, get up close with the cattle, and even cheer on your favourites in the Cumberland & Westmorland Wrestling! One not to miss, and set the beautiful backdrop of the Lakes, why not turn a show day into a weekend away?
6. Henley Farm and Country Show
When: 13th September
Where: The Henley Showground, Hambleden, RG9 3AS
Opening Times: 8:30 am- 5:30 pm
It’s not just cricket that Henley does well! September 13th, you’ll find the Henley Farm and Country Show, an event where Oxfordshire’s rural charm meets full-on field day fun.
Lively and much-loved by both locals and visitors, the show brings the countryside to life in the beautiful village of Hambleden and is packed with everything you’d expect from prize-winning livestock to gleaming tractors. There’s no shortage of fun either, whether you fancy ferret racing, falconry, or just a good browse in your best tweed, Henley serves up country life at its finest.
7. Penistone Agricultural Show
When: 13th September
Where: Penistone Showground, South Yorkshire, S36 6DW
Opening Times: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Another big one for Yorkshire! Held in the market town of Penistone, this show is one of the largest one-day agricultural shows in the country, featuring everything from cattle classes to dog displays, daring stunt acts, and, credit to its location, even dry-stone walling.
Brimming with entertainment, competitions, and activities all-round, the Penistone Show is a proudly northern, good and proper Yorkshire day out, complete with well-worn in boots and a roast pork bap in hand.
8. Kington Show
When: 13th September
Where: The Ovals Farm, Kington HR5 3LN
Opening Times: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
A much-loved highlight of the Herefordshire farming calendar, the Kington Show brings with it a brilliant blend of hard graft, rural pride, and good old-fashioned country fun.
Expect sheep shearing, vintage vehicles, gun dogs, local cider, and a bustling food and craft marquee (including a licensed public bar). Whether you're a seasoned stockman or just in it for the cakes and cattle (a hard combination to beat, we admit), Kington delivers a proper agricultural show day out with heart, heritage, and heaps of Herefordshire charm.
9. Newbury Show
When: 20th -21st September
Where: Newbury Showground, Thatcham, RG18 9QZ
Opening Times: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm
Held at the Newbury Showground, this two-day spectacular brings together the best of Berkshire's farming, food, and rural life in one family-friendly calendar event.
A big-hitting countryside celebration, the Newbury Show showcases everything from champion livestock to combine harvesters, country sports, and countryside crafts. There’s a bustling food hall, rural skills demonstrations, and enough tractors, terriers, and tweed to tick all your boxes!
Whether you’re after a day of agricultural excellence or fancy a slow show day with a cider, the Newbury show is the perfect way to round off the summer season.
10. Nidderdale Show
When: 21st September 2025
Where: Bewerley Park, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 5BD
Opening Times: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
Affectionately known as the ‘Pateley Show’, this traditional Dales agricultural Show has grown in popularity to become one of the county’s foremost agricultural events.
Marking number three of the Yorkshire-based September shows, you can browse a wonderful display of the finest livestock, produce and local crafts galore, with everything agriculture has to offer tucked neatly into the edge of the Dales.
Suppose you’re after a proper celebration of farming heritage and community spirit. In that case, the Nidderdale show, nestled in the heart of Nidderdale, is the gem that wraps up the show season in true countryside style.
A Show-Stopping September
Award-winning livestock, hearty homegrown produce, heritage crafts, and working dogs, to name a few! What better way to end the season and celebrate the last golden days of summer than by spending a day at one of these fantastic shows?
So, grab your boots, round up the family, and get ready for a day of endless entertainment and farming fun. By attending, you’re not just enjoying a brilliant day out; you’re supporting the rural communities and traditions that keep the countryside life thriving.
Don’t miss out, book your tickets now, and round up your show-stopping September the rural way!
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.
