Country fair enthusiasts, animal lovers, and families, get ready for Hampshire’s premier countryside celebration! Returning from Tuesday 28 July to Thursday 30 July 2026, the New Forest & Hampshire County Show takes over the Showground at New Park (SO42 7QH) in Brockenhurst. Open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM, this prestigious three-day agricultural event combines world-class main ring stunt displays, grand livestock parades, local food halls, equine competitions, and over 70 free interactive family activities.
Event Schedule & Opening Times
The New Forest & Hampshire County Show takes place from Tuesday 28 July to Thursday 30 July 2026 at The Showground in Brockenhurst:
- Event Dates: Tuesday 28th – Thursday 30th July 2026
- Gates Open: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM daily
- Location: The Showground, New Park, Brockenhurst, Hampshire (SO42 7QH)
- Ticket Flexibility: Day tickets are valid for any single day of the show (used once).
Show Highlights & What to Expect
Main Rings
The East and West Rings serve as the main stages for the show’s biggest spectacles and daily highlights.
- Headline stunt performance by Horsepower Fury
- Grand Parade of Livestock
- Heavy Horse Musical Drive
- Full schedule of premier equine events running across all three days
Equine Rings
Action-packed equestrian competitions take place continuously across the North, East, West, and Show rings.
- Showjumping competitions
- Heavy horse musical drive
- Inter-hunt relay & hound parade
- Riding and showing classes
Cattle Rings
Cattle showing represents the historic foundation and founding purpose of the entire event.
- Dairy cattle classes
- Beef cattle showing
- Rare breed displays
- Commercial breed judging and educational talks
Hobby Horse Ring
Brand-new for 2026, this dedicated ring invites young competitors to saddle up and jump into friendly competition (£8 entry per class).
- Best Turned Out classes
- Fancy Dress competitions
- Best Trick showcases
- Showjumping heights ranging from 20cm to 80cm for all age groups
Sheep Rings
A massive livestock showcase featuring 160 different competitive classes held across the three days.
- Over 30 distinct sheep breeds on display
- Daily judging and championship ribbons
- Wool and breed educational opportunities
Countryside Area
An ever-popular hub demonstrating authentic rural skills, working animals, and countryside traditions.
- Fly fishing demonstrations
- Gun dog work displays
- Country craft exhibits
- Game cookery masterclasses and timetables
Live Music
Talented local musicians take over the Music Stage and Bandstand to provide non-stop entertainment.
- Indie-Folk and acoustic sets
- Classic 60s and 70s covers
- Pop and Rock performances
- Soul music sessions
Demo Kitchen
Top local chefs showcase their culinary talent with live masterclasses throughout the day.
- Live cooking masterclasses
- Expert tips and culinary ideas
- Demonstrations covering a wide variety of cuisines
Family Fun Area
An action-packed zone packed with live shows, creative play, and interactive activities for kids.
- Live shows featuring Crazy M and Joey
- Dance performances and circus skills workshops
- Kids’ Silent Disco (ages 5+)
- All-day fun with the Funky Play Bus, Bella Crafts, and Glitter Fairies
Dog Ring
Watch talented canine athletes perform or bring your own pet along to enter the famous dog show.
- High-speed agility courses
- Scent work and obedience demonstrations
- The famous open-entry public Dog Show
Ticket Prices & Admission Options
Save money by purchasing discounted tickets online before buying at the gate:
Day Tickets
- Adult (Ages 17+): £29.00 Advance / £32.00 Standard
- Child (Ages 4–16): £7.00 Advance / £8.00 Standard
- Family (2 Adults & 2 Children): £62.00 Advance / £69.00 Standard
- Under 4s: FREE
- Essential Companion: FREE (Supporting evidence required during booking)
Children’s Workshops & Add-Ons
- Little Joe’s Kitchen Workshop (Ages 5+): £8.00 per child (Sessions available Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday)
- Official Show Guide: £4.00 Advance / £5.00 Standard
- Equine Catalogue: £3.00 Advance / £4.00 Standard
- Livestock Catalogue: £3.00
How to Get to The Showground
The Showground at New Park is situated on the A337 between Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst in the heart of the New Forest:
- By Car: Easily reached via the M27 motorway (exit Junction 1 for Cadnam or Junction 2 via Lyndhurst). Follow yellow AA event signage to the showground (postcode SO42 7QH).
- By Train: Brockenhurst Railway Station is approximately 1.5 miles away. Dedicated shuttle bus services run directly from the station to the showground gates throughout the event.
- By Bus: Local Bluestar 6 bus services run regularly between Southampton, Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst, and Lymington, stopping close to the showground.
Where to Park at The Showground
Parking is straightforward and provided directly on site:
- On-Site Visitor Parking: FREE car parking is included for all ticket holders in dedicated showground fields.
- Accessible Parking: Designated Blue Badge parking areas are available close to the main entrance gates for valid permit holders.
- Dog Policy: Dogs are welcome on leads throughout the showground, but are not permitted in livestock tents or enclosed food areas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- When does the New Forest & Hampshire County Show take place?
- The three-day show takes place from Tuesday 28 July through to Thursday 30 July 2026, with gates open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
- Where is the New Forest Show located?
- The showground is situated at New Park on the A337 in Brockenhurst, Hampshire (postcode SO42 7QH).
- Are tickets valid for a specific day?
- Day tickets are valid for entry on any single day of the show (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday). You do not need to nominate your day in advance.
- Is parking free at the New Forest Show?
- Yes, on-site parking in adjacent showground fields is completely free for all ticket holders. Dedicated Blue Badge disabled parking is also provided near the entrance gates.
- Are dogs permitted on the showground?
- Yes, dogs are welcome provided they are kept on leads at all times. However, dogs are not allowed inside livestock tents or food hall areas due to hygiene and animal welfare regulations. Banned breeds are strictly prohibited.
- How do I get to the show by train?
- Mainline trains stop at Brockenhurst Railway Station. A free direct shuttle bus service operates continuously between Brockenhurst Station and the main showground entrance for advance ticket holders and members.
- What is included with an Essential Companion ticket?
- Free Essential Companion / Carer tickets are available online for visitors requiring personal assistance. Supporting documentation (such as PIP letters or Blue Badges) must be submitted during the booking process.