Your Essential Guide on What To Do in the British Countryside In August 2024
Welcome back to our monthly "What's On in the UK Countryside" guide! We've been so excited to see how much you all love these roundups, and we're here again to make sure you don't miss out on any of the fun this August.
With summer holidays in full swing, we know parents are on the lookout for ways to keep the the little ones entertained. Good news – the beautiful countryside is buzzing with family-friendly activities this month!
Whether you're a countryside local or just visiting, we hope this guide helps you find new adventures and create wonderful memories.
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.
Gloucestershire Vintage & Country Extravaganza
- Location: South Cerney Airfield, Cirencester
- Date: Friday 2nd - Sunday 4th August 2024
- Time: 10AM - 5PM
With 50 years of experience under their belt, this event is considered one of the biggest and best steam, vintage, and countryside events in the UK.
If you love your cars, this is definitely the best place to be! You can enjoy viewing a huge range of over 1,000 classic cars from pre and post war, including steam engines, buses and coaches, military machines, pushbikes, tractors, vintage caravans, and much more.
There's also a vintage fun fair, countryside and animal arenas, trade stands and craft stalls, and a new event for 2024 - Vintage Entertainment Tent. Here, there is live music, lindy hop dancing, hair, and fashion through the eras.
Disney Through the Decades at Farmer Palmer's Farm Park
- Location: Farmer Palmers Farm Park, Dorset
- Date: Thurs 8th August 2024 & Thurs 22nd August 2024
- Time: 11:30AM - 1PM
Described as a "Disney-inspired extravaganza", this is a fantastic one for the little ones over the summer holidays. Dressing up is absolutely encouraged - even the adults, we're sure!
You can enjoy songs from favourite Disney films, and then spend the rest of the day at the farm itself, as the event is included in your ticket price.
There are other great things happening there during August too, like Foam Fridays and Meet Dinosaur Squeak, so it's well worth checking out if you're in the area.
English National Sheepdog Trials 2024
- Location: Princetown, Devon
- Date: Thursday 8th - Sunday 11th August
- Time: TBC
These trials are organised by the International Sheep Dog Society, and there are five main trials held each year within the UK and Ireland. Alongside this one in England, there is also the following:
- The Welsh National trials are held on Wednesday 14th - Friday 16th August at Pontrhydfendigaid, Ystrad Meurig.
- The Scottish National trials are held on Wednesday 28th - Saturday 31st August at the Farr Estate, Inverness.
- The Irish National trials are held on Thursday 22nd - Saturday 24th August in Clonmany, Co. Donegal.
- The International Sheepdog Championship is held on Thursday 12th - Saturday 14th September 2024 at Syde Farm, Carmichael, Biggar, Lanarkshire.
On the day, as well as the exciting sheepdog trials, you can also enjoy the country craft fair, children's area, and pick up some delicious food and drink.
Shrewsbury Flower Show
- Location: Shrewsbury, Shropshire
- Date: Friday 9th - Saturday 10th August 2024
- Time: 8.30AM (members) or 10AM (non members)
Known as one of the UK's best flower show events, this is certainly one for the green thumb enthusiasts out there.
Beyond the flower displays, there is also live music (including a Take That tribute band), food stalls, fireworks, and so much more. It promises to be a lovely day out for all.
Wiltshire Game & Country Fair
- Location: Bowood, Wiltshire
- Date: Saturday 10th - Sunday 11th August 2024
- Time: 10AM - 6PM
This family friend day out celebrates the heart of rural life by bringing together a wide range of country sports, food stalls, and lots of children's activities.
The World of Dogs display remains popular every year, and you can also have a go at shooting, as well as take part in fishing demonstrations and lessons. Craft stalls will be open for you to pick up some great goodies, and the Chainsaw Carving Area is also worth checking out.
It's held in the grounds of Bowood House, so you can also enjoy the beautiful British countryside while you're there!
Biddenden Tractorfest
- Location: Holden Farm, Biddenden
- Date: Saturday 17th - Sunday 18th August 2024
- Time: 10AM - 5PM
Over 200 tractors, plus steam engines, horticultural machinery, stationary engines, classic cars and emergency vehicles, are on display at this great weekend event in the Kent countryside.
You can also take in lots of live music, food and drink stalls, children's entertainment, and animal and arena displays, such as falconry and a fun dog show.
This festival is in its 10th year and is a popular family day out if you live nearby.
New Forest Food Festival
- Location: Hinton Admiral Events Field, Hampshire
- Date: Saturday 17th - Sunday 18th August 2024
- Time: 10AM - 5PM
This is a first-time event for 2024, and it's all about delicious food and drink - eating, trying something new, and getting masterclasses from incredible chefs.
Craft baking, organic local brews, artisan cheeses, pop-up eateries, and so much more. The advice given by the event is to pace yourself, as you'll want to try everything!
There's also a fantastic craft market on, so you can pick up something handmade with love - perhaps as a gift or just to treat yourself. Plus, kids can enjoy smoothie-mixing, welly wanging, and bushcraft!
Between The Trees
- Location: Candleston Wood Campsite, Merthyr Mawr
- Date: Thurs 22nd - Sunday 25th August 2024
- Time: Thurs 1PM (For Campers with a Kinfolk Ticket), Friday 12PM (General Admission)
Set in the beautiful Merthyr Mawr National Nature Reserve - one of Wales’ Sites of Special Scientific Interest - this 4-day festival has one main goal: to reconnect people to the natural world.
It bills itself as a "nature and science-themed, indie-folk festival in a Welsh woodland by the sea." There are talks and walks, workshops, live music, and children's activities, so it looks like there will be lots to keep you entertained all weekend long.
Rye International Jazz & Blues Festival
- Location: St Mary's Church, Rye
- Date: Thurs 22nd - Monday 26th August 2024
- Time: 11AM - 8PM
This incredible annual music festival is in its twelfth year and is held in the beautiful historic town of Rye.
Love Jazz, Blues, Roots, Soul, Funk, Latin, or Cuban music? There will be performances from all these genres for you to enjoy.
There are both free and ticketed events on around the town, with headline concerts likely to sell out.
UK Carfest 2024
- Location: Laverstoke Park Farm, Hampshire
- Date: Friday 23rd - Sunday 25th August 2024
- Time: TBC
One of the biggest events happening in August, Car Fest is proud to support several UK Children's Charities like Rainbow Trust and Children in Need.
You can admire the fastest cars, dance to some of the UK's best bands and artists, take part in food demonstrations from top chefs, and meet lots of famous faces!
This year, they've got musicians like Richard Ashcroft and Olly Murs attending, celebrities like Rob Brydon and James May, chefs like Angela Hartnett and Atul Kochhar, and authors like JoJo Moyes and Adele Parks.
The Big Feastival
- Location: Alex James' Farm, Cotswolds
- Date: Friday 23rd - Sunday 25th August 2024
- Time: TBC
Headlined by Becky Hill and Snow Patrol, this musical festival is dubbed "Glastonbury, but with lots more delicious food".
It's held on Blur bassist Alex James' farm, and it brings together some of the UK's biggest artists, Michelin star chefs, award-winning street food, and family fun activities. So it's a great way to spend the bank holiday weekend this summer.
Ice Cream Festival at Kent Life Farm Park
- Location: Kent Life, Maidstone, Kent
- Date: Saturday 24th - Monday 26th August 2024
- Time: 10AM - 5PM
If you've got a sweet tooth, you'll definitely want to head to Kent Life Farm Park on bank holiday weekend! They are hosting ice cream vendors with plenty of different flavours to try, plus a dedicated toppings station with syrups, sprinkles, and more.
The information on the website states that there will be dairy free and vegan options available.
There is a full day's worth of activities to keep the kids busy too, including an Owl Flying Demo and Feed the Alpacas.
World Bog Snorkelling Championships
- Location: Llanwrtyd Wells, Wales
- Date: Sunday 25th August 2024
- Time: 10AM onwards
Llanwrtyd Wells is all about 'Green Events', and this fun and wacky one is extremely popular!
Wearing a facemask, snorkel tube, and flippers, you are only allowed to doggy paddle with your arms below the water as you try to beat the record for fastest bog snorkeller across 120 yards. It's held at the Waen Rydd bog, and the current record is 1 minute 12.34 seconds.
There are plenty of food and drink stalls, live music, and a bar on site to keep those not wanting to take the plunge well occupied.
Chatsworth Country Fair
- Location: Chatsworth, Derbyshire
- Date: Friday 30th August - Sunday 1st September 2024
- Time: 9AM onwards
Considered one of England's most spectacular annual outdoor events, you can look forward to 3 days worth of everything from Grand Ring entertainment to cooking masterclasses and a vintage fun fair.
This year, you can expect to see celebrity chefs like Ainsley Harriott, James Martin, and Nadiya Hussain, and there is so much for the kids to do as well. They can 'have-a-go' at country sports like clay pigeon shooting or fishing, enjoy exotic animal encounters, and get their face painted.
It's a firm family favourite held in the 1000-acre parkland surrounding the beautiful Chatsworth House in the English countryside of the Peak District.
UK Country Shows in August 2024
As always, we've rounded up some excellent country shows that are on this month, so make sure you add them to your calendar if you live nearby. They never disappoint with lots of animals, entertainment, food and drink, and activities to keep the kids busy.
| Show | Location | Date |
| Dumfries Show | Dumfries, Scotland | 3rd August 2024 |
| Garstang Show | Garstang, Preston | 3rd August 2024 |
| Skye Agricultural Show | Portree, Isle of Skye | 3rd August 2024 |
| Trefeglwys Show | Trefeglwys, Caersws | 3rd August 2024 |
| Revesby Country Fair | Revesby Park, Revesby | 3rd August 2024 |
| Cunningsburgh Show | Cunningsburgh | 7th August 2024 |
| North Devon Show | Umberleigh Barton, Umberleigh | 7th August 2024 |
| Pembroke Town & Country Show | Lamphey | 7th August 2024 |
| Grantown Show | Grantown on Spey | 8th August 2024 |
| Hinderwell Show | Saltburn-By-Sea | 9th August 2024 |
| Aberfeldy Show | Aberfeldy | 9th - 10th August 2024 |
| Dalston Show | Dalston | 10th August 2024 |
| Eglwysbach Show | Eglwysbach | 10th August 2024 |
| Halifax Agricultural Show | Halifax | 10th August 2024 |
| Kinross Show | Kinross | 10th August 2024 |
| Newton Abbot Country Show | Newton Abbot | 10th August 2024 |
| Ripley Show | Ripley Castle Park, Harrogate | 11th August 2024 |
| Anglesey County Show | Gwalchmai, Holyhead | 13th - 14th August 2024 |
| Bute Agricultural Show | Rothesay, Isle of Bute | 14th August 2024 |
| Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show | Motcombe | 14th - 15th August 2024 |
| Pembrokeshire County Show | Pembrokeshire | 14th - 15th August 2024 |
| Chagford Show | Mill End, Chagford | 15th August 2024 |
| Framlingham Country Show | Framlingham | 17th - 18th August 2024 |
| Dufton Agricultural Show | Dufton, Appleby-in-Westmorland | 24th August 2024 |
| Wensleydale Show | Wensleydale | 24th August 2024 |
| Egham Royal Show | Egham | 24th - 25th August 2024 |
| Leicestershire County Show | Market Harborough | 25th- 26th August 2024 |
| Winchcombe Country Show | Winchcombe School, Cheltenham |
26th August 2024 |
| Chatsworth Country Fair | Chatsworth, Bakewell |
30th August - 1st Sept 2024 |
Summary
We're crossing our fingers for good weather this month so we can all get out and enjoy everything the countryside has to offer. But just in case, we've got our wellies and lightweight waterproofs ready to go. After all, a little rain never stopped a true countryside lover!
Are you planning to attend any of these fantastic events? Share your plans and tips with us in the comments – we always enjoy hearing about your adventures.
Here's to a fabulous August filled with fun, family, and all the joys of rural living.
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.
