Wolsingham Show

Is Wolsingham Show Worth a Visit While You’re in Weardale?

If you’re heading to Weardale Holiday Lodges and looking for things to do nearby, you might have spotted the Wolsingham Show. 

The Wolsingham Show is one of the UK’s oldest and best-loved country shows. First held in 1763, it’s packed with agricultural displays, live entertainment, food, drink, and artisan stalls all set in the countryside in Durham. 

It’s a slightly livelier version of a traditional village show, with everything from livestock judging to stunt shows and live music. It’s a great  way to experience the local countryside community and enjoy a relaxed day out with a mix of things to see and do.

When And Where Is It Held? 

The Wolsingham show is held in the first week of September like the Stanhope Show. The event is held just outside of the village of Wolsingham around a 20 minute drive from Weardale Holiday Lodges. 

There is plenty of parking for the show and is easy to reach from Weardale. 

What Can You Expect on the Day? 

Livestock and Animal Displays 

As with any proper country show, there’ll be livestock classes featuring cattle, sheep, pigs, and horses, plus displays from working sheepdogs and falconry experts. 

Even if you’re not especially into farming, it’s always impressive to see the standard and displays in the animals show.

Country Displays
The showground usually features demonstrations of rural skills like dry stone walling, vintage machinery parades, and even heavy horse shows. It’s a lovely way to connect with the region’s countryside traditions.

Main Arena Entertainment
One of the highlights is the packed programme of arena events. Expect everything from stunt motorbike teams and dog agility displays to vintage tractor parades and live bands in the evening. 

There will be events and displays all day. 

Shopping, Food and Drink
At Wolsingham Show you can expect to find a great mixture of artisan stalls selling handmade gifts, countryside clothing, homewares and local produce. 

There’s also plenty to eat and drink from classic food stalls to street food and local ales. 

Music and Social Spaces
Over the past few years Wolsingham Show has added more live music to the event with local bands and tribute acts playing into the evening. 

The mix of local food, countryside displays, and artisan shopping makes it ideal if you’re after something a bit different before heading back to your peaceful lodge and hot tub.

Do I Need To Plan Ahead?  

While tickets are often available on the day the show’s growing popularity in recent years means pre-booking your entry online is a good idea, especially if you’re keen on catching the headline arena events or evening entertainment.

If you’re staying with us in early September and fancy a country show, Wolsingham Show is well worth a visit.