In this article, you'll learn the following:
The New Forest & Hampshire County Show is one of the largest and most prestigious agricultural events in the country. Celebrating the best of rural life, the show – one of the biggest in the county - has been running for over 100 years in the surroundings of the iconic New Forest.
Filled with fun and entertainment for the whole family, here, you’ll experience a myriad of activities – from show jumping to circus workshops, dance displays and much more.
When and where is The New Forest & Hampshire County Show
The New Forest County Show takes place on 30 July – 1 August.
The address is: The Showground, New Park, Brockenhurst, Hampshire SO42 7QH.
How do I get to the New Forest & Hampshire County Show
Travelling by train
The nearest train station to the New Forest County Show is Brockenhurst. There’s a shuttle bus between Brockenhurst Station and the Showground, which runs from 7.30 am until 7.00 pm.
You can travel to the New Forest straight from London Waterloo, Basingstoke, Winchester, Southampton, Bournemouth, Poole and Weymouth with South Western Railway.
Explore our full range of ticket types to find the right one for your journey. You can find cheap train tickets by booking early or going off-peak, and if you have a Railcard or if you’re travelling in a group, you could save even more.
Travelling from London
The train from London Waterloo to the New Forest takes as little as 90 minutes, and you can also hop on at Clapham Junction. Catch a direct train to Brockenhurst, or you may need to change at a nearby town or city like Southampton or Bournemouth.
Things to see and do at New Forest & Hampshire County Show
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There are heaps of things to do at the New Forest & Hampshire County Show. The 2024 timetable is still pending, but the organisers have given us a taster of what’s in store.
Motorbike stunts - This year’s headline act Bolddog FMX (and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalists) will perform a spectacular series of gravity-defying tricks.
Show jumping - Watch top show jumpers from across the country compete against each other in the main ring, attempting to clear the course in the fastest time.
Flower and vegetable displays - Learn all about flower arranging and try your hand at it yourself.
Crafts and countryside - Learn about traditional country life, old-time farming and visit the animals on site, including rabbits and dogs. There will also be craft tents showcasing a range of carefully handmade products.
Food and drink – Head to the garden tearooms and beer tents to quench your thirst or choose from more than 40 stands selling food and drink. There’s a also a peaceful picnic area if you fancy it.
Buy your tickets to the event.
Things to do near the New Forest
The New Forest is well worth exploring while you’re in the area. Covering 220 square miles, you can see its vibrant wildlife, do some water sports, go on scenic bike rides and walks, and much more.
It’s also worth visiting its nearby towns including Christchurch, and Lymington. Take the train to Bournemouth to explore its miles of golden sandy beaches and food and drink hotspots.
Don’t forget to check out SWR Rewards for money off activities, food, and drink deals.
Where to stay in the New Forest
There are lots of accommodation options in the New Forest to suit all tastes and budgets. Whether you’re after a luxury stay, a budget hotel or bed and breakfast or fancy camping in the New Forest’s nature-filled spots, there’s plenty to choose from.
Hotels - The New Forest is home to numerous hotels for luxurious stays, including Lime Wood, The Pig, Burley Manor and Balmer Lawn Hotel.
Bed and breakfasts - There’s also a range of bed and breakfasts to choose from, including The Lazy Lion, The Kings Head, Rudder’s of Lymington, Bridge House and Little Forest Lodge.
Cottages and self-catering - The New Forest Cottages, Undercastle Cottage, Riverside Park and the Forester’s and Keepers Cottages are worth a look in.
Camping, glamping, and holiday parks - Pitch a tent at New Park Farm Campsite or Long Meadow Campsite or enjoy a glamping experience at Green Hill Farm or in the Arniss Bell Tents at Chapelfield Camping.
Learn more about the New Forest, including things to do and where to stay in our dedicated guide.
New Forest & Hampshire County Show Accessibility
The event is open to all, and includes:
- a dedicated disabled car park
- mobility scooter hire (bear in mind these need to be reserved before the show)
- carer’s tickets (apply in advance by emailing jenny@newforestshow.co.uk)
See the website’s FAQ page to learn more.
