What better way to enjoy the summer sunshine, by experience farming & rural life, & breath in some of the rich country air, than at a UK County Show.

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

Kent’s County Show was first held in 1920’s (no, I’m not that old) and was dotted around at different locations.

However, it found its permanent site in 1964, at Detling just outside Maidstone, Kent’s county town.

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

It is a lovely day out for all the family, cute little farm animals for the children and big tractors for the Dad’s.

There is so much see and do it’ll keep you amused all day.

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.

So, throw open your hamper, plant yourself on a hay bale and enjoy the horse jumping, dog agility display, motorcycles soaring through flaming hoops and aircraft flying overhead (to name but a few).

However, if farmyard animals are your thing, then there is no better place to be.

The cattle & sheep marquees are full of so many different breeds, and you won’t find a finer selection this side London (well I’ll leave that to your judgement).

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.

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.

For a well-deserved pit stop, there are plenty of tempting food & refreshments 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.

However, there is always the option to bring along your own picnic and sit and watch the gymkhanas.

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.

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.

For something a little more sedate, sit back, relax and enjoy some live music.

Who can forget the birds of prey swooping around, the snuffling piggies & the inquisitive llamas (or are they alpacas not too sure?).

And those fast-fading skilled occupations from the past.

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.

Turn it into a mini break and visit The Garden of England?

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