If you’re looking for staycation inspiration, discover a quintessentially rural day out at a county show, a festival, or an exhibition near you this summer. Why not pack a picnic (and a raincoat, it’s British summertime after all) and dive into the wide variety of activities and entertainment that your local area has to offer:
Written by Lisa Proffitt | 26th July 2024
Lifestyle
Best summer days out 2024
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
The Blakesley Show
Saturday 3 August, Towcester
You can't beat a good old-fashioned county show, and Blakesley is one of the best. The day brings together almost every aspect of rural living, from cattle displays, sheep herding and shearing, and equestrian classes, to the region's finest tractors and other farm machinery. Trade stands offer the chance to browse local crafts and produce, and there are an array of catering stands and licensed bars. New this year is a dog show, located in the livestock ring from 2.30pm, and you can enter on the day at the Towcester Vets stand. Michael Graham also has a stand again this year, so please do stop by for a drink and a chat with us.
https://www.theblakesleyshow.co.uk/
Silverstone Summer Festival
23-25 August
Make the August Bank Holiday one to remember at Silverstone Festival. Over the weekend, the track-side team will be serving up the best historic motorsport from the last hundred years, from the pre-war era through to cars that raced as recently as 2018. Plus, three nights of live music from Sophie Ellis- Bextor, Busted and Olly Murs.
https://www.silverstone.co.uk/events/silverstone-festival
LONDON
Free Theatre
24th July – 6 September
Kids Week is all about introducing young people to London theatre. During Kids Week, when one child aged 17 or under can go free — and up to two more kids half-price — to top West End like War Horse, The Lion King, Matilda and Wicked. The Kids Week deal includes selected performances between 24 July – 6 September. It used to run for just a week (hence the name) but has grown in popularity and now runs through the school summer holidays. These tickets sell out fast so book now or pay full price later.
kidsweek.co.uk
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
The Patch MK
Opens 31st July, Milton Keynes
With over 75 million wildflower seeds planted each year, The Patch MK is the largest pick-your-own wildflower flower farm in the UK. Alongside 21 varieties of sunflowers (green, red, and pink ones as well as the standard yellow), there are 200+ varieties of wildflowers too. Once you’ve bought an entry ticket to the flower fields you can PYO flowers at excellent value prices - sunflowers start at £1 per stem, or £8.95 for a wildflower bouquet. Then go back in autumn to pick your own pumpkins and squash for Hallowe’en carving. There are also plenty of play areas, maize mazes, and outdoor sculpture to enjoy.
Stowaway Festival
16 - 18 August, Blackpit Farm, Stowe
Just an hour away from North London, and bordering Northants, Bucks and Oxfordshire, Stowaway Festival takes place at Blackpit Farm in Stowe on a 400-acre site boasting woodland, vast green spaces, and a beautiful lake. This boutique festival has small stages, woodland yoga, paddleboarding, artisan food trucks, and this year, Groove Armada on the line-up.
https://stowawayfestival.co.uk/
Bucks County Show
Thursday 29th August
The Bucks County Show in Weedon Park on the outskirts of Aylesbury town is one of Buckinghamshire’s main summer attractions, involving around 60 cattle classes and 30 sheep classes where some of the best livestock in the country will be put through their paces. Around 80 equine classes include Showjumping and qualifiers for the Horse of the Year Show and the Royal International Horse Show. There are also trade and catering stands galore.
https://buckscountyshow.co.uk/
HERTFORDSHIRE
Herts & Essex Country Fair
Sunday 18th August
Herts and Essex Country Fair has fun for all the family, including a heavy horse show, dog show, and trade stands. The Main Ring events will feature a variety of displays including falconry, gun dogs, horse carriage display, foxhounds, bloodhounds, beagles, and a parade of vintage tractors.
https://www.facebook.com/TheHertsandEssexCountryFair/
The Wonderful World of Ladybird Artists
8th September, St Albans
The exhibition ay St Albans Museum + Gallery explores the iconic publisher’s ‘golden years’ (1940 – 1975) and how the books’ illustrators played such a huge role in its success. A real nostalgia trip for the whole family.
https://www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk/whats-on/wonderful-world-ladybird-artists
OXFORDSHIRE
The Game Fair
26-28 July Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
This fair is billed as the annual gathering for people passionate about countryside pursuits. From fly fishing to falconry, clay shooting to cookery demos, working dogs to wild food, the Great British Countryside is represented in all it’s many-faceted glory.
Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials
19-22 September 2024
Four days of eventing action including dressage, cross country, and showjumping, all in the grounds of Blenheim Palace, one of Britain’s most beautiful and historic venues.
