You can't beat a good old-fashioned county show. Like a microcosm of the wider countryside, they bring together almost every aspect of rural living, from cattle displays, sheep herding and pig shows, to the region's finest tractors and other farm machinery.
Trade stands offer visitors the chance to browse local crafts – woodwork, jewellery, ceramics – and sample local foods, such as cheeses, meats and jams.
There are often cookery masterclasses, falconry displays and chainsaw competitions, as well as funfairs, live music and talks from celebrities and rural experts.
Almost every county has its own country show, meaning the chances are you'll be able to find one near you, no matter where you live. Our guide explores some the best country shows in the UK, including the Royal Highland Show, the Devon County Show, the Royal Welsh Show and the historic Great Yorkshire Show.
What do I wear to a country show?
Like any outdoor festival, much depends on the weather. Some country shows have dedicated walkways with matting to minimise the field getting churned up, and others are set on grass. So be as stylish as you like, but keep it practical with flat shoes or boots from the knees down.
Britain's best country shows and county fairs in 2023
Devon County Show
Clyst St Mary, 18 – 20 May
Cattle, sheep, pigs, dairy goats, Angora goats, cavies, pigeons, heavy horses, poultry, rabbits, and alpacas – the Devon County Show knows how to put on an animal party! Alongside this impressive list of country creatures, there will be craft stands, garden features, vintage tractor displays, floral art, and mouth-watering local food stalls. This year, BBC Gardeners World presenter Joe Swift who will be visiting the show – drop in on the morning of 19 May to meet him. devoncountyshow.co.uk
Staffordshire County Show
Staffordshire County Showground, 31 May – 1 June
Start the summer season with a bang at the Staffordshire County Show, where there will be a full Main Ring programme of showjumping, the Parade of Hounds, the Bolddog Lings Motorcycle Display Team, and the Grand Parade of Livestock. Families will love the falconry, the Quack Pack (a sheepdog and duck display) and the Ferret Roadshow, as well as horse-shoeing competitions, a climbing wall, and amazing giant tortoises. staffscountyshowground.co.uk
Royal Cornwall Show
Wadebridge, 8 – 10 June
Cornwall’s biggest agricultural show returns to the riverside town of Wadebridge this year with a jam-packed schedule. Meet the producers of the county’s finest food and drink, wander among gorgeous floral displays at the flower show, and learn all about Cornwall’s rural heritage, arts and crafts. royalcornwallshow.org
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Lincolnshire Show
Lincoln, 21 – 22 June
Fly pasts from classic aviation aircraft, showjumping, BMX displays and amazing agricultural machinery are among the many spectacles set to feature at the Lincoln Showground this year. lincolnshireshow.co.uk
Royal Highland Show
Edinburgh, 22–25 June
The parading belted Galloways, Highlands and Belgian blues are a real highlight at the Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh. Marvel at these beautiful cattle breeds before making the most of the rest of the show. Don’t miss the sheep-shearers, horse-shoers and pole-climbers. Why not download the Royal Highland Show app to help you navigate the showground? royalhighlandshow.org
Kent County Show
Delting, 7 – 9 July
Experience all the fun of a classic country fair in the 'Garden of England'. The Kent County Show is a Countryfile favourite, full of animals, tasty food, demonstrations and hundreds of exhibitors. kcas.org.uk/kent-county-show
Great Yorkshire Show
Harrogate, 11 – 14 July
Held at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate from 11-14 July, this show explores the best of British agriculture. It's non-stop action with star horseman Lorenzo set to wow crowds once again when he takes to the Main Ring each day. Then there are garden shows, fabulous food, gin and prosecco bars, and more guest appearances. Download a free digital show map for 2023.
greatyorkshireshow.co.uk
Sutherland Show
Dornoch Links, 22 July
The Sutherland Show began in 1951 to showcase the vitality and productivity of Sutherland in north Scotland, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the North Sea. The show aims to reflect this diverse landscape with it wide range of sheep, cattle, horses and ponies, as well as a dog show. There will also be a food and crafts tent, cookery demonstrations, the funfair and live music. sutherlandshow.com
Mid Devon Show
Knightshayes, Chettiscombe, Tiverton, 22 July
Celebrate Mid Devon’s farm life with a range of local produce, livestock, competitions, music and horticulture. This award-winning show offers displays from owls to ferrets in the countryside arena, vibrant shopping stands, food halls and lots of activities for children, including archery and fairground rides. middevonshow.co.uk
Royal Welsh Show
Llanelwedd, 24 – 27 July
This exciting four-day show includes livestock competitions, forestry and horticulture displays, crafts, countryside sports, shopping, food and drink. rwas.wales/royal-welsh
Adam Henson: Why county shows are a delight of summer
Countryfile's Adam Henson celebrates the joys and excitements of the local county show, a tradition going back generations for British farmers
Vale of Glamorgan Agricultural Show
Penllyn, 9 August
Celebrate the 251th anniversary of the Vale of Glamorgan Agricultural Society with a visit to the Vale's historic show, this year held at Penllyn. The usual community spirit will be in full flow, with livestock and horse shows, more than 200 trade stands, a craft fair, horticultural show, dog show and rabbit show – phew! valeofglamorganshow.co.uk
Wensleydale Agricultural Show
Leyburn, 26 August
This traditional Yorkshire Dales show in North Yorkshire features a huge range of competitive classes including the very best of local livestock, horticulture and crafts. Don't miss the stone walling events and Wensleydale sheep.
wensleydaleshow.org.uk
Dorset County Show
Dorchester Showground, 2 – 3 September
You're never far from an animal at the Dorset County Show. Sheep, cattle, horses, chickens, rabbits and even bees will all be on show. Fancy making a weekend of it? Why not camp at the show? dorsetcountyshow.co.uk
Somerset County Show
Taunton Racecourse, 16 – 17 september
Discover the very best of Somerset at the county's famous agricultural show. Perhaps the highlight of the show is the Somerset Mini Grand National – not horses but ponies! Also at the event are classic cars, dog trials, live music, artisan stalls, and inspiring cookery demonstrations. Mobility scooters are available to hire. somersetcountyshow.co.uk
