July in the Lake District is absolutely brimming with agricultural shows and we suggest that if you’ve never been to one, now is the perfect opportunity. Following a year or two hiatus, most shows are back this summer and are bound to be upping their game to make up for the time lost. Generally, the shows feature livestock competitions, dog shows, live entertainment, Cumberland & Westmorland wrestling, food & trade stands, craft marquees, and activities for kids, but each one will, of course, differ in their own unique way.
The summertime also sees local sports competitions, beer and music festivals, and outdoor theatre, so there are plenty of events happening this July in the Lake District to keep the whole family entertained.
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Cockermouth Live
Cockermouth Live is planned for the 1st through the 3rd of July with headliners, Alfie Moore and Gigspanner Big Band. The music festival also sees lots of local talent at venues around town with a performance by the Papcastle Community Orchestra. For the full line-up and ticket prices, check out their website.
Skelton Show
The Skelton Show is happening on the 2nd of July, kick starting the many country shows happening in the Lake District in the month of July. This agricultural show has been running since the late 1800s and takes place in the picturesque setting of the Old Park at Hutton in the Forest near Penrith. The show has over 150 trade stands, making it one of the bigger shows in the area, with a food hall, bar, and live entertainment. Of course the show also features local livestock, including cattle and sheep, horses, dogs, as well as vintage cars and the famous Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling. It’s sure to be a wonderful day out for the entire family.
Penrith Show
Penrith Show is back on Saturday the 16th of July from 8am. This agricultural show is a great family-friendly day out with trade stalls, a food hall, crafts marquee, farm livestock competitions, show jumping, and more. Tickets for adults are £10 with children aged 5 to 16 £3 and under 5s Free. There are also family tickets available with a free park and ride service from Penrith town centre and parking available on site.
Conservation Day at Staveley Woodlands Nature Reserve
One of the things we love to suggest doing whilst you’re in the Lake District is joining in on a conservation day with the Cumbria Wildlife Trust. This is a great way to make like-minded friends who care about the environment and also learn a bit about the conservation work in the Lake District, which is so important. The charity normally offers a number of different days and locations each month with one taking place on the 22nd of July at Staveley Woodlands Nature Reserve from 9.30am to 3.30pm. On this particular conservation trip, they will be concentrating on footpath repair and boundary restoration.
Coniston Country Fair
The summertime sees a plethora of country fairs with a local favourite being the Coniston Country Fair, taking place on Sunday the 24th of July at Coniston Hall from 11.30am. The country fair sees the usual livestock on display, as well as dog shows, sheep clipping, Cumberland & Westmorland Wresting and more. There’s also a fell race taking place of approximately 6 miles and 2400 feet elevation, starting at the main ring at 2pm. Entry to the race is free, though runners must carry the correct equipment in accordance with FRA rules. Trade stands are sure to include foot, hot beverages, local produce and there will also be a craft marquee. For the full low-down, be sure to check out the official website.
Kendal Calling
Kendal Calling is 98% sold out at the time of writing this What’s On guide (May 2022) so hurry to get your tickets soon before they sell out completely! This music festival takes place between the 28th and the 31st of July at the Lowther Deer Park. There will be over 250 artists over 13 stages with a myriad of different restaurants and experiences taking place on the grounds. Highlights include Soap Opera, Garden of Eden, World Food, Deer Lodge, Cinema, Desert Island Disco, Kids Calling, Real Ale Festival, Oktoberfest, Gatsby’s House Party, Woodlands, Tim Peaks Diner, and much more. Book now before it’s too late!
Ambleside Sports
Ambleside Sports is taking place in July on the 28th and includes wrestling, track races, children’s races, fell & guide races, hound trailing and grass track cycling. It’s truly a fun active day out for the whole family and it’s both fun to get involved or even just cheer along everyone participating from the side lines. Check out the website for times, prices and application forms.
The Cumbria Steam Gathering
The Cumbria Steam Gathering is back in 2022 with dates planned for July 30th and 31st between 9am and 5pm each day at Cark Airfield, Flookburgh, Grange over Sands, LA11 7LS. The show sees a display of vintage exhibits and customised cars, as well as modern trucks. This year’s show is in honour of the founder and organiser, Tim Holt, who sadly passed away. Tickets cost £10 for adults, £4 for children aged 5 to 16 and under 5s Free. There are also family tickets available with free parking.
Cockermouth & District Agricultural Show
If you haven’t already had your fill of July agricultural shows, then be sure to check out the Cockermouth Show happening toward the end of the month on the 30th of July. Similar to all the ones we’ve described above, the show aims to showcase the agriculture in the local area with animals on display, show jumping, wrestling, working sheep and dog demonstrations and a plethora of trade stands, food, entertainment, et cetera. The cost is just £8 for adults and £5 “if you are young or old”. Under 5s go free and there are family tickets available.
Walby Farm Park Summer of Fun
If you have kiddos, then you absolutely must check out Walby Farm Park who are promising a summer of fun for both kids and adults! The farm park has a play barn for kids, animals you can meet, a castle your kids can play in and explore, and you can even ride around the farm on mini land rovers or quads, with plenty of other summer activities in the works. The farm also has a wonderful café and offers packages for birthday parties and educational group outings.