If you are after a proper country day out, the Farndale Show is hard to beat. It comes back for its 117th year on Bank Holiday Monday, 31 August, at Church Houses in Farndale, and it is the sort of event that rewards arriving early and taking your time. Gates open to the public at 9.30am, so there is no reason to rush in.
Every week we pick 🏆 the 5 best 🏆 things to do in York and send them to your inbox. Just one weekly email, no spam.
By submitting your email, you accept our Privacy Policy
For context, the show first ran in 1896 and is still put on by the Farndale Agricultural, Horticultural & Industrial Society. It is held in the heart of the North York Moors National Park, in a moorland valley surrounded by heathland and the river Dove, which has earned Farndale the nickname 'Daffodil Dale'. From York, it makes for an easy day trip into some of the wilder country on your doorstep.
The livestock and rural skills are the real draw. There are cattle, sheep, goats and vintage machinery to look over, and the traditional skills demonstrations are a highlight: Jarvis Browning the blacksmith and the Commondale Wool Spinners both show their craft. Two large marquees hold the homemade baking, arts and crafts, flowers, plants, fruit, vegetables and the rather English stick dressing exhibits, with a dedicated Fur and Feather tent for the smaller animals. Across the stream from the main field, you will find the horse and pony events, a craft marquee and trade stands, with artisan street food stalls dotted around for lunch.
Families are well looked after. The Little Nippers dog display, Ridgeside Falconry and Circus OZ keep the crowds entertained, while children have a fancy dress competition, races, tug-of-war and the popular hobby horse racing. Pet owners can enter their dogs in the dog ring competitions. Later in the day, the sheepdog trials get going at 12.30pm on a field just past the pub, and a clay pigeon shoot runs at 5pm in a field opposite the main free car park. The whole thing winds down with a game of Quoits on the main field, where locals compete for a coveted trophy.
On the competitive side, the day is packed with classes. Equestrian events run from the Ridden Classes at 9.30am through to the Gymkhana in the afternoon, while livestock judging covers everything from cattle and Scotch sheep to Texels, Swaledale and rare breeds. There are also categories for farm produce, horticulture, baking, eggs, preserves, photography, industrial crafts and art, with the Women's Institute and Yorkshire Country Women's Association classes open to all their members. It is worth noting that the water fowl and poultry classes were cancelled this year due to bird flu outbreaks and DEFRA regulations.
If you want to make a day of it, St Mary's Church puts on a flower display and the Feversham Arms Inn is open all day for food and drink. The 2027 Farndale Calendar, which raises money for the village hall, is launched at the show and can be picked up near the band area. Entry is £8 for adults and £4 for children, with under-fives free. Parking on the show fields is £10, but there is free parking nearby, including a newly opened second car park a short walk from the showground, so you can leave the car without spending extra.
Published Date
26 August 2026
