I have been attending countryside shows since 2016 with my stall and during this time, I feel it has made me quite the expert. I have picked up some very important tips that will help you if you are considering visiting a show this year.
Each section is broken up to make things a little easier to digest. So enjoy and please let me know if I have missed anything or if you have any questions.
Who Are the Countryside Shows for? Do I Have to be a Farmer to Visit?
Countryside shows are for everybody to enjoy!
Whether you love animals, a good old shopping trip, the great outdoors, or even looking for something different to do on a day out, a countryside show is definitely for you.
It's a great way to learn about how the countryside works by the people who work there and to enjoy entertainment from the best in their field.
Is it Best to Book Tickets or Pay on the Gate?
Always book your tickets in advance!
It is always best to book your tickets in advance as it will save you money and guarantee you can get in.
A lot of shows even have special offers, so always keep an eye out and make sure you are signed up to their mailing list, as this is where you will be notified.
Paying in advance of the show means you will pay the 'early bird' price which is a good discount off the 'on the gate' ticket prices.
It also means less queuing and more time to get into the show and enjoy all there is on offer.
When you pay on the gate, you will have to pay a more expensive fee and sometimes, you risk the chance of losing out due to the day already being fully booked.
Where Do We Start?
Start the day early - as close to it opening as possible. (This way you miss the show traffic too!)
It is so important to get the most out of your day, so start early. Miss the queues, get to the front row of the arenas, watch the livestock competitions and be the first to visit your favourite brands trade stand. What more could you ask for?
Do You Have any Extra Tips?
Yes! Here's my top 10 tips to making the most of your day at the show. (In no particular order).
1. Take a picnic.
Food stalls can be expensive, so if you want a budget day out, pack your favourite sandwiches and snacks and grab some fudge, sweets or an ice cream as a little extra treat.
Make sure you also have plenty of water. Some Showgrounds have fresh water stations for you to refill your bottle too. Check the shows website for this information.
2. Get a map!
I recently went to the Devon County Show as a visitor and the map was my God send. I navigated around the showground a lot easier than I would have without it or by checking the one on my phone from the website.
3. Check the timetables on the website for arena events.
You don't want to miss out on the dancing horses, grand parade or falconry show so make sure you check the timetable of events for the arenas. The entertainment is so good at these shows so you want to make sure you get a good spot to watch too - especially when the birds of prey decide they fancy a break away and refuse to come back!
4. Take cash.
It's always worth a look around the trade stands. There is something for everyone and it is always nice to have a little memento from the day or to get something truly unique that you wouldn't find anywhere else.
However, most shows are in the middle of nowhere where signal can be pretty bad therefore, card machines can be really sloooooow or some may not even work. Cash is king. Stall holders don't get charged by the card companies and you get your items quickly and efficiently.
5. Visit the livestock.
The main reason for a countryside show is for farmers to show their livestock so they get a better price when they take their animals to market.
These competitions showcase the cream of the crop of livestock so go and wander round the pens and see just why these animals have been brought to take part. There are some beautiful sights to behold.
6. Appropriate clothing.
As the saying goes, there is no such thing as bad weather - just bad clothing. Therefore, wear the right clothing for the weather conditions. The show goes ahead rain or shine - so embrace the Britishness and get involved.
Most Showgrounds are all on grass so suitable walking footwear is a must. And, if the weather Gods don't want to play ball - make sure you pack waterproofs!
7. Dogs.
Firstly, check the show accepts pet dogs and secondly, please don't leave them in your car.
It's a fantastic treat to share your trip out with your furry friends however, you must be mindful.
These shows can get very busy, is your dog happy in crowds?
There are usually water bowls scattered around the Showgrounds so your dog doesn't get thirsty, however, what goes in must come out. Please be mindful of where your dog goes to relieve itself. Up a trade stand, gazebo leg or display of any kind is not appropriate.
So make sure you take doggy toilet breaks as well as human ones.
8. (on the subject of toilets...) Toilets!
Although some are cleaned on the hour, every hour, a lot aren't. Take some spare tissues with you in case you are left in the lurch of the dreaded end of roll.
9. Parking.
You will be parked in a field of some sort. So it is important to make a note somewhere of where you have parked.
Take notice of what you have around you, a certain tree, odd bit of fencing etc. There is nothing worse than spending a day at a show and wandering round for hours afterwards because you have lost where you parked your car!! (Yes, I am talking from experience!!!)
10. Enjoy the day.
Embrace everything the countryside has to offer. Learn new things, marvel at the livestock, watch the Young Farmers, shop the trade stands, be wowed by the entertainment.
Let the whole day absorb you. So long as you have gone through of all these tips, I can assure you, you will have the best day.
Where to Find Sabel Lane.
We have multiple events throughout the year through the West Midlands. Click here to find the full list.
