Your Guide to UK Countryside Events in June 2024
June is here, and with it comes warmer weather and a wonderful opportunity to get out and explore our British countryside. We're thrilled to carry on the momentum from our previous essential guides and bring you a list of events dotted across the country this month.
There are plenty of exciting happenings again, notably some special Father's Day experiences and the hugely popular Forest Live concerts. Foodies and classic car enthusiasts will also be in for a treat!
So, let's take a look at the line-up for UK countryside events in June.
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.
Whitwell Steam and Country Fair
- Location: Nr Hitchin, Hertfordshire
- Date: Saturday 8th - Sunday 9th June 2024
- Time: 10AM - 5PM
150 tractors, 30 steam engines, and 90 stalls - this is a hidden treasure of an event that's an absolute treat for vintage car enthusiasts or steam train fanatics!
There's also a gun dog scurry, a large fun fair, kids tug of war, Morris dancers, and pony rides, plus lots more activities for families.
Tractor Fest
With more than 1500 vintage tractors and engines, we're the UK’s largest tractor festival. We look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors 8-9 June @NewbyHall https://t.co/TwwklM0YRm pic.twitter.com/LsgXtxuLf8
— Tractor Fest (@thetractorfest) March 5, 2024
- Location: Newby Hall, Ripon, North Yorkshire
- Date: Saturday 8th - Sunday 9th June 2024
Tractor Fest, the UK's largest vintage tractor and engine show, transforms the grounds of Newby Hall each year into a bustling hub of excitement.
With over 1600 exhibits and more than 12,000 visitors, it's a celebration of all things vintage and agricultural. And as a bonus, attendees get to explore the award-winning gardens and other attractions of this renowned country estate at the same time.
Father's Day Firepower at Kenilworth Castle
- Location: Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden
- Date: Saturday 15th - Sunday 16th June 2024
- Time: 10AM - 5PM
Does Dad love history? Treat him on Father's Day to a living history encampment!
There are exciting Jester displays and fire-eating demonstrations, plus the chance to see an incredible collection of historic weaponry.
It's worth noting that this event includes explosions and the sound of gunfire. The organisers recommend bringing ear defenders or speaking to a staff member if you're concerned.
Knights' Tournament at Bolsover Castle
- Location: Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire
- Date: Saturday 15th - Sunday 16th June 2024
- Time: 10AM - 5PM
Another brilliant event for Dad on Father's Day.
Witness four armoured knights and their squires engage in four intense rounds of combat, immersing yourself in the pageantry, excitement, and action of the fierce tournaments that once graced the castle in the 15th century.
It's great fun and perfect for those who love historical reenactments.
Father's Day Fun at Belsay Hall
- Location: Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens
- Date: Saturday 15th - Sunday 16th June 2024
- Time: 10AM - 5PM
Belsay isn't missing out on the Father's Day events either!
This is a great one for families who love animals and wildlife.
At this animal handling workshop, you'll compare the young ones to the dads and get a chance to interact closely with the wildlife. Plus, the Silly History Boys will entertain you with stories of famous dads and their children throughout history, letting you decide who was the ultimate dad!
Father's Day Falconry at Witley Court
- Location: Witley Court and Gardens, Worcestershire
- Date: Saturday 15th - Sunday 16th June 2024
- Time: 10AM - 5PM
And if you live in or near Worcestershire, take Dad out to Witley Court for a mesmerising Victorian Falconry demonstration.
Look up in wonder as an impressive array of birds take flight, gracing the skies above you, and learn more from expert falconers.
Catch the flying displays at 11:30am, 1:30pm, and 3:30pm. Please be aware that these times are approximate and subject to weather conditions.
Royal Ascot
- Location: Ascot, Berkshire
- Date: Tuesday 18th - Saturday 22nd June 2024
An incredibly popular event for equestrians and horse lovers, the Royal Ascot is a stage where champions are crowned, luxury is the norm, and style is celebrated like nowhere else.
Take in the spectacular racing, treat yourself to delicious food and drink, and enjoy the live music entertainment. Plus, it's a chance to showcase fashion at its best, so make sure you check out our mens and womens country lifestyle collection for all you need to look the part.
The Royal Cheshire County Show
- Location: Tabley, Knutsford, Cheshire
- Date: Tuesday 18th - Wednesday 19th June 2024
- Time: 8AM - 10PM (Tuesday), 8AM - 6PM (Wednesday)
If you live in Cheshire, this event is likely to be on your calendar every year. And for those who don't live in the area, trust us when we say it's worth travelling for!
A sneak peek at what's on:
- Livestock exhibits and competitions, agricultural machinery and vintage car displays, and much more - perfect for those who love learning about farming or seeing animals.
- Family friendly activities such as sheep shows, medieval reenactments, equestrian displays, and fairground rides.
- Live bands and musical performances, delicious street food, cooking demonstrations from celeb stars like Jean-Christophe Novelli (joined by Corrie's Samia Longchambon on Tuesday).
We've covered all you need to know about this fantastic event over on our blog already, so we encourage you to take a look at our full post.
The Royal Highland Show
- Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
- Date: Thursday 20th - Sunday 23rd June 2024
- Time: 20th - 22nd: 7AM - 8PM, 23rd: 7AM - 6PM
A celebration of all things Scottish, this traditional country show includes livestock exhibits, equestrian events, and sheep shearing demonstrations.
You can also spend your Saturday evening in style at the Royal Highland Hoolie by Farmer's Bash, including an exclusive appearance from “Cotton Eye Joe” chart toppers, Rednex.
Isle of Wight Festival
- Location: Seaclose Park, Newport
- Date: Thursday 20th - Sunday 23rd June 2024
Set against the fantastic backdrop of the Isle of Wight's countryside, this annual festival has become a highlight of the summer calendar.
Music lovers from around the globe are treated to an almost endless lineup of unforgettable performances from exciting artists. 2024 is no different!
- Thursday: Scouting for Girls, That Peter Crouch Podcast: Live, Dagny, Rick Parfitt Jnr Band
- Friday: The Prodigy, The Streets, Crowded House, The Darkness, The K's, The Bootleg Beatles, amongst others
- Saturday: Pet Shop Boys, Keane, Blossoms, Jessie J, S Club, Jake Shears, Natalie Imbruglia, amongst others
- Sunday: Green Day, Simple Minds, Nothing But Thieves, Zara Larsson, McFly, Picture This, Beverley Knight, amongst others
This is truly an iconic event that you don't want to miss out on.
Jane Austen Regency Week
- Location: Alton, Chawton and Selborne in Hampshire
- Date: Friday 21st - Sunday 30th June 2024
This annual 10-day festival is packed full of walks, dancing, tours, talks, and much more - all celebrating the internationally recognised writer, Jane Austen who was born in Hampshire.
You can enjoy exciting events such as:
- Jane Austen Trail (walk from Chawton to Alton)
- Jane Austen Town Walk (walking tour of Alton's buildings related to the writer)
- Jane Austen Literary Walk (circular walk from Chawton to Farringdon)
Regency costume is actively encouraged for all these events, so feel free to indulge in the spirit!
Shrewsbury Food Festival
- Location: Shrewsbury, Shropshire
- Date: Saturday 29th - Sunday 30th June 2024
- Time: 10AM - 6:30PM (Saturday) and 10AM - 5PM (Sunday)
Voted the Best Food Festival in the Midlands multiple times, this event in Shrewsbury is the perfect family fun day.
Here's what to look forward to:
- Listen and learn from expert chefs, plus let the youngsters join in the kids cook along.
- Children can burn off all their energy on the 400ft inflatable obstacle course, as well as learn about the concept of field to fork, including meeting animals!
- Treat yourself or pick up some gifts from the Home and Garden area, with independent businesses selling everything from homewares to flowers.
There is also plenty of live music and entertainment, so it's definitely the place to be that weekend.
Fylde Vintage and Farm Show
- Location: Fylde, Lancashire
- Date: Saturday 29th - Sunday 30th June 2024
600+ vehicles including working machinery and steam engines, farm area with livestock, fairground and tractor rides for the kids, The Big Sheep Show, live bands and singers - the list goes on for what's happening at this agricultural event!
Now in its 15th year, it remains a brilliant weekend out for families and friends.
Forest Live 2024
This major live music series, held by Forestry England, offers the ultimate concert experience in unique woodland settings across the country.
Forest Live 2024 will be held in six of the nation's forests across the country on dates throughout June and early July:
- Cannock Chase Forest, Staffordshire
- Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire
- Delamere Forest, Cheshire
- High Lodge, Thetford Forest, Suffolk
- Sherwood Pines, Nottinghamshire
- Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire
There are some incredible headline artists this year, from Tom Jones, Bryan Adams, Richard Ashcroft, and Sting to Anne-Marie and Becky Hill. Check out the different venues by clicking the links in the list above and find who's on where!
Forestry England plants over 7 million trees in England each year and protects trees and wildlife habitats from climate threats. So, by buying tickets and attending the event, you are helping to grow and protect our nation’s forests for generations to come.
Country Shows in June 2024
If you've been following our blog for a while, you'll know how much we love to share details on all the upcoming country and agricultural shows across the UK.
And we've rounded up a full list for June too!
| Show | Location | Date |
| Royal Cornwall Show | Cornwall | Thu, 6th - Sat, 8th June 2024 |
| Ardingly, West Sussex | Fri, 7th - Sun, 9th June 2024 | |
| Aberystwyth, Wales | Sat, 8th June 2024 | |
| Haughmuir, Brechin | Sat, 8th June 2024 | |
| Warwick on Eden, Carlisle |
Sat, 8th June 2024 | |
| Gogar Mains Farm Blairlogie |
Sat, 8th June 2024 | |
| Malvern, Worcestershire | Fri, 14th - Sun 16th June 2024 | |
| Eastrington, East Yorkshire |
Sat, 15th June 2024 | |
| Carmarthen, Wales | Sat, 15th June 2024 | |
| Kentwell Hall, Sudbury | Sat, 15th June 2024 | |
| Tabley, Knutsford | Tues, 18th - Weds, 19th June 2024 | |
| Grange-de-Lings, Lincolnshire | Weds, 19th - Thurs 20th June 2024 | |
| Edinburgh, Scotland | Thurs, 20th - Sun, 23rd June 2024 | |
| Elvaston, Derby | Sun, 23rd June 2024 | |
| Norfolk Showground, Norwich | Weds, 26th - Thurs, 27th June 2024 | |
| Haddington, East Lothian | Sat, 29th June 2024 | |
| Farnley Tyas, Huddersfield | Sat, 29th June 2024 | |
| Heveningham, Halesworth | Sat, 29th - Sun, 30th June 2024 | |
| Berkeley, Gloucestershire | Sun, 30th June 2024 |
Summary
Just before we sign off, make sure you add another date to your calendars: 20th June 2024. This is the official first day of summer and the longest day of the year, and, in our opinion, the perfect day for a hike in the beautiful countryside.
Let us know in the comments below if you're attending any of these events this month, or if there are any we've missed which you think need shown some love. We always love to hear from you.
We'll see you again next month!
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.
