The New Forest Show

A century of celebrating countryside life

For over 100 years, the New Forest & Hampshire County Show has championed agriculture, education and the rural way of life — and every visit helps keep it thriving.

Who we are

More than a show — a charity for the countryside

The New Forest & Hampshire County Show is organised by the New Forest Agricultural Show Society, a charity founded in 1920. What began as a local livestock show has grown into a major three-day celebration of countryside life in the heart of the National Park.

Alongside the Show, we run Camping New Forest and Long Meadow campsite, welcoming visitors to stay, explore and connect with the Forest all year round.

By attending or becoming a member, you directly fund our charitable work — from education days and tree planting to preserving rural skills for future generations.

Countryside life at the New Forest Show
100+
years of tradition
5,500+
trees & shrubs planted
500+
schoolchildren involved
200+
volunteers
10
campsites in the Forest

Our story

A hundred years in the making

1920 — where it began

The very first show is held at Netley Marsh on 1 September 1920, bringing the New Forest community back together after the First World War. Farmers compete with cattle, ponies, pigs, poultry and produce, alongside a band, dancing and a fair. It's an instant success — within a year, entries had nearly doubled.

Growing the Show

Quickly outgrowing its first home, the Show moves to Bartley Cross in 1922 and, over the decades, blossoms into the much-loved three-day county event now held at New Park, Brockenhurst, in the heart of the National Park.

Beyond the Show

The Society opens Long Meadow campsite, and in 2023 launches Camping New Forest in partnership with Forestry England — welcoming visitors to stay, explore and connect with the Forest all year round.

Today

An in-house Education Team delivers tree planting, school days, guided walks and countryside skills for the next generation — all funded by everyone who attends the Show and becomes a member.

Our impact

What we've achieved so far

✦ Delivered by our in-house Education Team
The Heathcote Award

Recognition

The Heathcote Award

The Heathcote Award celebrates individuals who have given 30 or more years of exemplary service in agriculture, forestry, equestrianism or horticulture within the New Forest or Hampshire County.

Winners receive a framed certificate, life membership to the Society, and a Heathcote Award lapel badge in recognition of their contribution.

Learn more
Samantha Bailey exhibiting cattle at the New Forest Show

In memory

The Samantha & Florence Bailey Bursary

Launched in memory of Samantha Bailey and her unborn daughter Florence, honouring Sam's passion for farming and her contribution to the New Forest Show.

Established in 2018, the bursary supports young people in Hampshire pursuing a future in agriculture — funding students at agricultural college and individuals undertaking short courses that enhance their career in the industry.

Camping in the New Forest

Our sister organisation

Camping New Forest

Camping New Forest operates 10 wonderful campsites around the New Forest — a unique chance to reconnect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors with family and friends.

From stargazing at night to exploring ancient woodlands by day, with tranquil surroundings, diverse wildlife and miles of scenic trails, it's a holiday like no other.

Explore campsites

Support our work

Ways to get involved

Everything we do for education and the countryside is powered by the people who take part. Here's how you can help.

🎟️

Visit the Show

The simplest way to support us — a brilliant day out that helps fund our charitable work all year round.

Buy tickets

Become a member

Enjoy the Show in style with exclusive members' areas, and help sustain the Society's work for the future.

Join today
🌱

Support young farmers

The Samantha & Florence Bailey Bursary helps young people in Hampshire build a future in agriculture.

Learn more
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