Your Guide to UK Countryside Events in April 2024
As we gear up for April, the Holland family is buzzing with excitement!
You see, when we're not busy fulfilling orders and chatting with our wonderful customers, we're out and about exploring the landscapes and villages of the countryside.
From vibrant flower shows to lively festivals celebrating history and heritage, April is packed with events and natural beauty just waiting to be explored. And as we were discussing our exciting family weekend plans for the upcoming month, we thought, why not share some of the top places around the UK for others to enjoy?
So, without further ado, please sit back, relax, and let us be your ultimate guide to all things countryside this April.
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.
Heritage Transport Show
- Location: Kent Showground, Maidstone
- Date: 6th April 2024
- Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm
This celebration of classic and vintage vehicles promises to be a nostalgic journey back in time, with a display boasting over 1000 vehicles of all shapes and sizes.
What to Expect:
- Step back in time as you explore an array of classic cars, motorcycles, tractors, steam engines, and more.
- Enjoy a free bus ride at designated stops, browse the autojumble sale and farmers market, or relax with a cup of tea and slice of cake from the Curious Mole Tearoom.
- Experience a traditional funfair, Lindy Hoppers, live music, and much more.
This event is hosted by the Kent County Agricultural Society, a registered charity supporting the county's farming community since 1923.
The Newbury Garden Show
- Location: Newbury Showground, Priors Court, Hermitage, Thatcham
- Date: Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th April 2024
- Time: Doors open from 9:30am – 5:00pm
This weekend-long event promises to be a haven for anyone with a green thumb or a penchant for all things beautiful.
What to Look Forward to:
- Explore a wide range of trade stands offering garden treasures like sculptures, furniture, and fire pits.
- Treat your taste buds in the Food and Drink Marquee with wines, spirits, homemade cakes, cheeses, and more sweet treats.
- Discover unique handmade giftware, jewellery, and luxury goods at the amazing Craft & Gift Marquee.
- Pick up a ticket to the All About Dogs Show Newbury for exciting arena displays, pet supplies, expert advice, and have-a-go activities. The All About Dogs Show supports various dog rescues and charities, including the Notts & Yorkshire Boxer Rescue, German Shepherd Rescue Elite, and Dogs Trust, so it's worth checking out.
Plus, music to anyone's ears - the parking is free!
Wattle Hurdle Training Course by Hedges and Hurdles
- Location: Norbury Park, Fetcham
- Date: Sat 13 Apr 2024 - Sun 14 Apr 2024
- Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Led by the skilled artisan Paul Matthews, a true master of hedgelaying and hurdle making, this two-day training course promises a hands-on experience like no other.
What to Expect:
- Following an introduction to the craft workshop, you will learn how to coppice the hazel rods used to make the hurdles from the neighbouring woodlands and prepare them ready for use.
- You will learn how to use a billhook (traditional hand tool) to learn the skill of cleaving (splitting the wood).
- Then, you will learn the technique of weaving, following Paul's expert step-by-step instructions.
- Plus, you are provided with after care guidance.
If you've ever wanted to learn traditional country skills and handmade crafts, then this event is for you. There are also other fantastic choices like a Plant Support Workshop.
Spring Live! 2024
- Location: South of England Showground, Selsfield Road, Ardingly, West Sussex
- Date: Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st April 2024
- Time: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
This is a fun-packed weekend full of activities, shopping, food and drink, and live entertainment.
What's in Store:
- Kids will have the best time meeting farm animals, participating in chocolate and circus skills workshops, trying their hand at wand making, bushcraft activities, enjoying the thrill of the funfair, and even trying their hand at 'milking' Buttercup, the model cow at the Countryside Hub.
- Join the Fun Dog Show on Sunday, with classes ranging from Golden Oldie to Best Trick, and even Best Pair and Best Heelwork, with lots of prizes and rosettes up for grabs.
- Seek gardening tips from experts, plant your own pumpkin seeds and dwarf beans, and explore historic machinery courtesy of the Museum of Gardening.
- Experience the excitement of the Alpaca Show and Pygmy Goat Show, or cheer on participants in the lawn mower racing and Morris dancing.
Bring the whole family, including your four-legged friends, and celebrate the arrival of spring in style!
Spring Countryside Show
- Location: Turnpike Showground, Motcombe, Shaftesbury, Dorset
- Date: Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st April 2024
- Time: Doors open at 09:30 and close at 17:00 each day
This two-day popular event is brimming with activities and attractions that are perfect for both children and adults.
Highlights:
- Enjoy free tractor and trailer rides sponsored by Friars Moor Livestock in Sturminster Newton, offering a countryside tour throughout the weekend.
- Witness Joseph’s Amazing Racing Pigs in action on Saturday and cheer on the Hardy Herwick sheep in the Lamb National on Sunday.
- Hold onto your hats as the UK’s only Arena Comedy Car Act and Slapstick Stunt Show rolls into town! Watch stunt clowns race around in crazy cars and enjoy some Keystone Cops antics.
- Get creative and participate in the Scarecrow Competition inspired by Worzel Gummidge.
A celebration of rural life in springtime, there's lots for the family to enjoy here.
Harrogate Flower Show
- Location: Great Yorkshire Showground
- Date: Thursday 25th April - Sunday 28th April 2024
- Time: Gates open at 9:30 am and close at 5:00 pm each day
Gardening and horticulture take centre stage here, with this outdoor event welcoming thousands of enthusiasts every year!
What to Look Forward to:
- Join horticulturist Sarah Owen-Hughes and landscape curator Faith Douglas as they host engaging interview sessions with experts and ambassadors from the horticultural world, focusing on gardens, nature, and wellbeing.
- TV cook Stephanie Moon will whip up mouth-watering dishes using fresh produce from the veg patch, with grow-your-own guru Martin Walker offering top tips for your own kitchen garden.
- Be inspired by stunning floral arrangements and expert demonstrations from florists and flower arranging specialists.
- Browse through unique gifts, hidden treasures, and handmade jewellery at the Home & Gift section, perfect for treating yourself or finding that special something.
As you make your way around the show, you can also enjoy live music performances ranging from laidback jazz tunes to lively brass band classics.
Marsden Cuckoo Festival
- Location: Marsden, West Yorkshire
- Date: Saturday, April 27th
- Time: Usually more information is given on their Facebook page closer to the date
Join the celebration as Marsden welcomes back the cuckoo to rural West Yorkshire with traditional English dancing, music, and (hopefully) sunshine!
What's in Store:
- Witness the highlight of the festival as local residents parade down the high street with colourful ribbons and hand-crafted puppets, accompanied by musicians and dancers.
- Experience the joy of traditional maypole and Morris dancing, and cheer on your favourite duck in the thrilling duck races.
- After enjoying the festivities in the village, take a leisurely walk on the Marsden Moor estate. Discover remnants of a Roman road, packhorse trails, the Standedge Canal Tunnel and Visitor Centre, and other traces of the area’s rich industrial past.
This is a real community-spirited event that celebrates the beauty of the Yorkshire countryside.
East Anglian Game & Country Fair
- Location: Euston Estate, Thetford
- Dates: 27th & 28th April 2024
- Opening Times: Saturday & Sunday, 8am – 6pm
Nestled on the grounds of the magical setting of Euston Hall, this fair has a rich history of attracting record crowds, and this year promises to be no different!
Highlights:
- Marvel at the Mid Norfolk Gundog Club's demo, showcasing the incredible skills of working gundogs in a simulated shoot day.
- Don't miss the Sheep Show, where you'll meet nine different breeds of sheep, each with its own unique story.
- Enjoy a range of family-friendly activities, including archery, a funfair, climbing walls, and more.
- Get up close and personal with adorable alpacas from Let’s Go Alpacas!
- Witness the longest-established Dog Display Team in the UK, the Lowestoft Dog Agility Display Team, in action!
- Indulge in delicious dishes made with seasonal, local produce at the Game Fair Country Kitchen, hosted by award-winning chefs.
- Quench your thirst at The Dog & Duck on-site pub, offering a selection of Real Cask Ales, Keg Beers & Cider, and more.
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable weekend!
Summary
Well, there you have it – an exciting array of events waiting to be explored in the countryside this April. From classic car shows to country craft events, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
At Hollands Country Clothing, we're passionate about sharing the wonders of rural life with our community. We hope this guide inspires you to venture out and discover the beauty of the countryside.
Are you planning to attend any of these happenings, or perhaps you have some hidden gems of your own to share? Please let us know in the comments below. And if you do head along to any, don't forget to tag us in your photos – we'd love to see you enjoying these fantastic events.
From our family to yours, happy exploring!
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.
