The Big Three: Top Country Shows for Country Sports This Summer
Country sports often require patience, whether it’s waiting for the first bite on the lake or that first shot in the field.
While we wait patiently for June and that first fish after the carp stop spawning, or until August for the return of the grouse on the Glorious Twelfth, plenty remains on offer to keep the feeling of the field alive throughout the summer.
There’s always something in the diary of country sports, and we’re here to bring you all you need to know about the top three country shows for country sports, from May to September.
So, keep reading for your go-to guide to plan your sporting-show summer with the ‘big three’.
The Events
National Shooting Show:
When: 10th – 11th May
Where: Yorkshire Events Centre, Harrogate, Yorkshire, HG2 8NZ
Event Opening Times:
Saturday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Sunday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
What to expect:
In the seasons of Country Sports, we know that summer is prime time for the clays. Hosted in the beautiful county of Yorkshire, The National Shooting Show celebrates all aspects of shooting sports, from clay shooting to game shooting, gundog trials to pest control- and of course, the renowned Gunmaker’s Row.
Whether you’re a professional competitor, a hobbyist who enjoys a Sunday at the local ground, or maybe an avid game shooter keeping up practice for the winter season, the National Shooting Show is an event not to miss if you’re passionate about field sports- and all things shooting.
A few key highlights:
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The Deer Zone
- Discover the art of hill tradition at the Stalking Tent, featuring educational stalking techniques, deer management, Teckel Mania and deer butchery.
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Gundogs
- Whether you’re a spaniel fan, rooting for retrievers or loving the Labradors, there's plenty of test competitions, scurries and expert advice.
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Gunmaker’s Row
- Every shooter’s version of heaven. Browse, dream and maybe even treat yourself to that ‘one you’ve had your eye on’.
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BASC Hunters Kitchen
- A field-to-fork experience watching Yorkshire’s finest game chefs in action as they craft dishes from nature’s larder.
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The Classroom and Guinness Bar
- New for 2025, pick up tips, tricks and behind-the-scenes insights from field experts in the classroom. Or, sit back and enjoy a pint of the black stuff at the shooting social hub of the Guinness Bar.
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Have a go
- Immerse yourself in an array of activities and experiences tailored to all ages, from Archery, to Falconry, Shooting Simulators and much more.
Useful Information:
- Event parking is free
- Tickets are available for a single day or as a weekend package.
- Children under 15 go free.
- Dog-friendly: Dogs are welcome on leads, except in canteen and café areas. A free creche zone is available on site for one hour per dog. Prior booking is advised.
Scottish Game Fair
When: 4th- 6th July
Where: Scone Palace, Perth, Scotland, PH2 6BD
Event Opening Times:
9:00 am- 6:00 pm
What to Expect:
Sharp shooter, honed game hunter, or eager Field Sport enthusiasts, the Scottish Game Fair is a top calendar contender for lovers of country sports and the heritage both Scotland and these sports have to offer.
Celebrating Shooting, Fishing and Gundog sports with Conservation and an array of Country Lifestyle pursuits, the event brings together a hand-picked collection of over four hundred leading and specialty brands in country sports and lifestyle.
Held in the breathtaking setting of the historic Scone Palace Estate, enjoy world-class attractions and meet high-profile ambassadors whilst socialising, networking, learning and of course- shopping for the latest products, innovations and fair-exclusive features.
A Few Key Highlights:
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Activity Row
- Fun for all ages with activities around every corner. From gundog shows to falconry, there’s something for all the family.
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Shooting
- Beginner or expert, there’s a range to suit everyone, from the have-a-go area to shootline, competitions and lessons with qualified shooting coaches.
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Fishing
- Catch fly-fishing demonstrations, question-and-answer sessions and daily fly-casting competitions in the River Tay and its beautiful Perthshire surroundings.
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Dogs
- Watch gundogs as they are put through their paces, with wagging tails and excited handlers in the purpose-built competition area.
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Gunmakers Row
- With over a thousand additional guns for 2025, whether you’re seeking a new addition or just browsing, Gunmaker’s Row has everything you need, from shotguns to rifles and airguns.
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The ESSE Cookers and Scottish Venison Theatre
- Explore Scottish produce and learn how to get the best out of your game! With popular names from the cookbook, restaurant and kitchen world, including Tom Kitchin and Tony Singh.
Useful Information:
- Event parking is free.
- Standard admission tickets are valid for any day, as is the two-day ticket. Enclosure packages are day-specific.
- A Buggy Service from the car parks to the Main Entrance is available for visitors.
- Dogs are welcome on a lead. The dog creche can be used for up to 4 hours. A donation (£5 per dog per hour) is required, with proceeds for Samsalin dog rescue. Booking advised.
- On-site shotgun storage and a shop and drop facility are available.
The Game Fair
When: 25th -27th July
Where: Ragley Hall, Alcester, B49, 5NJ
Event Opening Times:
Friday & Saturday 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
*Stands open at 9:00 am*
What to Expect:
As one of the biggest dates on any country sporting calendar, the UK Game Fair doesn’t take much tracking down! If you’re into country sports, you’ll know it’s a fair that’s right on target.
Often referred to as the flagship countryside event, the fair combines sports, heritage and country lifestyle to celebrate everything we love about shooting, field sports and the country lifestyle that comes with them.
Hosted in the beautiful grounds of Ragley Hall, the event features an incredible lineup of exhibitors, on hand to offer an extensive showcase of the latest equipment, techniques, and innovations across field sports and country life..
A Few Key Highlights:
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Shootline
- Sporting one of the longest shootlines at any event. Hone your technique, grab some guidance, or have a go at one of Churchill’s best-loved shooting grounds.
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Fishing
- Fishing fanatic or looking to cast your first line? Take a bite and why not try your hand at fly fishing, coarse fishing, and perhaps browse the latest gear in the game.
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Dogs
- For those passionate about canine country sports, there are plenty of treats in store, whether it's field trials, gundog competitions, or speaking to the experts.
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Pulsar Presents: Gunmaker’s Row
- Where the serious conversations happen (if you know, you know!). Get up close and personal with the latest guns, firearms and all the expert advice in one place.
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Main Arena
- A welcome break from talking shop! A chance to catch gundog displays, falconry and of course, an arena of excitement for all the family.
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Have a go
- Try before you buy! New hobby or sport in mind? Join the have-a-go area, experience everything from clay shooting to coarse and fly fishing, and even a 4x4 driving experience.
Useful Information:
- Event parking is free.
- Single-day tickets are for any one of the three event days. Weekend tickets can be scanned once on any of the three days.
- Children under seven go free.
- Dogs are welcome on a fixed non-retractable lead. The dog creche can be used for up to 4 hours. A donation (£5 per dog per hour) is required, with proceeds for Samsalin dog rescue. Booking advised.
Whether you’re a lifelong enthusiast or just starting to get a feel for the field, the big three are the places to be for all things country sports this summer, with socialising, expert advice and hands-on experiences all in one place.
Don’t miss out, book your tickets now! And look forward to a summer of sports, sun, and a whole lot of fun.
About the Author
Matt Holland is passionate about sharing tips on enjoying the British countryside. From field sports to family-friendly activities, Matt is a proud enthusiast of all country pursuits, with a keen interest in country sports and the heritage, traditions, and tales they offer. Living and working in the beautiful Cheshire countryside, Matt combines his love for rural life with practical advice, helping others make the most of the seasons while embracing the thrill of country sports and the beauty of country life.