A Brief History of Country Shows
The first ever country show was said to have taken place in 1763 in Wolsingham, County Durham. Originally, the shows were informal gatherings for rural folk to get together and learn new hobbies, interests and skills, such as tending livestock, cooking and crafts. For hundreds of years, these gatherings took place in ad-hock fields, until permanent showgrounds were purchased in the 1960’s by agricultural societies. Their popularity has grown and grown in to the calendar of quintessential celebrations of the countryside we enjoy today, attended by an estimated 7 million visitors a year.
A day out in the sticks offers a window to townies and urban dwellers how folk in the country live. It connects us to nature, animals, provenance and realism in one glorious hit. Everyone loves a country show, especially when organisers hit the perfect balance of skills, craft, agriculture competitions, food and drink, shopping and entertainment.
The New Forest and Hampshire County Show
The New Forest and Hampshire County Show takes place on 25th-27th July 2017 and is a pure celebration of country life in this beautiful region. Come along and you’ll see farm animals, washed and buffed to perfection, led by owners swooshing around display rings in search of frilly rosettes. Show tents full of bakers, crafters, brewers, growers and gardeners compete for prizes, and a veritable, vast selection of stalls, stands and exhibitioners bedecked with goodies, treats and must-haves (that you don’t really ‘need’) welcome you. Don’t forget to sample the beer tents for a slurp of ale, swing of cider or sip of wine to accompany the amazingly delicious festival food, whilst live bands play.
New Forest Cottages have many properties close to the showground in Brockenhurst. Book one to provide the perfect excuse for a haul of artisan drinks, nibbles, pies and dinner delicacies. Take them back to a sun drenched, bloom-filled garden and ponder country life!
For ponies right outside your gate, book Mistletoe Cottage. This grade II listed 18th-century home sleeps 4 in two bedrooms, and is enchantingly pretty. Exposed beams, plush comfy beds, a country kitchen and dainty garden is the epitome of country cottage style, and costs from £457 for 7 nights.
For contemporary country style, book Heywood Rest, sleeps 4. This cottage wins plenty of rave reviews and so it should. It is immaculately presented, with oodles of thoughtful touches and spacious, light-filled rooms, topped off with a pretty decked garden for al fresco dining. A week’s holiday costs from £480.
Search for more cottages near the New Forest and Hampshire County Show here.