Rutland Flower Show 2026 | Family-Friendly Things to Do in Rutland This August | 14th, 15th & 16th August 2026
- 44 minutes ago
- 3 min read
When people hear the words flower show, it's easy to picture rows of colourful blooms and expert gardeners discussing plants.
While you'll certainly find plenty of that at Rutland Flower Show 2026, there's so much more waiting to be discovered.
Returning to Rutland Showground from Friday 14th, Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th August 2026, the three-day event is back for its second year and, after being invited behind the scenes at the media day held at Barnsdale Gardens, it's clear this is shaping up to be one of Rutland's biggest and most exciting events of the summer.
Whether you're a passionate gardener, someone hoping to transform your outdoor space, or simply searching for family-friendly things-to-do in Rutland during the summer holidays, this is a day out that's designed for everyone.
One of the biggest attractions for families is that children under 16 go FREE, making it one of the best-value family events in Rutland this August. Add in FREE on-site parking, and it's easy to spend the whole day exploring everything the show has to offer.
Although gardening sits at the heart of the show, don't make the mistake of thinking it's only for people with green fingers.
During the media day, show ambassador Bex Edwards explained that the Rutland Flower Show has been created as a complete family day out, with entertainment and activities for every generation.
Across the weekend, you'll find live circus performances, a traditional vintage fairground, live music, children's entertainment and competitions created especially for younger visitors, meaning there's always something happening beyond the beautiful floral displays.
It's exactly the kind of event where grandparents, parents and children can all spend the day together, each discovering something they'll love.
For anyone who enjoys gardening, Rutland Flower Show is packed with inspiration.
More than 250 exhibitors will be attending, including over 50 specialist independent nurseries, giving visitors the opportunity to browse and buy everything from unusual plants and flowers to garden accessories, artisan food, gifts and homewares.
Many of the nurseries exhibiting are RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal winners, offering visitors the chance to shop directly from some of Britain's most respected growers.
The event has also been designed to feel welcoming for gardeners of every ability.
Whether you're planting your very first flower bed or you've been gardening for decades, there will be expert talks, practical demonstrations and friendly advice available throughout the weekend.
If you've ever wandered around a garden centre wondering what would grow best in your garden, where to plant it or how to get started, this is exactly the place to ask. Gardening clinics with experienced experts, including garden designer Yvette from Yvette Design Solutions, will be offering practical advice to help visitors leave feeling inspired and confident.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to hear from some of the UK's best-known gardening personalities throughout the weekend.
The celebrity line-up includes:, Adam Frost (BBC Gardeners' World), Carol Klein, Nick Hamilton from Barnsdale Gardens and Matthew Wilson (BBC Radio 4 Gardeners' Question Time).
Alongside the headline speakers, there will be specialist talks, demonstrations and workshops taking place across all three days.
Rutland Flower Show isn't just about plants.
Visitors can also browse artisan stalls, independent businesses, homewares, gifts, food and drink producers, making it just as appealing for those who enjoy shopping as those who love gardening.
You don't need to know the difference between annuals and perennials.
You don't even need to have a garden.
Whether you're visiting for the award-winning nurseries, the celebrity speakers, the shopping, the food, the family entertainment, or simply to enjoy a summer's day outdoors, Rutland Flower Show offers far more than its name suggests.
If you're looking for one of the best family days out in Rutland this August, this should definitely be on your list.
Everything you need to know:
📅 Dates: Friday 14th, Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th August 2026
🕤 Opening Times: 9:30am – 5:00pm daily
🎟️ Advance Ticket Prices (until 13th August 2026 or until sold out)
👤 Adult: £20.00
👵 Concession: £18.00
👶 Children (Under 16): FREE
🚗 Parking: Free on-site parking
🎪 Family Entertainment: Live circus performances, traditional vintage fairground, children's competitions, live music and family-friendly activities throughout the weekend
🌿 Gardening Highlights: 250+ exhibitors, 50+ independent specialist nurseries, RHS Chelsea Gold Medal-winning growers, show gardens, floral displays, gardening clinics, demonstrations and workshops
🌟 Celebrity Guests: Adam Frost, Carol Klein, Nick Hamilton, Matthew Wilson and more
🛍️ Shopping: Plants, garden accessories, artisan food, gifts, local makers and independent businesses
🌐 Book Tickets: www.rutlandflowershow.co.uk/
Charlie
Please note: This is marked as an AD because the experience it was kindly gifted in exchange for content creation and my honest review, feedback and testimonial. As always, all opinions are entirely my own.
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