Great Yorkshire Show Travel Forum Reviews

Great Yorkshire Show

Description

Let’s talk about the Great Yorkshire Show—the grand old gathering that manages to be unpretentious, chaotic, traditional, ultra-modern, commercial, full of heart, loud, and downright fascinating all in one burst of summer days. If you’re the sort who thrills at authentic local experiences when traveling, well, this one’s about as Yorkshire as a cup of strong tea with a thick wedge of parkin. You’ll hear a whole orchestra of bleating sheep, the crowd’s chatter, and tractors with more horsepower than half the village. Honestly, even if you’ve never so much as glanced at a cow barn, you’ll find yourself gawping at rare breeds and possibly cheering in the cheese-judging tent. That’s just how this show sucks you in.

Now, not everything goes off without a hitch—sometimes the rain pours, sometimes the queues test your patience, and occasionally the chips are cold. But the warmth of the folk, the little surprises around every bend, and being part of a crowd whose boots are muddier than yours makes this a travel experience that lingers. I mean, where else do you watch a champion bull waddle by after polishing off a gourmet sausage roll? It’s a bit ridiculous and a lot brilliant.

It’s not just for the wellies-and-tweed crowd, either. This place prides itself on being open and big-hearted. Families, groups of friends, travelers, and yes, even solo wanderers poking around out of sheer curiosity are all more than welcome. There’s plenty to do for kids—trust me, mine got their boots stuck in mud more than once but they still talk about the heavy horse parade years later. It’s got wheelchair access throughout the grounds, clean loos (hallelujah), and, a little thing I never thought much about until I needed it myself: cashless payments. You’ll just feel, I don’t know—welcomed.

Key Features

  • World-famous livestock competitions: From majestic shire horses to rare sheep breeds, you’ll see creatures that seem straight out of an illustrated farm book. Mind you, even if you’re not an animal lover, the sheer scale is impressive.
  • Cutting-edge farming machinery displays: Some folks travel across counties just to eyeball the newest tractors and farm gear—one year, I climbed up into one and nearly needed rescuing. Worth it, for the view alone.
  • Epic rural pursuits and country sports displays: Think thrilling sheepdog trials, wood-chopping contests, falconry demos, and even a guess-the-weight-of-the-pig bit. There’s a sprinkle of the silly and the seriously skilled.
  • Yorkshire food and drink festival: Picture local cheese, pies as big as your head, ciders, craft beer, and things you’ll be homesick for long after your trip. Honestly, the calories don’t count here.
  • Innovative crafts and shopping village: Hand-thrown mugs, handspun wool, Yorkshire-made gin, and honestly, you’ll come home with at least one thing you never knew you needed.
  • Demonstrations galore: From chef cook-alongs to floral design shows, you can take in demonstrations that range from the practical (how to trim a sheep) to the wonderful (giant vegetable contests).
  • Accessible to all: Wheelchair-friendly entrances and restrooms, plus a layout that caters for families, older folks, and anyone needing a bit more time and space.
  • LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere: And I mean it. The crowd’s always a real mix, and it just feels open-minded and genuine.
  • Family-friendly fun: Thoughtfully laid out adventure zones and activities for kids of all ages… and let’s be real, that includes grown-ups with a childlike sense of adventure.
  • Cashless payments accepted: It’s mostly card and contactless these days, which for me, means one less thing to lose in the hay.

Best Time to Visit

The Great Yorkshire Show is a whopper of a four-day event, usually running smack in the middle of July. If you ask me, mark your calendar for that window. The British weather can be fickle, so, yeah, you might get drizzle or blazing sunshine—I’ve had both in one afternoon—but that’s half the fun. My personal trick? Go on a Wednesday. It’s a bit less hectic than opening day, and you still get all the main attractions at full swing. Beats elbowing through crowds at a weekend, unless you fancy a bit of hustle and bustle.

Mornings are a treat if you want to see the animals at their best (and less donkey traffic jams). The air’s cooler, and the showground buzzes with that just-opened excitement. But don’t rush your visit; sunset brings a lovely mellow mood, the crowd thins, and often you’ll get to chat with local farmers or crafters when they’re winding down. Don’t be afraid to stay late—it’s worth it for the winding-down atmosphere.

If you want the ultimate experience, plan to visit every few years. There are always new features, special centenary parades, or regional food competitions to keep things fresh. And hey, there’s something quietly pleasing about returning and realizing just how timeless Yorkshire traditions can feel.

How to Get There

Getting to the Great Yorkshire Show can feel like a bit of a friendly adventure, but don’t stress—it’s pretty straightforward. Most folk will make their way through Harrogate, which, as you might know, is a spa town with a history as rich as its tea. There are trains, and while I’ve always preferred driving (you’ll just find me bickering with the satnav), public transport is genuinely reliable.

If you’re coming by train, Harrogate Railway Station isn’t too far from the showground, and I often see folks sharing taxis or hopping on shuttle buses that the organisers usually arrange. Riding a bus or using local taxis is easy enough, and people tend to be helpful if you ask for directions. Once, a lovely Yorkshire couple crammed me and my mate into their backseat and gave us a running commentary about “proper” show etiquette—life’s full of surprises.

There’s ample car parking—just pay attention to the marshalls, or you could end up parking in the boggiest bit. Trust me, I did that once. Keep your wellies in the boot. Accessible parking is clearly marked, which is a blessing for anyone a bit slower on the feet, and signposting from town is honestly some of the clearest I’ve seen in the UK event circuit. For cyclists, there are safe places to chain up your bike (though, hats off if you manage the full ride up those Yorkshire hills).

Basically, however you travel, bring a bit of patience and maybe a good podcast for the final stretch. Yorkshire traffic’s nothing if not character-building.

Tips for Visiting