Tag Archives: County Show

September County Shows and Agricultural Show for a Family Day Out

August may have passed but that isn’t the end of the fun across the UK and Ireland, there are still plenty of great days out at County Shows, Country and Agricultural Shows and lots of Events throughout September 2012.

It may be tempting to see the beginning of September as the end of the Summer holidays (as schools are about to go back) but whether you are looking to make the most of the last few days of the school holidays, looking for something fun to do at the weekend or are looking to enjoy an event when there are slightly less people about then take a look at our County Show list for September 2012.

So what can you see this September?  A couple of the biggest County Shows are The Royal County of Berkshire Show and the Dorset County Show.  Other ones to look out for are the Kingsbridge Show (Devon), The Henley Show (Oxfordshire), Westmorland County Show (Cumbria), Yarrow Show (Selkirkshire) and the Usk Show (Monmouthshire).

Or how about the excitement of a ploughing match in Surrey – Surrey County Ploughing Match and Country Fair – or The Midlands Game and Country Fair?

You can find out more about these Shows and many others across Britain and Ireland by checking out our County Show list and clicking on the various September Shows.

If you want us to add a County Show, Agricultural Show, Country Show or event to our list simply get in touch via this blog, Facebook, twitter and we will be happy to include your event – there is no charge.

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Great Yorkshire Show 2012 Cancelled Due to Weather

Sad news… The Great Yorkshire Show, one of the UK’s leading county and agricultural Shows has been cancelled because of the unprecedented rain in recent weeks and months that have left the car parks unsafe to use.

The Great Yorkshire Show team have said “this is a heartbreaking decision for everyone who loves the Great Yorkshire Show and is involved in making it so special.  Refunds will be issued for visitors who have bought tickets in advance, please send your tickets back to us with your name and address and we will organise refunds as soon as we can. Or alternatively you can keep the tickets and use them for the 2013 Great Yorkshire Show.”

Although we like thousands of others are hugely disappointed, we wish the Great Yorkshire Show team all the best AND we look forward to seeing the Show bigger and better than ever in 2013.

Great Yorkshire Show Nearly Here – time running out to save with advanced tickets

The Great Yorkshire Show is fast approaching with the first day on Tuesday the 10th July which means there is not much time left if you want to save money on tickets by buying them in advance (closes 4th July).

This year the Show welcomes the Yorkshire Regiment (1st Battalion) who will exercise the Freedom of Harrogate in their Homecoming Parade at the Great Yorkshire Show on Tuesday 10 July.  185 soldiers are expected to march around the Main Ring in combat dress after recently returning from Afghanistan and this will be a brilliant site at the Showground.

The Great Yorkshire Show is England’s premier agricultural Show, held near Harrogate, so it’s a great family day out with so much to do and see including arts and crafts, competitions, cookery, livestock, hounds, rural country pursuits the list goes on and on.

If you are going to take in the Show on a short break or while on holiday we have some excellent self catering cottages, apartments and holiday flats in the Harrogate and Yorkshire region that would be perfect.

Find out more the Show, where to buy advanced tickets and some self catering holiday homes.

Source: Find Cottage Holidays

20% Off The New Forest and Hampshire Country Show

The New Forest and Hampshire County Show, held near Brockenhurst on the 24th to 26 th July 2012, is a super family day out and well worth making the effort to see.

The 2012 Show promises to be better than ever with all the Show favourites including Show Ring displays, Show Gardens (Flowers, Vegetables), Forestry Fun, Countryside and Tradition demonstrations, local produce and Animals galore. If that’s not enough to keep you entertained how about the Shetland Pony Grand National, the brand new attraction ‘One Man and His Dog’ – sheep dog displays, The Heavy Horse Musical Drive and the Solent Dog Display Team.

There is a Fun Factory for children that will keep them entertained all day with face painting, circus workshop, games and dance.  of course children will also love all the animals including pigs, sheep, cows, rabbits, birds, donkeys, horses & ponies, heavy horses, miniature horses, parade of hunting hounds, Heavy Horse Musical Drive & The Amazing Sheep Show.

The Countryside Area of the Show has some things that sound great fun…. Ferret and Terrier racing – need we say more!

Such a fun packed day – we can’t wait.  And the good news is that if you buy tickets in advance you can save up to 20% off your ticket.

Find out more about The New Forest and Hampshire County Show or buy tickets online

 

Source: Find Cottage Holidays

Last Day of South of England Show 2012

Today is your last chance to visit the South of England Show in 2012 and by the looks of the weather it will also be the best day to go along!

We went along to the Show yesterday and despite it being a bit blustery it was a brilliant day out for the whole family.  There was lots to see and do and you can certainly spend all day visiting the many tents, stands and getting up close with animals big and small.

Highlights of the day included the horses in the main arena, the superb Young Craftsman of the Year exhibits, the flower show, the craft stalls and (don’t tell anyone we said so) but the WI Tent for tea/cake and the competition winners. We also spent time with the goats, sheep and pigs!

Not surprisingly we spent quite a lot of time at the Food stalls.  We did end up having lunch at the Show to but beware that eating at the South of England Show is not cheap – most things start at £3-£4 so it can be expensive if with a family.  We suggest you take a picnic and some snacks with you and then enjoy some of the Shows cake and doughnut stands!!

We highly recommend the South of England Show – we are already planning to return next year!

Finally, if you are going today, don’t forget your wellies! There are plenty of decent paths but the car park and some of the food village are a little more challenging mud wise, so some wellies or sensible outdoor shoes are a must.

Book your Ticket for the South of England Show

It’s only a few weeks until the South of England Show, the premier Agricultural and Family Show in the heart of rural Sussex.  The Show is on from the 6th – 9th June 2012 and we have just bought our ticket, with advanced booking saving us £5 on a family ticket.

This year’s South of England Show promises lots of fun including exciting arena displays, entertainment and music, childrens activities, prize winning British livestock, World Class Show Jumping and Equestrian Events, Food and Farming.

And of course, there will be lots of competition for horticultural, gardening and arts & crafts.

Some of the Arena Displays lined up includes:

  • The Bolddog Lings Freestyle Motorcycle team
  • Royal British Legion Youth Band (Saturday)
  • Mid Downs Dog Agility (Thursday)
  • Inter Hunt Relay, Heavy Horse Turnouts, Hound Parades

And how about this for a selection of entertainment and music

  • Titan the Robot
  • Casablanca Steps
  • The Sheep Show
  • Countryside Displays
  • Vic Ellis One Man Band
  • Village Green

In fact there is so much to do and see, all of the family will find something to enjoy.

A Great Family Day Out at County Shows, County Fairs and Agricultural Shows

If you are looking for something to do this summer with the family then why not go to one of the many County Shows, County Fairs and Agricultural Shows across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

There is no better way to learn about the British and Irish countryside and the rural way of life.  A typical Show includes prize-winning live stock, pet shows, dog shows and every imaginable type of competition ranging from fruit and veg to arts and crafts.  Every County Show, County Fair or Agricultural Show will have its own unique flavour determined by the countryside in which it is set.

You will find plenty to entertain you whether it’s roaming around the Show’s competition marquees, beer tents, parade and show rings or simply chilling out watching the World go by.  Some of the bigger shows have star attractions so it is well worth checking out what’s happening where so you don’t miss anything.

To help you find a County Show to go and see we have compiled a list of some of the best known ones across the UK and Ireland, with the all important 2012 dates and contact/website details you need.  See our 2012 County Show Calendar

Going to a County Show?

If you are going to a County Show why not tell us about it and send us a best picture.  We would love to how you found the Show, what were the best bits, how was the parking, would you go again etc.  If you want to share your County Show experience add it here on our blog or why not upload your comments and pictures to the Find Cottage Holidays Facebook page.

County Show Organisers

If you organise a County Show, County Fair or Agricultural Show and would like to add your event to our list or add more details to your listing then simply contact us by posting here or on our Facebook page.