Dorset County Show 2026

The main event of the county is back for 2026, and it’s coming back to its usual location, to a field just outside Dorchester on the first weekend of September. If you’ve been before, you already know the drill. If you haven’t, this is your year.

The Dorset County Show has been the county’s big end-of-harvest get-together for as long as most of us can remember. It’s two full days of farming, food, animals, and proper Dorset character, all crammed onto one enormous showground. Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th September are the dates to circle. Book your tickets in advance and you’ll save yourself a queue on the gate. Here’s what’s on for you.

What’s On At The Dorset County Show

There’s a huge amount packed into these two days, and everyone does the show their own way. The Wurzels are playing on the Saturday, so there’ll be plenty of “combine harvester” singalongs. Monster trucks are rolling in too, which is exactly as loud and brilliant as it sounds. Over in the rings you’ve got scurry racing, the countryside ring, heavy horses thundering past, and the main ring ticking over with something to watch pretty much all day.

Then there’s everything else. Rows and rows of trade stands, the food hall, the floral pavilion, a working forge, and animals from alpacas to pigs, cows and rabbits. We guarantee that you’ll set off to see one thing and get sidetracked five times on the way, multiple times in the day.

What To Expect

A big, busy, brilliant day out is the short version. Bring comfy shoes, because you’ll be getting in those steps. Bring a bag for all the food you’ll end up buying. And leave yourself plenty of time, because there’s so much to see. You don’t want to head home wishing you’d caught the monster truck display or a particular animal show but ran out of time!

It’s a proper family day. The little ones love getting up close to the animals, there’s loads of space for everyone to spread out, and you’re never far from something happening. Grandparents, toddlers, teenagers pretending they’re not enjoying themselves. Everyone finds their thing here.

The Show’s Competitive Classes

And then there’s the reason this wonderful show exists. The County Show is where Dorset’s farmers, growers and breeders bring out their very best and go head to head.

The livestock classes are a sight to see. Cows, sheep, pigs, goats, alpacas, poultry, rabbits and cavies, all washed, brushed and looking their absolute finest for the judges. If you’ve never watched a livestock class up close, here’s the best place to do it in Dorset. There’s a real skill to it, and the people showing are more than happy to chat about their animals.

Beyond the animals, the competition carries on. The floral pavilion and horticulture classes are full of prize veg, cut flowers and displays that people have worked on all year. Heavy horses, the forge, the show rings, made by the local people showing off what they’re good at, and doing it with a lot of pride.

Eat, Drink & Shop

You will not go hungry. Let’s just say that. The food hall is one of the best bits of the whole show for all you Dorset foodies, packed with Dorset producers selling cheese, cider, cakes, pies, chutneys and all sorts. Add in the street food stalls dotted round the ground, and you’ve got yourself a very easy lunch, followed by a very easy second lunch a bit later on.

The shopping’s just as good. Hundreds of trade stands sell everything from country clothing and wellies to gifts, gadgets, tools and homeware. You might go in looking for nothing in particular and come out with a new coat, a wheel of cheese and something for the garden. Bring a tote bag. You’ll want it (trust us).

Staying in Dorchester

If you’re heading to the show for the weekend or travelling, there are plenty of lovely hotels to stay in only a short drive from the Dorset County Show. Dorchester is the easiest and most convenient option, so it’s well worth looking at the hotels the town has to offer.

Popular choices like The Kings Arms, Westwood House and Sleeping Bear Hotel all come highly recommended. Base yourself in Dorchester, and you can make a proper weekend of it. Having the show one day, and a wander round the town the next, with its independent shops, cafés and pubs all close by. You can see the full list of accommodation options on the Dorchester BID website with direct booking links to all hotels.

Tickets, timings and the full line-up are on the Dorset County Show website. Get them booked and we’ll see you in the field. Book here for tickets to the Dorset County Show.

Dorset County Show 2026 FAQs

When is the Dorset County Show 2026?

The Dorset County Show 2026 takes place on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th September 2026. The two-day agricultural show is held just outside Dorchester in Dorset.

Where is the Dorset County Show held?

The Dorset County Show takes place at the Dorset County Showground near Dorchester. Dorchester makes a convenient base for visitors travelling to the show from elsewhere in Dorset or further afield.

What is the Dorset County Show?

The Dorset County Show is one of Dorset’s biggest annual agricultural events, bringing together farming, livestock, food and drink, countryside displays, entertainment, shopping and family activities over two days.

What’s on at the Dorset County Show 2026?

Highlights for 2026 include The Wurzels performing on Saturday, monster trucks, scurry racing, heavy horses, livestock competitions, countryside displays, trade stands, food and drink, horticulture and the floral pavilion. There’s entertainment taking place throughout the showground across both days.

Is the Dorset County Show suitable for families?

Yes. The Dorset County Show is a popular family day out in Dorset, with animals, arena displays, countryside attractions, food stalls and plenty for children to see and do. There’s also lots to interest parents, grandparents and older children.

What animals can you see at the Dorset County Show?

Visitors can see a wide variety of animals, including cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, alpacas, poultry, rabbits and cavies, as well as impressive heavy horses. Many take part in competitive classes judged during the weekend.

Can you buy food at the Dorset County Show?

Yes. The show has a dedicated food hall featuring Dorset producers alongside street food and refreshment stalls around the showground. Expect everything from local cheese, cakes and pies to chutneys, cider and other Dorset produce.

Can you buy tickets in advance?

Yes. Visitors can buy tickets for the Dorset County Show in advance, which can also help avoid queues when arriving at the showground. Ticket information and prices are available from the official Dorset County Show website.

Where can I stay near the Dorset County Show?

Dorchester is one of the best places to stay for the Dorset County Show, with the showground only a short drive away. The town has hotels, guest houses and other accommodation, as well as restaurants, pubs, cafés and independent shops.

Can I make a weekend of visiting the Dorset County Show?

Yes. Staying in Dorchester makes it easy to combine a day at the Dorset County Show with exploring the county town. Visitors can discover Dorchester’s museums, independent shops, cafés, restaurants and historic attractions before or after visiting the show.

What should I bring to the Dorset County Show?

Comfortable footwear is recommended as the showground is large and you’ll probably do plenty of walking. It’s also worth bringing suitable clothing for the weather and a reusable bag for anything you buy from the food, craft and trade stands.

How long should I allow for the Dorset County Show?

It’s worth allowing most or all of the day to explore the Dorset County Show. With arena entertainment, livestock classes, food and drink, shopping and countryside attractions spread across the showground, there’s plenty to fill a full day.

Share:

Facebook WhatsApp X Email