The Newbury show is back after having three years off because of the covid pandemic. The show is a big countryside adventure for all of the family; in 2019 the show had 55,000 visitors!
We started off by walking through the trade and craft stands. There was a huge range of stands, including country fashion, garden furniture and equipment, jewellery, gifts, candles, art and pottery. I bought George a jumper with tractors on that he loves!
The food tent showcased an amazing array of local produce and artisans. Including local honey, pies and pastry makers, cheese, olives and antipasti buffets, fruit and vegetable growers, and of course bakers. We bought some amazing donuts to take home!
Next we wondered through one of the many food courts and choose some delicious venison burgers for our picnic. There was a huge amount of food vans to choose from, all around the site so you didn’t need to walk far to find food. There were also a few bars dotted around and some local artisan gin makers.
At the countryside area display ring we watched ‘Collin Thomas dog agility’ and the ‘Wye Valley Axemen’, which were incredibly talented. Also in this area at the lake they had fly-fishing demonstrations.
Then we wondered down to the main arena and watched the Pony Club Mounted Games. On the other side of the main arena there is a vintage fun fair with a good amount of rides. George loved the mini Ferris wheel and the merry-go-rounds. They had rides for lots of different ages.
Next we went to watch the sheep show and see the livestock that had won prices. This process of judging the best animal in its class fascinated George, and he was really interested to know how they were judged. The lovely owners were really happy to talk to George about their animals and he even got to pet them.
From here we wondered up to the vintage machinery. On the way round, to Georges delight, we saw lots of different types of tractors. Some of them children were allowed to sit on. George especially loved the massive combine harvesters.
I really enjoyed the Heavy Horse display in the main arena. I think it’s amazing that the owners keep on this tradition of using horses to work.
A few practical notes. It is on again Sunday 9am-5pm. Dogs are allowed on lead. Our cockapoo Wilson loved it, he got lots of attention. There are lots of porta loos dotted around the site. We took our pram, the ground was ok to push it on, it is mainly concrete or gravel, with grass from the car parks.
There are busses running to and from the Showground every 30 minutes over Show weekend. Stops include Newbury Wharf Bus Station and Thatcham Broadway. Priority car parking is available on a first come first served basis, you can buy a car park ticket via the website for £10. Also there is free parking in the WHITE car park and a free park and ride service from the BLACK car park on the Oxford Road.
