A Visit to: Rutland County Show | Celebrating Farming, Food and Family Fun in England's Smallest County

Some events make you proud of where you live, and for me, the Rutland County Show sits right at the top of that list.

Every year, this is the date I look forward to most. As I wandered around the Rutland Showground surrounded by thousands of people celebrating farming, food, local businesses and community spirit, I was reminded why this remains one of the best family days out in Rutland.

It's a day that makes me feel incredibly proud to call England's smallest county home.

This year marked the 192nd Rutland County Show, with around 16,000 visitors attending what is widely regarded as one of the largest one-day agricultural shows in the UK. For almost two centuries, the show has brought together the very best of rural life, British farming and the Rutland community, and it's easy to see why it remains one of the county's most popular annual events.

Of course, Stan's priorities were clear from the start. Before 10.30 am, he'd already secured an ice cream and was ready to explore. The fairground rides were an instant hit, as were the farm animals, tractors, vintage machinery and agricultural displays that make the Rutland County Show such a memorable experience for children and adults alike.

One of the things I love most about the show is that every member of the family finds something they enjoy. Whether you're interested in livestock competitions, equestrian events, countryside crafts, gardening, shopping, live music, local food and drink, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, there is genuinely something for everyone.

By lunchtime, we'd worked up quite an appetite. As always, the food village offered an incredible selection of local produce, artisan treats and street food from across the region. We were completely spoilt for choice, but the loaded mac and cheese fries won the day and certainly didn't disappoint.

The afternoon was spent doing what Rutland does best: bumping into familiar faces, catching up with friends and supporting local businesses.

We browsed the trade stands, admired the craft stalls and, naturally, had a go at the famous For Rutland bottle tombola. Unfortunately, luck wasn't on our side this year, but we managed to soften the disappointment with a well-earned glass of Rutland fizz from Mallard Point.

What makes the Rutland County Show so special is that it's much more than just a day out. It is a celebration of the people, businesses, farmers and communities that make Rutland such a wonderful place to live and visit. The show showcases everything from livestock and equestrian competitions to local food producers, rural crafts, agricultural machinery, family entertainment and hundreds of independent trade stands.

It also provides an important opportunity to support local businesses, champion British farming and help connect future generations with the countryside and rural life.

If you've never visited before, make sure you set aside the entire day.

This isn't an event you can rush around in a couple of hours. From the moment the gates open until the final displays in the Main Ring, there is always something happening. Whether you're visiting with young children, grandparents, friends, or simply looking for one of the best things to do in Rutland, you'll leave feeling like there was still more to see.

Save the Date: Rutland County Show 2027

The good news is that you can already get next year's date in the diary.

The 193rd Rutland County Show will take place on Sunday 6th June 2027 at Rutland Showground, Oakham.

If you're planning to attend, keep an eye out for the release of early bird tickets, which traditionally offer significant savings compared to gate prices. It's also worth considering membership of the Rutland Agricultural Society, which includes show entry, preferential parking and access to the Members' Marquee, while helping support the society's work promoting agriculture, education and rural life throughout Rutland.

In a world where family days out can often feel rushed, expensive and disconnected from local communities, the Rutland County Show remains something genuinely special. It's a day that celebrates local life, supports small businesses, showcases the very best of British farming and creates lasting memories for families of all ages.

For me, it's not just my favourite Rutland event of the year. It's one of the best reminders of why Rutland is such a wonderful place to call home.

Find out more about Rutland County Show here.

Charlie @rutlandblog