Your Guide to the New Forest Show 2026

The summer calendar in our corner of the south coast is always packed, but there is one massive event that everyone around Bournemouth and the wider Hampshire border looks forward to every July. The New Forest & Hampshire County Show is returning to its usual home at the Showground at New Park in Brockenhurst from Tuesday 28th to Thursday 30th July 2026. It is a huge three-day celebration of countryside life, agriculture, and local culture that regularly draws around 85,000 people to its 30-acre site. Whether you are interested in traditional farming or just want a great day out in the forest, it is one of those classic summer events that defines the season.

If you are planning to head over from Bournemouth, there is plenty to keep you busy across the three days. The main ring is set to host "Horsepower Fury" by The Steelehorse team, featuring a mix of acrobatics, equestrian skills, and motorcycle action. Beyond the high-energy performances, the showground will be filled with livestock competitions showcasing everything from cattle and sheep to poultry and honey bees. There are also international show jumping classes, local craft stalls, and more than 600 commercial stands to explore. For those interested in the educational side of rural life, areas like the Discovery Zone will host workshops from the Countryside Education Trust and the Forestry Commission.

Getting to Brockenhurst from Bournemouth is relatively straightforward. You can drive via the A35 or take a direct train to Brockenhurst station, where a connecting shuttle bus runs straight to the Showground. If you want to make a longer trip of it, Hoburne Bashley is a nearby 100-acre holiday park located on Sway Road in New Milton. It is situated right on the edge of the forest and offers great facilities like indoor and outdoor pools, a nine-hole golf course, and plenty of woodland trails. It makes a handy base if you want to combine the agricultural show with other local spots like the Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary or a walk around the coast.