‘A magical event evoking times past’: readers’ favourite UK country shows

18.08.2023 - 12:31 / theguardian.com

The 175th Dunster Show, being held today (18 August), is not to be missed. It has all of the features you’d expect – livestock, tractors, horses and friendly competition. It showcases local produce and crafts. And all with the spectacular backdrop of Dunster Castle and beautiful Exmoor.Sarah

The Wellington International Horse Trials and Country Fair (£20, 26-29 August), offers a thrilling weekend for the whole family. For adults there is a selection of quality bars and food stalls including artisan caterers, with boutique shopping on site. The kids won’t be bored with a huge range of kids activities included in the ticket price, from a bouncy castle and tractor trailer rides to circus performers, birds of prey and face painting, creating a lively family atmosphere. For those of you with a penchant for entertainment of the four-legged variety the pony and dog shows will be a real highlight. With live music playing throughout the weekend who could be bored?Christopher Bridger

Guardian Travel readers' tips

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Held in the spectacular parkland of Chatsworth House, the Chatsworth Country Fair (1-3 September) is a wonderful event. Admission this year is £27 but this allows you a ringside seat to equestrian spectacles, dressage and cute British animal events like ferret racing and beautiful bunny rabbit contests. There’s a traditional funfair and cooking masterclasses run by celebrity chefs you can try your hand at. My attempt to make a rarebit pie pastry was met with derision from my wife and a rather demanding audience. Perhaps the picturesque Peak District panorama distracted me.Nigel

Next July make a date for east Yorkshire’s Driffield Show (date tbc). First held in 1854, it’s the social event of the year for local farmers, with silver salvers, rose bowls, cups and trophies in categories for heavy horses, sheep, cattle, horses and ponies. Those without specialist knowledge can discover the difference between charolais, dexter and limousin cattle or check out how Oxford down, Suffolk and Hampshire sheep breeds differ. The show features “dancing diggers” in the main ring, a food theatre full of tempting local produce and a horticultural marquee for green-fingered visitors.Helen

Sadly, you’ll have to wait until August 2024 for the next Cockermouth Show with its vast range of livestock, machinery and traditional Cumbrian wrestling. You can see a vast array of the most beautiful farm animals including sheep, goats and cattle. There is also show jumping and sheep dog trials and a wide range of cake and make