Yorkshire, with its rolling dales and picturesque landscapes, has a rich agricultural heritage. The region’s agricultural shows provide a unique opportunity to experience the heart of rural life, showcasing everything from livestock competitions to craft demonstrations and family fun. Let’s take a tour of some of Yorkshire’s most renowned agricultural shows.
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Aldborough and Boroughbridge Show
Location: Newby Hall
Every year, at the end of July, the Aldborough and Boroughbridge Show takes place, offering visitors a diverse range of attractions. From agricultural and horticultural showcases to thrilling displays like dog agility, vintage vehicle parades, and heavy horse working demonstrations, this show is a delightful day out for all.
Arthington Agricultural Show
Location: Pool-Wharfedale
Set against the backdrop of Pool-Wharfedale’s scenic Bridge, the Arthington Agricultural Show is a fantastic family day out. Witness captivating show jumping, sheep and cattle exhibitions, and a medley of country crafts in July.
Bingley Show
Location: Myrtle Park, Bingley
The Bingley Show, held in July at Myrtle Park, offers a fascinating array of countryside activities. Conveniently accessible from Bradford, Leeds, Ilkley, and Harrogate, it’s a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in rural life.
Bishop Wilton Show
Location: Stamford Bridge and Pocklington, East Yorkshire
Located just outside Stamford Bridge and Pocklington in East Yorkshire, the Bishop Wilton Showground transforms into a hub of activity in late July. It features farm animal competitions, children’s activities, craft tents, show dances, and even a fun dog zone.
Countryside Live at Great Yorkshire Showground
Location: Harrogate Showground
Countryside Live at Harrogate Showground in late October is your chance to experience the essence of the countryside all in one place. With over 90% of the event under cover, you can enjoy a fantastic day regardless of the weather.
Egton, near Whitby Agricultural Show
Location: Egton, Yorkshire Coast
Egton Show, situated on the Yorkshire Coast, ranks among the largest village shows in the country. It celebrates diverse country pursuits, from wrought iron and farrier displays to goat, ferret, beekeeping, produce, handicrafts, and children’s sections.
Emley Show
Location: Emley Moor Mast, Huddersfield
Emley Show, held just outside Huddersfield, offers spectacular Yorkshire countryside views beneath Emley Moor Mast. You can enjoy a wide range of activities, including agricultural events, crafts, and family entertainment, in early August.
Farndale Show
Location: North York Moors National Park
The Farndale Agricultural Show, nestled in the North York Moors National Park near Rosedale Abbey, promises a delightful experience. Highlights include dog displays, flying shows, and demonstrations like sheep shearing and wool spinning every August Bank Holiday.
Gargrave Show
Location: Eshton Hall, near Skipton
Gargrave Show, held in the grounds of Eshton Hall just outside Gargrave and near Skipton, is a fantastic family day out. It features farm animal, horticulture, handicrafts classes, show jumping, fell running, sheepdog trials, and family fun events in August.
Great Yorkshire Show
Location: Harrogate
The Great Yorkshire Show is the pinnacle of agricultural events in the region. Attracting over 125,000 visitors annually, it offers a comprehensive showcase of Yorkshire’s agricultural prowess. Join the festivities in July!
Halifax Agricultural Show
Location: West Yorkshire
The Halifax Agricultural Show is a remarkable family day out in West Yorkshire. It combines traditional and modern classes and entertainment, with thousands of exhibits and a wide range of competitions.
Hinderwell Horse and Agricultural Society Show
Location: Runswick Bay, Yorkshire Heritage Coast
Hinderwell Show, set near Runswick Bay on the Yorkshire Heritage Coast, provides delightful family entertainment. Witness various skills and animals competing in a friendly atmosphere every August.
Keighley Show
Location: Keighley
Keighley Agricultural Show is a vibrant event featuring a wide range of showcasing sections, from pigeons and ferrets to rabbits, guinea pigs, Pygmy goats, and show jumping. It’s an exciting and diverse day out in September.
Kilnsey Show
Location: Upper Wharfedale, Kilnsey Crag
Kilnsey Agricultural Show, held under the iconic Kilnsey Crag, presents a fantastic blend of attractions. Explore dry stone walling, produce displays, handicrafts, horticulture, equestrian events, fell races, and harness racing every August.
Malhamdale Show
Location: Malhamdale, Yorkshire Dales
Malham Show, in the heart of beautiful Malhamdale in the Yorkshire Dales, is a cherished tradition. Taking place on August Bank Holiday Saturday, it features a backdrop of the stunning Malham Cove.
Malton Show
Location: Scampston Park, Malton
The Malton Show boasts agricultural attractions, farm exhibits, and class entries, making it a comprehensive showcase of rural life. You’ll find this event in Scampston Park, North Yorkshire, between York and Scarborough in early July.
Masham Sheep Fair
Location: Masham, Lower Wensleydale
The Masham Sheep Fair in Lower Wensleydale pays tribute to a bygone era when thousands of sheep were sold annually. The festival fills Masham with sheep-related fun and entertainment every last weekend of September.
Mirfield Show
Location: Mirfield, West Yorkshire
Mirfield Show, an award-winning family day out, is easily accessible from Huddersfield and Leeds. It features farm animal classes and entertaining activities like welly-wanging, llama agility, tug of war, and marching bands in August.
Muker Agricultural Show
Location: Swaledale, Muker Village
Muker Agricultural Show, set in the meadows of Muker village in Swaledale, offers a charming experience. Enjoy events like Fell Racing, Sheep Dog Trials, and live music from the Muker Band in September.
Nidderdale Show
Location: Bewerley Park, Pateley Bridge
Affectionately known as ‘Pateley Show,’ the Nidderdale Show is an annual spectacle held at Bewerley Park, Pateley Bridge. Drawing crowds of around 15,000 visitors, it is one of the county’s premier agricultural shows. Visitors can expect an exciting array of competitive events and exhibitions, showcasing the best in livestock, poultry, horticulture, and crafts. The picturesque surroundings of Bewerley Park add to the charm of this event, which takes place at the end of September.
Osmotherley Show
Location: Northallerton, Herriot Country
The Osmotherley Show, situated near Northallerton in the rich farmland of Herriot Country, is a delightful celebration of rural life. This family-friendly event offers a wide range of attractions, including horse and pony classes, cattle and sheep displays, fell racing, sheepdog trials, and the Kids Zone. Additionally, you can enjoy evening music with a licensed bar and food in August.
Reeth Show
Location: Swaledale, Yorkshire Dales
The Reeth Show is a quintessential Yorkshire Dales agricultural show, nestled in the picturesque surroundings of Swaledale. For over 100 years, this show has been captivating visitors with its wide range of entertainments, exhibitions, displays, stalls, and refreshments. Held at the end of August, it’s a true celebration of rural traditions.
Ripley Show
Location: Ripley Castle, Harrogate
Set within the grounds of Ripley Castle near Harrogate, the Ripley Agricultural Show is a grand affair. Visitors can explore a plethora of farm animal and produce classes, along with Yorkshire’s largest and finest display of vintage tractors. This annual event takes place on the second Sunday in August.
Rosedale Show
Location: Rosedale Abbey, North York Moors
The Rosedale Show unfolds in Milburn Arms Field at Rosedale Abbey, North York Moors. This charming show features a wide range of displays, including cattle, goats, hunters, heavy horses, ponies, jumping, sheep, produce, flowers, fruit, vegetables, rabbits, guinea pigs, pigeons, poultry, vintage tractors, and even scarecrows. Held every August, it offers something for everyone.
Ryedale Show
Location: Welburn Park, Kirkbymoorside
Find the Ryedale Show in Welburn Park, Kirkbymoorside, nestled between Pickering and Helmsley in the North York Moors National Park. With a natural amphitheater setting, the show boasts eight rings running throughout the day, showcasing prime cattle, horses, sheep, pigs, and goats. Held at the end of July, it’s a highlight of the summer calendar.
Stokesley Show
Location: Stokesley, Yorkshire Vet’s Hometown
Stokesley Agricultural Show offers a fabulous day out near Thirsk, which is famously known as the home of the Yorkshire Vet, Alf Wight, or James Herriot. With a full program of events, classes, and special attractions, this show has something for everyone. It takes place every year in September.
Sykehouse Show
Location: Sykehouse
Sykehouse Show is a traditional agricultural event held on the first Sunday of August. Located in Sykehouse, it offers multiple horse rings, an entertainment ring, livestock areas, numerous stalls and marquees, and activities for the entire family. With over 50 trade stands, food stalls, and a fully stocked bar, there’s something to do for all ages.
Tockwith Show
Location: Tockwith, between Harrogate and York
Tockwith Show, located near Tockwith and roughly 30 minutes’ drive from both Harrogate and York, is a captivating event. It combines a great day out with an educational experience, allowing visitors to learn more about agriculture, horticulture, livestock breeding, arts, and crafts. The show is held every year at the beginning of August.
Weeton Show
Location: Weeton, between Harrogate and Otley
Situated in the village of Weeton, midway between Harrogate and Otley, Weeton Show is an agricultural extravaganza. In addition to agricultural and horticultural classes, the show features rural displays like foraging for free, spinning and weaving, and dry stone walling. Held every year at the end of July, it’s a unique event that offers a taste of Yorkshire’s countryside.
Wensleydale Show
Location: Leyburn, Yorkshire Dales
Find the Wensleydale Show just outside Leyburn in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. This show boasts an extensive range of competitive events, including livestock and poultry classes, with over 60 poultry classes alone! Held every year at the end of August, it’s a showcase of rural life in this picturesque part of Yorkshire.
