Great Yorkshire Show

The Great Yorkshire Show is the flagship event of the agricultural calendar in Northern England, and for motorhome travellers it represents one of the finest opportunities to experience rural Britain at its most vibrant. Held annually at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate, this three-day celebration of farming, food, and countryside life draws over 130,000 visitors and has been running since 1838. From our base at Heath's Motorhome Hire in Pontefract, the showground is approximately 35 minutes' drive north via the A1(M) and A661 — a straightforward journey that drops you right into the heart of North Yorkshire.

The show itself is a sprawling affair. Livestock competitions form the backbone, with cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, and horses paraded before expert judges across dozens of classes. The cattle lines alone are worth an hour of your time, and watching a seasoned stockman present a champion Limousin or Texel ram is a reminder of the skill and dedication that underpins British farming. The equestrian arena hosts showjumping, dressage, and heavy horse displays, while the farriery competition sees blacksmiths shaping shoes against the clock — a genuinely compelling spectacle.

Beyond the livestock, the Great Yorkshire Show is one of the best food festivals in the north. The food halls and outdoor stalls showcase the finest produce from across Yorkshire and beyond — artisan cheeses from Wensleydale and the Dales, cured meats from the Pennine valleys, craft beers from Sheffield and Leeds, and baked goods from village bakeries you would never find otherwise. Sampling your way through the food marquees is one of the great pleasures of the show, and a motorhome means you have somewhere to store your purchases without lugging bags around all day.

For families, there is no shortage of entertainment. The countryside pursuits area covers everything from fly fishing and falconry to dry stone walling and sheep shearing demonstrations. The forestry area lets children try their hand at woodland crafts, and the main ring programme includes military displays, motorcycle stunt teams, and massed pipe bands. There is enough to fill all three days comfortably, and most regular visitors would tell you that trying to see everything in a single day is a mistake.

A motorhome is the ideal way to attend the Great Yorkshire Show. The showground offers dedicated motorhome and caravan pitches with electrical hook-ups, and many visitors arrive the evening before the show opens to settle in and avoid the morning traffic. Pitches tend to sell out well in advance, so booking early is essential — check the Great Yorkshire Show website from February onwards for camping ticket availability. Alternatively, several campsites around Harrogate and Knaresborough welcome motorhomes during show week, including Ripley Caravan Park and Bilton Park, both within a short drive of the showground.

If you are driving from Pontefract on the day, aim to arrive before 8am. The gates open at 7am for vehicles, and the roads around the showground can become congested by mid-morning. The A661 approach from Wetherby is generally smoother than coming through Harrogate town centre. Bring wellies regardless of the forecast — the showground is largely on grass and a single shower can turn the walkways muddy. Sun cream and a hat are equally important if the weather is kind, as there is very little shade across the site.

The show also provides an excellent excuse to explore the surrounding area. Harrogate itself is one of Yorkshire's most elegant towns, with its Valley Gardens, Turkish Baths, and Betty's Tea Rooms all within walking distance of the showground. Nidderdale, the Brimham Rocks, and Fountains Abbey are all nearby and make perfect day trips before or after the show. A motorhome gives you the flexibility to extend your stay and take in the best of North Yorkshire at your own pace.