The return of summer means warmer days, lighter nights, and, of course, the return of our cherished British tradition- country shows!
Bringing all we love about heritage and rural life together under the scenic settings of the British countryside, there’s nothing quite like a summer show to draw people from far and wide and celebrate the country lifestyle, with all it has to offer.
If you’re yet to fill out your summer calendar, don’t worry! We’re here to walk you through our top UK country shows to visit this summer, so you can sit back and enjoy the sun.
The Events
The Royal Three Counties Show
When: 13th – 15th of June
Where: Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire WR13 6NW
Opening Times: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Named the UK Rural Event of the Year in the 2024 NOEA awards, this show promises a fabulous celebration of British farming, food, and family fun. Including new attractions such as Pig Village and the Home and Heritage Zone, it offers everything from livestock to country lifestyle, making it a rural favourite for all.
Highlights:
Livestock and Lifestyle: 8,000 animals, equine displays, tasty treats, artisan crafts, agricultural innovation… the list goes on! Whatever your interest, you’ll be sure to find it at the Royal Three Counties Show.
Famous Faces: Calling all Clarkson’s Farm fans- catch national treasure Kaleb Cooper in the Future of Farming Theatre, joined by farmer Will, Adam Henson, Kate Humble and other famous farming faces.
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.
Save the date for the Three Counties Show, a day out rooted in tradition and bursting with life.
The Royal Highland Show
When: 19th – 22nd of June
Where: Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh, Scotland EH28 8NB
Opening Times:
- Thursday to Saturday: 07:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Sunday: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
A gem in Scotland’s crown, the Royal Highland Show is not one to be missed. Whether you're local or looking to make a visit, you can be sure to experience everything, from world-class livestock showing to whiskey tasting, equestrian events, food, drink, crafts, and countryside culture.
Highlights:
A Highland Hoolie: Spend your Saturday evening in style at the Royal Highland Hoolie by Farmer's Bash. Prepare 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!
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.
An excellent family showcase set in the stunning scenery of rural Scotland; it's one to add to the summer country calendar.
The Great Yorkshire Show
When: 8th – 11th July
Where: Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG2 8NZ
Opening Times: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
A highlight in the Harrogate countryside, the Great Yorkshire Show is one of the UK's biggest and most prestigious agricultural events. While farming is the star, the four-day show offers a rich variety of Yorkshire charm and rural culture.
Highlights:
Something for Everyone: Whether you love the livestock, go crackers for the cheese and dairy show, or simply come to soak in the spirit of the countryside, from animal and farming innovations to food and fashion shows, there is fun for all the family at the Great Yorkshire Show.
Main Ring to Main Stage: The Main Ring is the heart of the show. Gasp at the grand cattle parade or saddle up to watch the show jumping, or if you’re a Yorkshire Vet fan, catch a celeb moment with Rob Peter and fellow TV presenters Helen Skelton and Matt Baker MBE, on the Ariat GYS Stage.
Get ready for the 166th edition of The Great Yorkshire Show, as said in Yorkshire, for a truly ‘top-notch’ day out.
The Royal Welsh Show
When: 21st – 24th July
Where: Royal Welsh Showground, Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, Powys, Wales LD2 3SY
Opening Times: 8:00 am – 9:30 pm
A Welsh Winner in the agricultural calendar. Combining farming excellence with culture, crafts, food and countryside entertainment, The Royal Welsh Show is a vibrant celebration of Welsh rural life and all-round family fun.
Highlights:
Livestock Classes: With over 8,000 animals, the Royal Welsh Show is one of Europe's largest livestock exhibitions, attracting some of the biggest names in the breeding business.
Exciting Entertainment: A place where you can shake hands with a prize-winning sheep farmer, sip cider under the shade of a marquee, and lose track of time watching Meirion Owen and his sheepdogs, all in one day! A 12-hour daily programme means there’s something for every visitor.
Not one to miss, The Royal Welsh Show is guaranteed to deliver good times, great livestock, (and even better cake!)
The New Forest & Hampshire County Show
When: 29th - 31st July
Where: The Showground, New Park, Brockenhurst, Hampshire SO42 7QH
Opening Times: 8:00 am – 6:30 pm
Set in the Heart of a National Park with 30 acres of showground, this 3-day event is a countryside crowd pleaser. Everywhere you turn, from food stalls and live music to young farmers proudly presenting their prize lambs, this show showcases the very best of The New Forest and Hampshire’s rural life.
Highlights:
Animals for Everyone: If you’re looking for animals, you won’t be disappointed. You’ll find everything from livestock to equine events, and even the world-famous Heavy Horse Musical Drive as this year’s main ring attraction.
Local Produce: With over 600 trade stands from crafts to show gardens, local producers and local businesses are all celebrated, topped off with lots of delicious food and drink.
A crowd-pleaser through and through, get ready for the New Forest and Hampshire County Show.
Chatsworth Country Fair
When: 29th – 31st August
Where: Chatsworth House, Derbyshire, England DE45 1PP
Opening Times: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
A celebrated summer highlight in the British calendar, Chatsworth Country Fair is a postcard for the country lifestyle. Set in one of Britain’s most iconic stately home settings, Chatsworth House, this annual family-friendly event sticks to its roots as a much-loved country day out, blending country sports, family fun, and rural lifestyle in the picturesque setting in the heart of the Peak District.
Highlights:
Grand Ring Entertainment: Famous for its thrilling entertainment, the action-packed grand ring programme is always guaranteed to thrill, with stunt teams, dog racing and military bands that will be sure to get your heart pounding!
Lots to do: Treat your tastebuds in the fine food village, spend some time country shopping, or head to the vintage fun fair for some family fun. There's a full basket of rural delights for all, including the renowned hot air balloon ascent!
A day at Chatsworth Fair feels like a live snapshot into country life—warm, welcoming, and wonderfully British.
Summer Show Ready
Country shows offer something for everyone. Locals, families and country lovers alike, there is no end of things to see, do, and learn, all packaged up with a fabulous atmosphere and topped with a bow of beautiful British backdrops.
So, fill in the calendar and get ready for your ultimate country show this summer. We hope you enjoyed our guide!
Please note that every effort has been made to provide the correct information below, but we advise referring to the official websites or social media platforms for each event to stay up-to-date.
About the Author
Matthew Holland
Matthew 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.
