The sun continued to shine on the County Show team as the Dorset Spring Show opened its farm gates this weekend. Now in its new home at the Birch Lane Showground on a working farm, there can’t be many events that boast such a stunning backdrop of Dorset’s rolling hills.
The Spring Show was everything you’d hope for – the key is to take your time, saunter around, and stop to enjoy each element. With a packed schedule in the Spring Arena, and additional thrills from the BMX and Axemen arenas, there’s more than enough to fill a day.
Beyond the goat-herding dog, racing Shetland ponies, airborne BMX stunts and the strangely mesmerising wood-chopping, there was still so much to explore.
Titan the Robot gathered a huge crowd every time he appeared beside the picnic tent, with laughter rippling across the showground. The food hall was vast and bustling – don’t expect to leave empty handed. There’s always a sausage, chutney, vodka or cheese just tempting you to take it home.
The steam engine trailer rides proved especially popular, its cheerful chuffing and whistle creating a lovely soundtrack to the day as it gently pulled trailer-loads of families around the site.
Over on Spring Farm, it was hard to resist the draw of holding a fluffy chick, napping lambs and sleepy piglets. And in the heart of the farmyard, the kids’ pedal tractors kept many little ones happily occupied.
Trade stalls were plentiful and varied – be prepared for plenty of walking as you browse. It was a farmer’s field just a week ago, so sturdy footwear is a must!
The Food & Drink Village offered something for every taste, from local lamb burgers to Greek souvlaki. As expected, it got busy around lunchtime – go early or late if you’d rather avoid a queue. We opted for Thai (the chicken pad Thai was delicious) – though the wood-fired pizza next door was a very close contender!
The Demo Theatre hosted a fascinating NFU talk to open the day, followed by a mix of cookery and tastings from local producers, before wrapping up with floral demonstrations.
The show continues tomorrow, Sunday – it’s well worth a visit
www.dorsetspringshow.co.uk
Adults £18 | Kids £3 | Family £40
(under 5s free)
Getting to the Show:
Use the postcode DT2 7LN and follow the yellow directional signs when nearby.
Catch the Shuttle Bus from Dorchester, Poundbury and Puddletown – a double decker will be at each stop every half an hour. View the shuttle bus route: https://dorsetcountyshow.co.uk/spring-show-info/
Tickets can be purchased on the gate, or book online for faster entry (screenshot the ticket barcode on your phone before leaving home – signal’ onsite may not work’s iffy on site!).
Do take some cash – not all traders accept card, and contactless can be unreliable in the middle of a field!
