What To Do in the British Countryside In November 2024
As the nights draw in and the air gets a bit crisper, November marks a time of reflection and celebration. Bonfire Night on the 5th brings the crackle of fireworks and the warmth of blazing bonfires, an evening that’s sure to light up the countryside. The following week, we’ll come together for Remembrance Day on the 11th to honour those who served. And on the 30th, St Andrew’s Day is a day for the Scots to raise a glass and celebrate their culture with friends and family.
This month is also about getting into the winter spirit with Christmas festive events starting to pop up across the country. And for us, November at Hollands Country Clothing always brings with it one thing: the annual debate in our warehouse about whether it's too early to start playing Christmas songs...
However, we appreciate that our warehouse team’s musical preferences might not be top of mind for everyone! Fortunately, there are plenty of other, much more exciting events happening across the countryside this month that we're here to share.
So, without further ado, here's our monthly round-up for November 2024.
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.
Great British Game Week at Mortimer Arms
- Location: The Mortimer Arms, Romsey Road, Ower, Hampshire
- Date: 4th - 10th November 2024
Head over to The Mortimer Arms for Eat Wild's Great British Game Week, where locally sourced game takes the spotlight. Enjoy delicious dishes featuring venison, wild boar, and pheasant.
If you caught our previous blog, you’ll know we’re fans of venison as a Christmas dinner option, and this is the perfect chance to try it out!
There will be lots of other restaurants taking part in this week too, so ask around your local area to find out which.
Chester Literature Festival
- Location: Storyhouse, Hunter Street, Chester, Cheshire
- Date: 6th - 16th November 2024
- Time: Various
Each year, Chester becomes a hub of creative energy for book lovers, with discussions, readings, workshops, and book signings filling the schedule.
This year’s lineup features well-known names like Ruby Wax, Simon Reeve, Lucy Worsley, Mackenzie Crook, George The Poet, and Shaparak Khorsandi. It's a fantastic annual festival perfect for readers, writers, and anyone who just loves a good story!
Christmas at Chatsworth
- Location: Chatsworth House, Bakewell, Derbyshire
- Date: 9th November 2024 - 5th January 2025
- Time: 9AM - 4.30PM
Henry and the Lion's Christmas Feast is the theme of this year's Christmas events happening at Chatsworth. Through the 20 rooms of the house, you'll follow young Henry Cavendish on his adventure to find the legendary Chatsworth lion, who is also seeking a festive feast!
Outside, enjoy an interactive light trail that highlights some of Chatsworth’s beautiful gardens, finishing with an animated projection on the house. The farmyard will be dressed for the season, where visitors can meet friendly animals, participate in guinea pig cuddling sessions, and enjoy Christmas crafts in the woodland adventure playground.
Tickets provide access to the house, gardens, and farmyard. Plus, if you visit between 9th November and 1st December, you’ll also gain entry to the Christmas market.
Newark Vintage Tractor & Heritage Show
- Location: Newark Showground, Newark-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire
- Date: 9th - 10th November 2024
- Time: 9AM - 5PM (Saturday), 9AM - 3.30PM (Sunday)
If you love classic farm machinery, the Newark Vintage Tractor & Heritage Show is the place to be. This annual event showcases over 850 vintage tractors, including impressive models from the 1930s, making it a real treat for enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
There will also be rare breed livestock displays and cookery demonstrations, so there’s plenty of variety to keep the whole family entertained.
Anglesey Winter Show
- Location: The Showground, Holyhead, Anglesey
- Date: 9th - 10th November 2024
- Time: Gates open 9AM
This two-day event has something for everyone, from livestock and equine displays to local produce exhibitors and a dog show.
You’ll also find craft stalls and impressive machinery, all set up under cover in the Jones Bros Pavilion and Cadarn Hall. Whether you're a farmer or just looking for a great day out with your family, it's a brilliant way to experience the best of Anglesey’s rural life!
The November Meeting at Cheltenham
- Location: Cheltenham Racecourse
- Date: 15th November 2024 - 17th November 2024
- Time: Various
- Countryside Day: Gates open at 10:30 AM, with the first race at 1:10 PM.
- Paddy Power Day: Gates open at 10:00 AM, and the first race kicks off at 12:35 PM.
- Sunday: Gates open at 10:30 AM, with the first race at 1:10 PM.
The November Meeting at Cheltenham is set for an exciting weekend of jump racing. And while you’re there, you can also explore the Shopping Village and enjoy some live music.
It’s a family-friendly event with something for everyone.
The Sandringham Christmas Craft, Food & Gift Fair
- Location: Sandringham Estate, Sandringham, Norfolk
- Date: 15th - 17th November 2024
- Time: 10AM - 5PM
For a festive family day out, the Sandringham Christmas Fair is a great stop for anyone getting ready for the season. You’ll find a huge selection of handcrafted items made by local artisans, with plenty of chances to watch them at work.
Food lovers will also be in for a treat, with plenty of stalls offering everything from locally sourced goodies to seasonal favourites. And if you're looking for some cooking inspiration, there are live demonstrations from chefs in the Country Kitchen to spark ideas for your Christmas dinner.
The festive atmosphere is completed with live music, entertainers, and a Christmas village, including meet and greet Christmas Elves for the children.
Buxton Weekend Bazaar & Christmas Lights Switch-On
- Location: The Pavilion Gardens, St John's Rd, Buxton
- Date: 16th - 17th November 2024
- Time: 10AM - 4.30PM
Get into the festive spirit at the Buxton Weekend Bazaar, where over 40 stalls will be offering a wonderful range of Christmas treats. From seasonal food and drink to handcrafted gifts, jewellery, and decorations, it’s a great spot for picking up special presents for your loved ones.
The event also features plenty of festive fun for the family, with Santa’s Grotto, children's rides, and hot food and drink available both indoors and out along the Promenade. Adding to the magic, Chapterhouse Theatre Company will be performing A Christmas Carol throughout the weekend, making it an even more special event.
And if that’s not enough, the festivities continue with an evening event on the 23rd November - the brilliant Dickensian Ball at The Assembly Rooms.
The English Winter Fair and National Pedigree Calf Show
- Location: Staffordshire County Showground, Weston Road, Stafford
- Date: 16th - 17th November 2024
- Time: 8AM - 6PM (Saturday), 8AM - 5PM (Sunday)
The English Winter Fair is a full weekend of livestock, produce, and carcass competitions, all within the comfort of heated, indoor halls at the Staffordshire County Showground.
The National Pedigree Calf Show, part of the English Winter Fair, will feature five top breeds: British Limousin, Charolais, Blue, Simmental, and Native/Continental. Classes for bull and heifer calves in each breed will culminate in section champions, who will then compete for the Inter-Breed Championship.
Then exhibitors and YFC members are invited to the Winter Fair Supper at 7:30 PM on the 16th, featuring a two-course meal and entertainment from the Lee Cotter Disco.
Wensleydale Craft Fair
- Location: The Market House, Market Place, Hawes, Wensleydale, North Yorkshire
- Date: 16th November 2024 - 17th November 2024
- Time: 10:00 am - 4:30 pm
Located in the Market House, this annual event features up to 28 tables showcasing a variety of arts and handmade crafts from local and regional artisans.
It’s a perfect outing for families, offering a friendly atmosphere to explore unique Christmas gifts and crafts. With free parking and level access, it’s easy to visit and enjoy all the creativity on display.
Lights of Abraham - Winter Lights Trail 2024
- Location: The Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath
- Date: 22nd November 2024 - 30th December 2024
- Time: 4:30PM - 9:00PM
This exciting light trail is perfect for families, particularly those with young children.
You'll walk along the festoon-lit riverside walkway before boarding your gondola and enjoying a moonlit cable car flight across the river. Then, once you're up at the summit, the trail begins and you'll see illuminated gardens, twinkling herons, fairy gathering, giant stars, an enchanted forest, and colourful surprises. It sounds absolutely magical!
The Vista Bar, Treetops Cafe, and Snap Tin catering unit will be open for refreshments, so you can make an evening of it.
The Cornish Winter Fair
- Location: Royal Cornwall Events Centre, Cornwall
- Date: 23th - 24th November 2024
- Time: 10AM - 5PM (Saturday), 10AM - 4PM (Sunday)
Held entirely indoors at the Royal Cornwall Events Centre in Wadebridge, this fantastic event holds the perfect chance to explore the best of local farming and food production.
On Saturday, you can catch the Wadebridge Prime Stock Show, while the Winter Market runs throughout both days. You’ll find plenty of farm animals to see up close and a fun educational zone that teaches about farming and food in the area. Plus, there’s a chance for the kids (and adults!) to try their hand at milking a mock cow!
If you're on the hunt for some early Christmas gifts, the market is packed with local food, drink, and crafts, where you can chat with producers, sample their goods, and find unique Cornish treats.
South of England Winter Fair
- Location: The South of England Showground, West Sussex
- Date: 23th - 24th November 2024
- Time: 9AM - 5PM (Saturday), 9AM - 4PM (Sunday)
The South of England Winter Fair is more than just a shopping event; though you’ll certainly find plenty of local artisan produce and unique gifts from independent traders. Along with picking up Christmas goodies, you can snap a festive photo inside the giant snow globe, perfect for the family Christmas card!
You can enjoy some street food while enjoying live music, let the kids have a whirl on the funfair rides, or pop by Santa’s grotto. There are also lots of workshops where you can try your hand at wreath-making or decorating festive chocolates.
The Rural Living Show
- Location: King's College Prep School, Taunton, Somerset
- Date: 23th - 24th November 2024
- Time: 10AM - 5PM (Saturday), 10AM - 4PM (Sunday)
Kick off the festive season in style at The Rural Living Show, an annual Christmas fair just outside Taunton, perfect for picking up unique gifts and treats from the South West.
There are over 130 stalls to shop at, with specialists crafts, artisan foods, and creative demonstrations. Both adults and kids will love it!
This is a lovely way to spend your weekend, soaking up the festive atmosphere and supporting local makers at the same time.
Royal Welsh Winter Fair
- Location: Royal Welsh Showground, Powys
- Date: 25th - 26th November 2024
- Time: Gates open 8AM
For two days in late November, the Royal Welsh Winter Fair offers a fantastic celebration of British farming.
Known as one of the UK's top primestock events, it attracts farmers, livestock enthusiasts, and countryside lovers alike. The real highlight of the fair is the impressive livestock competitions, featuring over 1,400 entries in livestock and equine categories, as well as demonstrations of poultry, hounds, and farriery.
You can also explore 300 tradestands showcasing everything from festive Christmas gifts to beautiful floral art and antiques. And don't miss the ever-popular Food Hall, bursting with local produce and live cookery demonstrations, making it a great place to pick up treats for the season.
The Great Yorkshire Christmas Fair 2024
- Location: Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate
- Date: 28th November - 1st December 2024
- Time: Thurs - Sat 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Sun 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
The Great Yorkshire Christmas Fair is set to bring festive cheer to the region with 180 exhibitors showcasing a fantastic range of products. From unique gifts and seasonal decorations to delicious food treats, there’s plenty for you to explore.
If you need a refuelling break during your shopping, you can take your pick from two large restaurants, a café, and even a champagne bar!
Music and Lights at NT Fountains Abbey
- Location: Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, Ripon
- Date: 30th November - 29th December 2024
- Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Experience the festive charm of Fountains Abbey with this seasonal event. From late November, the abbey will be beautifully lit with a rainbow of colours.
Music and Lights takes place each weekend leading up to Christmas, with live music from 2 PM to 3 PM in the cellarium. It’s a wonderful way to get into the Christmas spirit!
The estate will close at 5 PM, and there’s no need to book ahead; it’s included with your regular admission.
Summary
We hope our round-up has sparked some inspiration for your November outings. We'll be bringing you a special Christmas edition next month, so make sure you've signed up to our newsletter to see all the biggest events for the festive season.
And, of course, please feel free to help settle our warehouse team debate by letting us know your stance on Christmas music… after Bonfire Night, perhaps?
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.
