Animal displays, a petting farm, traditional entertainment and rural crafts – in Guildford. It can only mean one thing; it’s time for the Surrey County Show
Wondering how to spend the final May Bank Holiday? Well stop right there. When it comes to family-friendly entertainment for all ages and interests, the Surrey County Show at Stoke Park, Guildford ticks all the boxes.
Now in its 63rd year, it continues to be the ultimate urban experience of the countryside. That’s right. With more than 1,000 animals including pigs, goats, cattle and donkeys; live sheep dog trials; falconry displays and outdoor craft demonstrations; the Surrey County Show brings rural life to within walking distance of Guildford town centre.
Ever wanted to know how to milk a cow? Visit the working milking parlour. Interested in keeping chicken or bees? Talk to the experts. Curious to find out whether your dog could be the next Crufts champion? Watch the dog agility displays – or go one step further and enter your four-legged companion into one of the many competitions taking place throughout the day. Prefer to cheer from the side lines? See who’ll secure first place in the show jumping and exhilarating scurry driving races.
“The Surrey County Show is the largest agricultural event of its kind in the UK,” says Rebecca Hill, the show’s events manager. “There’s nothing else like it. I love giving people the opportunity to touch Hereford cattle, have a donkey ride through the woods, see the many different native species of cows, sheep and horses that we have in the UK, and get up close to huge pieces of farm machinery – all in a town centre! What could be more memorable than that?”
Even if agriculture isn’t quite your cup of tea, you can enjoy the other wonders the countryside can offer. Watch out for the seasonal celebrations of the Maypole dancers and Morris Men; sample homemade British fayre (and buy some to take home) at the Surrey Farmers’ Market and Food Hall; or stock up on unique artisan gifts, fashion and garden accessories, being sold by one of 300 exhibitors. Got kids? They’re sure to enjoy meeting the piglets, lambs and ducklings of the petting farm.
“I love watching everyone having so much fun”
Rebecca Hill is events manager of the Surrey County Show.
“My favourite part of the day is lunchtime. That’s when, having started work at 5am – checking the site, meeting the traders, setting out rosettes – I can relax for a moment and soak up the atmosphere. I love watching everyone having fun. There’ll be children having a go at rolling candles or enjoying a donkey ride; dog owners entering their pet Chihuahuas, Great Danes and everything in between into the novelty class competitions; people listening to music on the bandstand, browsing the food, fashion and homeware stalls or simply enjoying the sun. The Show takes around a year to organise – but seeing the pleasure visitors get on the day, makes the hard work worth it. This year, I’m most excited to see the sheep dog trials. We’ve got some big names coming to compete and what a spectacle it will be – no technology, no gimmicks; just one man and his dog.”
“I show people how they can enjoy a taste of The Good Life at home”
Tracey Longhurst is co-founder of the Surrey Smallholders Association. She says:
“When my husband and I started out in smallholding, we had lots of previous experience in farming.
“Unfortunately, there was nothing in the area for people who didn’t have a similar background so we found we became the first port of call when it came to getting smallholding help and advice. That’s why we decided to set up The Surrey Smallholder Association in 2015 – to show people how they, too, can keep chickens, goats, grow their own and live the good life.
“Increasingly more people are wanting to know where their food comes from and want to get back to nature. Getting out in the fresh air with animals is a real antidote to the hustle of the day job.
“Last year, we won Best Agricultural Stand at the Surrey County Show so this year we want to keep up our winning streak! The Surrey County Show is a great place to learn more about British farming, rare breed animals and the countryside – while having fun.”
For more information about tickets and events, visit: surreycountyshow.co.uk
- We have one Family Ticket to give away to the event at Stoke Park in Guildford. Enter online at essentialsurrey.co.uk; closing date May 22, T&Cs apply.
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