Whats on this summer: Country Shows in Northumberland and County Durham 2025
Planning a summer break at one of our Northumberland cottages? You’ve picked the perfect time of year to experience the joy of a rural country show.
August and early September are brimming with country shows in the North East, offering a lively celebration of rural life, packed with local flavour, family fun, and traditional countryside activities.
Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or simply looking to soak up some authentic country culture, these classic agricultural shows make for a brilliant day out. From sheepdog trials and homemade scones to vintage tractors, craft tents, and of course – ice cream, there’s plenty to see and enjoy.
North East Country Shows Calendar: August–September 2025
To help you make the most of your stay, we’ve rounded up the best country shows taking place this summer across Northumberland and County Durham. From big-name favourites to smaller local shows, there’s something for everyone and all a short drive from our Wooden Star Cottages holiday homes.
August & September Shows
| Date | Show | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 9 August | Slaley Show | Near Hexham | Livestock, vintage vehicles, dog show, and kids’ races |
| Sat 16 August | Warkworth Show | Warkworth, Northumberland | Family-friendly show near the coast, with horticulture, arts & crafts |
| Mon 25 August (Bank Holiday) | Blanchland & Hunstanworth Show | Blanchland (Northumberland/County Durham border) | A beautiful, traditional hill show in a stunning setting |
| Sat 30 August | Weardale Agricultural Show | St John’s Chapel, Weardale | One of the best small shows: livestock, produce, and free children’s entertainment |
| Sat 30 August | Bellingham Show & Country Festival | Bellingham, Northumberland | Rural life, music, crafts, and a friendly community atmosphere |
| Sat 6 – Sun 7 September | Wolsingham Show | Wolsingham, Weardale | The oldest agricultural show in England: livestock, fairground, and arena events |
| Sat 13 – Sun 14 September | Stanhope Show | Stanhope, Weardale | Traditional finale to the show season with livestock and family activities |
What Makes Country Shows So Special?
We’re proud of our rural and farming heritage here in the North East, and country shows are a much-loved part of local life. Many of these events have been running for generations, with families returning year after year to show their livestock, enter baking competitions, or simply soak up the atmosphere.
For visitors, it’s a brilliant chance to experience the area at its most authentic—seeing farm life up close and getting involved in a warm, welcoming community tradition.
Here’s what you’ll usually find at a show:
– Livestock competitions featuring sheep, cattle, and rare breeds
– Horse and pony classes, from young riders to heavy horses
– Dog shows and agility displays
– Children’s entertainment including face painting, bouncy castles, and games
– Local food and drink stalls offering cheeses, chutneys, pies, and wood-fired pizza
– Craft tents filled with handmade gifts, knitting, and woodwork
– Vintage tractors and machinery displays
– Live music and a friendly, village-style atmosphere
Perfect for Families
These shows are brilliant for children, with plenty of space to run around and a hands-on feel that really brings the countryside to life. Many offer animal petting areas and farm animals to meet, pony rides, ice cream vans and sweet stalls, face painting, games, and fun competitions – making them a fantastic day out for families. It’s also worth checking each show’s website in advance, as some include free children’s entertainment and activity zones.
A few helpful tips: bring cash, as rural signal can make card machines unreliable; pack wellies if it’s been raining, as many shows will still go ahead whatever the weather; and don’t forget a picnic blanket—perfect for relaxing and sampling treats from the local food stalls.
Plan Your Visit for a taste of the North East
There’s no better way to experience the heart of rural Northumberland and County Durham than at a traditional country show. Whether you’re watching sheepdog trials, trying a slice of homemade cake, or browsing local crafts, it’s a relaxed and memorable way to connect with the countryside.
Ready to explore the shows?
Take a look at our handpicked holiday cottages and book your summer stay, just in time for show season.
For more details about the events and buying your tickets, please visit the links in the table above which will take you to the relevant show website.
We hope you will enjoy and celebrate what promises to be fantastic days out for all ages.
Wooden Star Cottages offers the perfect base to experience this unique event, providing a cosy retreat after a day full of activities. Book your stay at Wooden Star Cottages today and prepare for an unforgettable escape into the heart of one of England’s most beautiful regions.