by Janis / 0 comments - Orginally published:29th June 2018

Ours is in ‘The Garden of England’

Experience the sights, sounds, and flavours of traditional countryside life at a classic English County Show. From prize livestock to vintage tractors and delicious local produce, these shows celebrate the heritage of farming and family fun in one unforgettable day.

I remember first visiting the Kent County Show in my childhood, and it brings back some fantastic, distant memories.

The world may have changed, but there is something very traditional about a visit to an English County Show.

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Sepia-toned photo of a 1914 Clayton & Shuttleworth steam traction engine proudly displayed at a traditional English County Show. This nostalgic scene captures the enduring charm of vintage rural machinery and its place in UK heritage events.
A historic rural workhorse - The Traction Engine

Kent County Show

The Heart of the “Garden of England”
Nestled in Kent—aptly named the Garden of England—the Kent County Show has been delighting visitors since the 1920s. After touring different venues in its early years, it found a permanent home in 1964 at Detling, just outside Maidstone.
A classic World War II Spitfire soars through the sky during a heritage flypast at the Kent County Show, showcasing British aviation history. This iconic RAF aircraft is a powerful symbol of wartime bravery and a highlight for visitors at UK summer events.
Spitfire over the Kent County Showground

Stay informed

You will find us across many forms of social media. You will find our latest posts, some throwbacks, links to historic events with our 'On this day' posts, across Facebook, X, Bluesky & Threads. Each week, themed visual content on Instagram, and our narrated travels on YouTube. Collections of the images in our posts are also collated into boards on Pinterest.

Family-Friendly Fun for All Ages

And a day to remember

Fast forward a few years, and I’ve managed to sneak in a few more visits since.

A county show is a treat for the whole family:

Close-up of the vintage “Britannia” Foden traction engine on display at the Kent County Show, celebrating British engineering heritage. This beautifully preserved steam-powered engine draws crowds at rural events and country fairs across the UK.
Britannia Traction Engine
Line-up of classic steam-powered traction engines gleaming under the summer sun at the Kent County Show. These majestic machines celebrate the golden age of rural industry and draw crowds at traditional UK country events.
Traction engines lined up
The traction engines normally attract the men (but not exclusively).
Three pink piglets root through straw in their pen at the Kent County Show, drawing smiles from young visitors and farming enthusiasts alike. This rural showcase offers a charming glimpse into traditional British farming.
Three little piggies
At times, there's a hint of Clarkson's Farm about it.
A close-up image of a black pig named Hilda, resting peacefully on a bed of straw at the Kent County Show, with a yellow ear tag clearly visible. This charming rural scene captures the essence of traditional livestock exhibitions at UK agricultural events.
Hilda the pig
There is so much see and do it’ll keep you amused all day.

Plan Ahead and Save

Whichever UK county show you choose, buy tickets online in advance to save money and skip queues. Most shows run for several days, so check the forecast and pick the sunniest date.

Main Arena Magic

All the action
The main arena draws quite a few people; however, you tend to find they are coming and going all the time as there is entertainment here throughout the day.
A beautifully groomed Shire horse adorned with blue and yellow ribbons stands proudly in the show ring at the Kent County Show, awaiting the judge’s verdict. This traditional rural event celebrates agricultural heritage and showcases the finest of British livestock.
Judgement time
So, throw open your hamper, plant yourself on a hay bale and enjoy the horse jumping, dog agility display and aircraft flying overhead (to name but a few).
A stunt rider from the British Army prepares to leap through a blazing ring of fire during a thrilling live demonstration at the Kent County Show. This high-octane moment highlights the adrenaline-fueled entertainment often featured at traditional UK rural events.
The Royal Signals Motorcycle Display Team - sadly no more
Sadly, the days of the Royal Signals Motorcycle Display Team, known as the 'White Helmets', are over, but there is still a full schedule of events laid on for your enjoyment.

Up-Close With Farmyard Stars

And you won’t need wellies!
If farmyard animals are your thing, then there is no better place to be.
A prize cow with number tag 83 stands proudly in the show ring at the Kent County Show, led by a handler in a white coat. This traditional agricultural event celebrates the best of British livestock and rural life in the Garden of England.
A big beast
Step into the cattle and sheep marquees to see rare breeds and prize winners. Don’t miss the sheep-shearing contest—a crowd favourite that showcases real rural skill.
A close-up of a fluffy-faced sheep resting in a straw-filled pen at the Kent County Show, highlighting one of the many rare and native breeds on display. The event promotes heritage livestock and celebrates rural life in the UK.
Interesting sheep breeds

Vintage Machinery & Classic Vehicles

Gary’s favourite
Then it’s off to visit the big machinery, the old classics of a bygone era that are still kept alive, and in tip-top condition by their dedicated, enthusiastic owners.
The gleaming front end of a classic green vintage car captures the sunlight at the Kent County Show's heritage vehicle display. Chrome detailing and retro curves add to the timeless automotive allure.
A beautiful classic
A vintage black steam traction engine named "Invicta" stands proudly on display at the Kent County Show. Historic farming machinery plays a starring role in this celebration of rural heritage.
Invicta - The traction engine
Mingling amongst the old cars, buses, bikes and steam engines, you won’t fail to catch the distinctive aroma of oil and elbow grease, flat caps and overalls are all the fashion here.
An elderly gentleman leans on a red and silver wheel of a vintage traction engine, taking a break during the Kent County Show. His weathered gloves and relaxed stance evoke the heritage and craftsmanship celebrated at UK rural events.
Man and his machine

If you're intrigued by Kent's weird and wonderful history, or all unusual stories around the county, then take a peek at "Kent's Strangest Tales".

You won't be able to put it down, you can pick it up for your Kindle or in good old paperback.

Kent's Strangest Tales Cover

Food, Drink & Local Flavours

Sample the best of Kentish produce:
For a well-deserved pit stop, there are plenty of tempting food and refreshment stalls. We’re often drawn to the hog roast and then a little tipple at the beer tent, to sample the new local brews of the county.
A traditional hog roast being carved by a chef in a bright yellow jacket and checkered trousers at the Kent County Show. Visitors queue at the food stall, enjoying the smells and sights of classic English rural cuisine.
A hog roast at the county showground
However, there is always the option to bring along your own picnic and sit and watch the gymkhanas.
A pair of striking white ponies pull a vibrant green and teal trap at full speed in a carriage racing event. Colourful attire and expert handling add flair to this popular rural show tradition.
Horse and Trap Racing
Seeing these beautifully turned-out combinations in full flight is a wonderful thing, and where else would you find such an event?
A competitive pony carriage race thrills the crowd at the Kent County Show with action-packed speed and precision. The event highlights traditional equestrian sport in a vibrant summer setting.
Full speed ahead

Fairground Nostalgia & Live Music

Don’t be shy
These lovely time honouring events wouldn’t be the same without the fun of the fair, for young and old. I love watching people of all ages enjoying themselves, bobbing up and down on the merry-go-round.
A colourful chair-o-plane ride spins joyfully under a bright blue summer sky at the Kent County Show. This traditional fairground favourite brings delight to families enjoying a classic British day out.
All the fun of the fair
Well, the helter-skelter for me just brings back so many memories, of sitting on an old itchy hessian matt, trying to get momentum to take the curves at speed before my brother catches me up.
Drakely’s Original Helter Skelter dazzles visitors with its colourful fairground artwork under a perfect blue sky. This iconic ride brings nostalgic charm to the traditional Kent County Show experience.
The Helter Skelter
For something a little more sedate, sit back, relax and enjoy some live music.
A live jazz band performs under a white canopy at the Kent County Show, bringing a vibrant musical atmosphere to the summer event. The musicians play double bass, drums, saxophone, and guitar,

And the band playyed on

The Kent County show covers over 200 Acres, so wear comfy shoes. If the weather's fine, remember a hat; a few hours in the sun without one could spoil your day.

There are several halls and exhibition spaces, and attractions can be found in the woodland area, so there is a little rest bite.

Birds of Prey, Llamas and More

So much to see at a county show
Who can forget the birds of prey swooping around, the snuffling piggies & the inquisitive llamas (or are they alpacas not too sure?).
A majestic bird of prey, likely a Harris's hawk, soars through a clear blue sky during a falconry display at the Kent County Show. With wings spread and talons extended, this bird showcases the power and grace of raptors in motion.
Bird of Prey in flight
There is so much to see that you can expect to be here for a full day; alternatively, if you have that much energy, consider purchasing a full weekend ticket.
A majestic bird of prey flies low across the showground during a live falconry demonstration at the Kent County Show. Spectators watch in awe as the raptor showcases precision and grace in mid-air.
The bird of prey display
If it's your first time, you're guaranteed to see something out of the ordinary.
Close-up of a llama (or possibly an alpaca) wearing a patterned halter at the Kent County Show livestock enclosure. This charming animal, with its gentle eyes and thick fur, is a favourite attraction for families visiting rural events in Kent.
Llama or Alpaca
Best of all, you'll see country life alongside those fast-fading skilled occupations from the past.
A traditional blacksmith skillfully hammers a glowing horseshoe on an anvil at the Kent County Show. This rural craft demonstration showcases heritage trades still celebrated in the UK countryside.
Blacksmiths at work
All in all, visiting a county show is a great day out. For some city folk, this country way of life can often feel a million miles away.

Have You?

A childhood memory of county show either in the UK or further afield?

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