Agricultural Shows in the Lake District

Country Fest, Crooklands

• Location: Lane Farm, Crooklands, Milnthorpe, LA7 7NH
• When: June
• More Information: westmorlandshow.co.uk/country-fest

Country fest is put on by the Westmorland County Agricultural Society in early June each year to celebrate rural life. This is the same society who puts on the Westmorland County Show later in the year in September. You can expect the usual agricultural and farming displays, along with craft & food marquees, and a dog show.

Cumberland Show

• Location: East Park, Brisco, Carlisle, CA4 0RB
• When: June
• More Information: cumberlandshow.co.uk

One of the biggest, and one of the oldest, the Cumberland County Show has taken place almost every year since the 1830s and draws thousands of visitors from across the county and beyond. Previously held at Carlisle Racecourse, the show moved to East Park in 2017. There is lots to see and do at this show for the whole family, with sheepdog trials, ferret displays, birds of prey displays, a petting zoo, craft and trading stalls, wrestling, vintage vehicle displays all packed into the showground – plus lots more!

Skelton Show

• Location: Old Park, Hutton-in-the Forest, Nr Skelton, CA11 9TH
• When: July
• More Information: skeltonshow.com

For a small village show, this one certainly punches well above its weight, attracting around 10,000 visitors in recent years. Now held in the grounds of the beautiful estate of Hutton-In-The-Forest, the show originated in the small nearby village of Skelton in the late 1800s and has grown to become an important date on the agricultural show calendar. Along with traditional livestock judging competitions the show features live music, trade stands, a crafts tent, a bar, vintage vehicles, and of course, wrestling.

Penrith Show

• Location: Brougham Hall Farm, Penrith, CA10 2DE
• When: July
• More Information: penrithshow.co.uk

The first Penrith Show took place in 1834. Since then, it’s gone from strength to strength, taking place every year on the fourth Saturday of each July. Around 10,000 people visit the show each year, and whilst the Penrith Agricultural Society is keen to keep the emphasis on agriculture, the show has lots to attract a wider audience. There are market stalls, vintage vehicles, show jumping, dry stone walling demonstrations and competitions, and even a rabbit show. Wrestling makes an appearance, and there’s a food hall and craft tent.

Ulverston and North Lonsdale Agricultural Show

• Location: Longrigg Farm, Urswick, Ulverston, LA12 0ST
• When: July
• More Information: facebook.com/Ulverston-and-north-lonsdale-show-369286943268093

This is a great event for the whole family, usually taking place during the first week of the school summer holidays. Along with more traditional aspects of agricultural shows, such as livestock judging the Ulverston and North Lonsdale show is packed with things to do. There are hands on experiences, such as a mini petting zoo, plus entire zone for entertaining children. Cookery demonstrations take place in the food hall where you will find a plethora of local goods to try and buy, and there’s live entertainment with comedy and music.

Coniston Country Fair

• Location: Coniston Hall, Haws Bank, Coniston, LA21 8AS
• When: July
• More Information: conistoncountryfair.co.uk

Overlooked by the Old Man of Coniston and situated on the shores of Coniston Water, the Coniston Show has a truly spectacular location. You will find everything you might expect at this traditional Lakeland show, including livestock competitions, sporting events, such as wrestling and falconry displays.

The show’s unique selling point is the six-mile fell-running race that takes participants up to the summit of the Old Man and back. There are bouncy castles, a children’s pet show, an egg throwing competition and much more for the little ones – plus plenty of trade stands to browse through.

Ambleside Sports

• Location: Rydal Park, Ambleside, LA22 0PL
• When: July
• More Information: amblesidesports.co.uk

With a focus on traditional sports rather than livestock, Ambleside Sports is a quirky agricultural show that takes place on the last Thursday of every July. Competitions are held throughout the day in various disciplines, including hound trailing, fell running, Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling, track racing and cycling.

Children are encouraged to enter, with categories for various ages and additional fun races for younger children. When not watching the racing, there is plenty to keep spectators entertained with a large trade area, fairground rides, a circus skills workshop, live music, a climbing wall, and the all important bar and food court.

Westmorland Dales Festival

• Location: Kirkby Stephen, CA17
• When: July
• More Information: visituppereden.org.uk

The Westmorland Dales Festival normally takes place toward the end of July, celebrating landscape, heritage and people in and around Kirby Stephen and the Westmorland Dales. Events typically include guided walks, tours of the Westmorland Dales, craft & food markets, live music, entertainment for the family, and much more.

Cartmel Show

• Location: Cartmel Park, Cartmel, Near Grange over Sands, LA11 6QF
• When: August
• More Information: cartmelagriculturalsociety.org.uk/theshow.html

Cartmel is famous for horse-racing, so it’s unsurprising that horses are a predominate feature at the Cartmel Show with show jumping, carriage driving, and numerous classes for horse judging forming a significant part. In addition, there is livestock judging for other breeds of animal, a dog show, a mounted (on horseback) fancy dress parade, and, of course, wrestling. There is entertainment for children, food and craft stalls, and you could even learn a bit of dancing, weaving, or stone masonry!

Cockermouth Show

• Location: The Fitz, Low Road, Cockermouth, CA13 0HH
• When: July
• More Information: cockermouthshow.co.uk

The Cockermouth Show takes place each year at the end of July, and has done so since 1849. It’s a popular event with locals and those from further afield, bringing thousands into the small west Cumbrian town. Livestock is on display, alongside farm vehicles both vintage and new. There are trade stands galore, show jumping, wrestling and you can even try riding a rodeo bull. There are fairground rides and bouncy castles for children, and plenty of food stands dotted around the showground.

Appleby Show

• Location: Hanging Shaw Fields, Long Marton Road, Appleby, CA16 6JL
• When: August
• More Information: appleby-show.co.uk

The Appleby Show is held by the Appleby Agricultural Society and is usually on the second Saturday of August. Sheep, cattle, poultry, vintage machinery, dogs, children’s pets, produce, handicrafts and horticultural exhibitors are just some of the many things you’ll find at this classic country show.

Dalston Show

• Location: Village Show Field, Dalston, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA5 7QB
• When: August
• More Information: dalstonshow.co.uk

The Dalston Show is a true agricultural show with horses, livestock, and sheep all competing in the Industrial categories. There are usually around 80 trade stands, as well, with plenty to eat and drink from local caterers and specialty bars. Additionally, there will be plenty of entertainment with events, such as ferret racing, falconry displays, gun dog demonstrations and displays from the famous Cumberland & Westmorland Wrestling.

Rydal Sheepdog Trials & Hound Show

• Location: Rydal Park, Ambleside, LA22 0PL
• When: August
• More Information: rydalshow.co.uk

Smaller than many of the other agricultural shows, the Rydal Sheepdog and Hound Show takes a more traditional approach. The show started in 1901 when a local landowner created a sheepdog trial competition.

Today, sheepdog trials are the main focus of the Rydal Show, and are accompanied by a judging competition for hounds. The annual Shepherds Crooks and Sticks Competition is also held at the show, and there are a number of trade stalls to peruse. Hot food is available and there is a licensed bar.

Brough Agricultural Show

• Location: Popping Lane, Kaber, Brough, CA17
• When: August
• More Information: brough-show.org.uk

The Brough Agricultural Show takes place each August in Brough, outside of Kirkby Stephen. This is another classic agricultural show that gives awards for livestock and horses, as well as horticultural awards and awards for photography, art and handicraft. You’ll be able to admire fell ponies, dale ponies, various dog breeds, with pony riding classes for kids and a driving obstacle course.

Gosforth Show

• Location: Gosforth Showfield, Seascale, CA20 1HT
• When: August
• More Information: gosforthshow.co.uk

The first Gosforth show took place in 1876. This small village in West Cumbria sees hundreds of visitors return each year to this quirky event where you can see dancing and racing sheep. Along with livestock competitions, there are show jumping demonstrations, Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling, sporting events for children, a tug-of-war battle, live music, and plenty of trade stands selling a variety of goods and food.

Rusland Show

• Location: Whitestock Meadow, Rusland Valley, LA12 8LB
• When: August
• More Information: ruslandshow.org

The Rusland Show is located in the Rusland Valley, which is located in between Coniston Water & Windermere and is put on by the Rusland Horticultural Society. The show solely concentrates on home horticulture, flowers, vegetables, handicraft, painting, photography, etc, rather than the usual livestock judging. There are also fell races, craft & trade marquees, tug-of-war, as well as plenty of other activities to keep the whole family entertained.

Lakeland Country Fair

• Location: Torver, Near Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8AU
• When: August
• More Information: lakelandcountryfair.co.uk

The Lakeland Country Fair takes place in Torver, near Coniston, overlooking the gorgeous Coniston fells, and includes a wide range of events and activities. The main event includes a Fell Pony display with various dog shows, wrestling, horn blowing, fell races for adults and juniors, and more. The show features ample trade stands, as well as a children's area with a bouncy castle and trampoline in addition to a bar for refreshments and a bbq.

Hawkshead Show

• Location: Hawkshead Hall Farm, Hawkshead, LA22 0NN
• When: August
• More Information: hawksheadshow.co.uk

Not many people realise that Beatrix Potter, author of Peter Rabbit and other children’s fairy tales, was also an award winning sheep farmer. Potter spent many years living close to the quaint village of Hawkshead, and regularly entered the show’s judging competitions for her livestock. She often won and later would become a judge.

Today, the show still has an extensive selection of classes for livestock competitions, and there is plenty for members of the public to see. There are hound trails, show jumping, and dog displays. You will also find horticultural displays here, as well as local crafts, plus a good number of trade stalls.

Selside & Grayrigg Show

• Location: Lambrigg Foot, Little Docker, LA8 9BL
• When: August
• More Information: facebook.com/selsideandgrayriggshow

The Selside & Grayrigg Show is a small agricultural show that takes place each August with farmers showing off their livestock and competing in various Industrial classes. The show puts on various events throughout the day, including events, such as young farmers sheep & cattle classes, children’s races, a pet show, stick judging, and much more. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for information as and when it becomes available.

Patterdale Dog Day

• Location: King George V Playing Field, Patterdale, CA11 0PJ
• When: August
• More Information: patterdaledogday.com

Patterdale Dog Day takes place on the Saturday August bank holiday weekend and centres around dogs with open sheep dog trial competitions. Other events include fell races with a race for children and a men-only cookery competition. The event normally has a craft tent, trade stands, kids trampolines, refreshments and a beer tent.

Dufton Agricultural Show

• Location: Dufton Show Field, Dufton, CA16 6DA
• When: August
• More Information: duftonshow.co.uk

Dufton Agricultural Show, also known as 'The Fellside Royal', is an agricultural show that takes place toward the end of August on the Dufton Show Field. There are sheep & cattle displays, sheepdog trials, pony rides, vintage vehicles, horticulture, produce & handicraft, children's sports & competitions, such as a fancy dress competition, a fell race and much more.

Millom & Broughton Agricultural Show

• Location: Near Broughton-in-Furness, LA20
• When: August
• More Information: millomandbroughtonshow.com

The Millom & Broughton Agricultural Show is located near Broughton-in-Furness, which is marked on a map on the show's official website. The show includes livestock and industrial exhibits and judging, as well as Westmorland & Cumberland wrestling, vintage machinery, entertainment for children, as well as local crafts, trade and refreshment stands.

Grasmere Sports

• Location: The Showfield, Stock Lane, Grasmere, LA22 9SL
• When: August
• More Information: grasmeresports.com

Different to most of the other agricultural shows that take place in Cumbria each year, the name of this event gives a good clue to its focus. Grasmere Sports primarily features sporting events, but still features many aspects that are found in elsewhere in agricultural shows, such as hound trails, and sheepdog demonstrations.

Livestock judging is largely absent, replaced instead with a selection of sporting activities such as track racing, tug-of-war, mountain bike racing, and fell running, with different categories for children and adults. The first Grasmere Sports took place over 150 years ago, when shepherds and farm workers attending the local sheep fair, attempted to demonstrate their skills through wrestling and running. Today it’s a popular event, and in addition to the sporting activities, there is live music and market stalls.

Kentmere Sheep Show

• Location: Millriggs Farm, Kentmere, LA8 9JJ
• When: August
• More Information: facebook.com/kentmeresheepshow

The Kentmere Sheep Show is normally held on the August Bank holiday Sunday. The show centres around sheep with awards given for various classes. The event normally starts around 1pm with children’s sports and a fun dog show taking place in the early afternoon. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for all the latest details and event information.

Keswick Show

• Location: Pump Field, Braithwaite Old Bridge, Braithwaite, Keswick, CA12 5TD
• When: August
• More Information: keswickshow.co.uk

First held in 1860, the Keswick Show takes place every August bank holiday Monday. One popular draw of the show is the array of horses performing stunning tricks in the show-jumping arena. This is a large show with thousands of visitors each year, and there is plenty for the whole family to enjoy.

You will find livestock competitions, Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling, sheepdog demonstrations, trade stands, a craft tent selling locally produced goods, and a huge children’s area with activities for all ages, all located on the edge of the pretty town.

Black Combe Country Fair

• Location: Bootle, LA19 5TJ
• When: August
• More Information: facebook.com/Black-Combe-Country-Fair-136971886437519

The picturesque Eskdale valley is the setting each August bank holiday Monday for the Black Combe Country Fair. This is a popular event, attracting a few thousand attendees each year. The fair originally started around 50 years ago as sheepdog trials, but grew to encompass other activities.

Today, the event has numerous classes for dog show awards, as well as dog racing, a vintage vehicle display, fell pony rides, and a fell race. There are activities for children, as well as a good number of trade stands, food stalls and a beer tent.

Ennerdale Show

• Location: Kirkland Leaps, Kirkland, Frizington, CA26 3XZ
• When: August
• More Information: ennerdaleshow.co.uk

Now in its 110th year, the Ennerdale Show had an intriguing start, when at the end of the 19th century a very cold winter saw the Ennerdale lake completely freeze over. The cold snap meant that children at the local school struggled with a lack of heating, and a group of local farmers came together to try and raise money to support the school.

They came up with the idea of a flower show, which was a great hit, and repeated annually. Livestock competitions were later added, and the show has (with the exception of periods during the World Wars) continued each year since. All of the traditional Cumbrian show features are here, including livestock shows, wrestling, vintage vehicles, hound trails, children’s sports, and a fell race.

Hesket Newmarket Agricultural Show

• Location: Thetwaite Farm, Raughton Head, Dalston, Cumbria, CA5 7DG
• When: August or September
• More Information: caldbeckvillage.co.uk/hesketnewmarket_show.php

The Hesket Newmarket Agricultural Show normally takes place on the first Saturday after the August Bank holiday Monday. Dogs, horses and sheep will be on display with local craft tents, terrier racing, Cumberland & Westmorland wrestling, tug-of-war, vintage vehicles, photography & art, and plenty more where that came from.

Lowick Show

• Location: Lowick Bridge, Ulverston, LA12 8EE
• When: September
• More Information: lowick.org.uk/lowickshow

The Lowick Show takes place each year on the first Saturday of September. The classic agricultural show displays livestock, horses, and home produce with categories and awards for each. You’ll also find a craft marquee featuring local crafts that you can purchase, as well as entertainment for the whole family.

Loweswater Show

• Location: Lorton Valley, Cockermouth CA13 9UU
• When: September
• More Information: loweswatershow.com

The Loweswater Show typically takes place on the first Saturday of September. Attractions include hound trails, wrestling, carriage driving, morris dancers, sheep dog trials, and fell races. Classes include horses, dogs, sheep, goats, poultry, vintage vehicles, and things like baked goods, photography, flowers, etc.

Westmorland County Show

• Location: Westmorland County Showground, Lane Farm, Crooklands, Nr Milnthorpe, LA7 7NH
• When: September
• More Information: westmorlandshow.co.uk

From humble beginnings in 1799, making it the oldest of Cumbria’s agricultural shows, the Westmorland Show has grown steadily over the years. It’s one of the most popular, reflected in the 30,000 people who visit the show annually, and in the national vote that saw it come near the top of the UK’s favourite agricultural shows.

Livestock in numerous categories are judged and paraded here, and there is show jumping, a hound parade, bird of prey displays and even working ferrets. Away from the animals, you will find a number of craft and shopping marquees, as well as a marquee dedicated to traditional crafts, such as yarn spinning. Of course, no Cumbrian agricultural show is complete without Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling, and championship titles in the sport are awarded here.

Eskdale Show

• Location: Near King George IV Inn, Holmrook, CA19 1TS
• When: September
• More Information: eskdaleshow.co.uk

Eskdale Show usually takes place at the end of September each year and is the premier agricultural show for Herdwick sheep. Other areas of interest include poultry, vintage exhibits, foxhounds, terriers, children’s races, fell races, Cumberland & Westmorland wrestling, puppy trails, with plenty of trade stands and craft tents.

Wasdale Head Show & Shepherd’s Meet

• Location: Show Field, Wasdale Head, Seascale, CA20 1EX
• When: October
• More Information: wasdaleheadshow.co.uk

The Wasdale Head Show & Shepherd’s Meet is one of the more traditional agricultural shows. The name “Shepherd’s Meet” and date in mid-October reflects the tradition of shepherds getting together at the end of the main farming season to discuss their trade and to enjoy some social activities. Prizes are awarded to sheep and sheepdogs in various categories.

There is also a Shepherd’s Crook competition where intricately carved crooks are judged on their design. Anyone attending can enter the “Best Shepherd’s Boots” competition, and those with fine beards may like to enter the “Best Beard” contest. There are also trade stands, vintage vehicles and a craft barn.

Buttermere Shepherd Meet & Show

• Location: The field adjoining Croft House Café, Buttermere, Cockermouth, CA13 9XA
• When: October
• More Information: melbreakcommunities.wordpress.com/activities/buttermere-shepherd-meet-and-show

The Buttermere Shepherd Meet & Show is a small agricultural show that typically takes place on the last Sunday of October in the field adjoining Croft House Café. Fell races are organised by the Cumberland Fell Runners with the normal agricultural classes and awards for Herdwick sheep from local parishes and working shepherd’s dogs from all areas.