County Shows

The great annual event on the countryside calendar has long been the local County Show. Some traditions never cease and, today the county show stills provides a glorious escape from daily routines and an opportunity for the great and good to show off their wares; let them polish their prize winning onions, garland their roses and let the ponies, cows, sheep, goats and chickens puff out their chests in pride - it’s time for the judges to do their judging and, well, time for the rest of us to sample local produce and browse attractions, idling the day away. They are always well attended and have something to please all the family. From Shows with Royal connections right down to those not much bigger than a village fete; County shows epitomise the great British summer and from May through to September, we think these few are certainly worth a visit.

May 2015

Heathfield Show: 23 May 2015. Heathfield, East Sussex

This one day show is held on the showground at Little Tottingworth Farm, Heathfield. With 1500 animal exhibitions and 250 stands it certainly packs a lot in. Livestock classes, local craft demonstrations and various arts & crafts and trade stands, its a great way to experience a taste of countryside life, Sussex style. A perfect day trip when staying in one of our properties over the May Bank Holiday.

The Royal Bath & West Show: 27 -30 May 2015. Shepton Mallet, Somerset

One of only six Royal shows held in the UK, the Royal Bath and West held over the course of 4 days is the jewel in the crown. Attracting over 150,000 visitors each year and offering 1000 trade stands, its a true celebration of rural life. There is plenty to see and do in the food halls, floral marquees, and events in the grand ring and various display rings across its 240 acre site. If you are staying in any one of our North Devon or Dorset cottages, we sincerely think a drive out and a day spent soaking up the very best that the West Country has to offer, will be a day well spent. We’re sure you won’t be disappointed.

July 2015

The Royal Norfolk Show: 1-2 July 2015. Norwich, Norfolk

Another one for the Monarchists, the Royal Norfolk Show has been displaying the delights of the Norfolk countryside since 1847, only missing 4 years of ‘show days’ in it’s lifetime. The largest two day show in England, it really is a corker. There is the usual wonderful variety of events going on, to keep the whole family entertained. It really is Norfolk’s biggest day out of the year and there’s plenty to see and do, with livestock classes, craft and food demonstrations, trade stands galore and a programme of thrilling events taking place in the main ring, it’s certainly worth a visit during your stay in Norfolk. Who knows, you may find yourself hobnobbing with Royalty.

The Great Yorkshire Show: 14 -16 July 2015. Harrogate, North Yorkshire

Held at the Great Yorkshire Showground on the outskirts of Harrogate this is a popular agricultural event for North Yorkshire so has a good attendance with lots to see. You will find numerous trade and craft stalls, demonstrations, livestock and different competitions going on in the event rings.

Royal Welsh Show: 20-23 July 2015. Llanelwedd Nr. Builth Wells

The largest agricultural show to be held in Europe since 1904, with many of the usual delights, such as food stalls, arts and crafts as well as plenty of livestock being judged and as well as horse and dog displays. The Royal Artillery Cavalry are regular visitors and put on a fantastic display. As with all the Royal shows, a senior member of the Royal Family will make their visit, so pop on your posh frock and add this to your list of activities whilst on holiday in Wales and enjoy a glorious day out amongst the happy crowds in the Welsh Countryside.

September 2015

Dorset County Show: 5 -6 September 2015. Dorchester, Dorset

Something to keep the summer feeling alive, held annually at the Dorchester showground this two day show has a whole host of things to see and do. A favourite amongst the show goers is the homecraft marquee where you can see flower arranging, cookery, arts, handicrafts, photography and an abundance more. No county show would be complete without all the horticultural and livestock exhibitors and the Dorset County show, doesn’t disappoint. There’s activities, shopping, entertainment and animals galore. It’s a perfect day out on your late summer holiday in Dorset, waving goodbye to the sunshine and welcoming in the autumn.