Hodder Valley Show 2026: Your Guide to One of the Ribble Valley’s Best Country Shows
Looking for a proper Lancashire country show in the heart of the Forest of Bowland? The Hodder Valley Show returns on Saturday 12 September 2026, bringing together farming, livestock, local food, traditional competitions and family entertainment in one of the most beautiful corners of the Ribble Valley.
For visitors to the Ribble Valley, there are few events that capture the character of this part of Lancashire quite like the Hodder Valley Show.
Taking place on Saturday 12 September 2026, the show is a wonderful celebration of rural life, bringing farmers, local families, competitors and visitors together for a traditional agricultural and horticultural show surrounded by the spectacular countryside of the Forest of Bowland.
Whether you’re fascinated by farming, bringing the children for a day out, looking for local food and crafts or simply want to experience one of the Ribble Valley’s great traditional events, here’s our guide to visiting the Hodder Valley Show 2026.
Hodder Valley Show 2026: Essential Information
Date: Saturday 12 September 2026
Location: Hodder Valley / Forest of Bowland, Ribble Valley, Lancashire
2026 venue: Check the official Hodder Valley Show website for the latest venue, directions, parking and visitor information before travelling.
What to expect: Livestock, sheepdog trials, horticulture, local food, crafts, entertainment, competitions and plenty of traditional country-show atmosphere.
The Hodder Valley Show is unusual because its setting can move around the valley, traditionally involving the communities around Dunsop Bridge, Newton-in-Bowland and Slaidburn. That means the surrounding landscape isn’t simply a backdrop to the show – it’s an important part of the experience.
The event has a long history, dating back to 1864, and remains firmly rooted in the farming communities of the Hodder Valley.
What Can You See at the Hodder Valley Show?
If you’ve never been to a traditional agricultural show before, expect considerably more than tractors and sheep.
The Hodder Valley Show combines serious agricultural competition with entertainment, food, shopping and activities, making it equally enjoyable for countryside enthusiasts and families who simply want a memorable day out.
Livestock and Farming
Agriculture remains at the heart of the show.
Expect to see some superb livestock as farmers and breeders bring their animals to compete. Previous shows have featured extensive cattle and sheep classes, giving visitors an opportunity to get much closer to the farming traditions that have shaped the Hodder Valley landscape.
For children in particular, this can be a fascinating introduction to where food comes from and the work involved in looking after the countryside.
Take some time to wander around the livestock areas rather than heading straight for the main attractions – they’re an essential part of what makes the Hodder Valley Show special.
Watch the Sheepdogs at Work
One of the great sights at a country show is a skilled sheepdog working with its handler.
Sheepdog trials have been an important attraction at the Hodder Valley Show, demonstrating the extraordinary communication between working dogs and shepherds.
It looks effortless when done well. Anyone who has ever attempted to persuade even one dog to go in the desired direction will appreciate quite how much skill is involved.
The Hodder Valley Show Fell Race
Fancy doing something a little more energetic?
The show’s fell race takes runners out into the magnificent countryside surrounding the showground.
Routes have varied with the show’s location, but previous races have taken competitors across the valley and onto the surrounding fells in the Forest of Bowland. Junior races have also formed part of the event.
Even if running uphill isn’t your idea of an enjoyable Saturday, it’s well worth watching the competitors head out – and cheering them back into the showground afterwards.
Anyone intending to compete should check the official show information for the 2026 fell race route, categories, entry arrangements and timings.
Visit the Horticultural Tent
Don’t overlook the horticultural section.
Country-show competition can become surprisingly serious when locally grown vegetables, flowers, baking and preserves are involved.
Previous Hodder Valley Shows have featured a huge selection of horticultural classes covering the talents of local gardeners, bakers and floral artists.
You’ll find the sort of immaculate vegetables that make everything growing in your own garden look rather inadequate, alongside flowers, homemade produce and other lovingly prepared entries.
It’s traditional village-show competition at its best.
Local Food and Drink
Come hungry.
One of the pleasures of visiting agricultural and country shows in Lancashire is discovering the area’s food producers.
The Hodder Valley and wider Ribble Valley have an exceptional farming and food heritage, so make time to explore the show’s food stalls and Food Hall, where previous events have showcased quality local produce.
It’s also an opportunity to support independent producers and take something home for later.
Browse the Craft Stalls
Alongside the food, look out for the craft and trade stands.
These are ideal for finding products you won’t necessarily see on the high street and meeting some of the makers and independent businesses based around Lancashire and the surrounding area.
Allow yourself some browsing time rather than trying to rush between events.
Music and Main Ring Entertainment
A good country show needs plenty happening in the main ring, and the Hodder Valley Show traditionally delivers.
Previous shows have included everything from dog displays and vintage tractors to live music from Slaidburn Silver Band, alongside competitions and demonstrations throughout the day.
The programme can change from year to year, so check the latest timetable when you arrive and make a note of anything you particularly want to see.
Is the Hodder Valley Show Good for Children?
Absolutely.
For families looking for things to do with children in the Ribble Valley, this is one of the highlights of the local events calendar.
There’s plenty to capture younger visitors’ attention, from seeing farm animals up close and watching working sheepdogs to entertainment, competitions and the general excitement of a busy showground.
More importantly, it’s an opportunity for children to experience a genuine agricultural show rather than an event that happens to have a countryside theme.
The farming isn’t decoration here – it’s the reason the show exists.
What Should You Wear?
This is the Ribble Valley countryside in September, so dress accordingly.
Even after several dry days, an agricultural showground can have uneven or muddy areas. Walking boots, sturdy shoes or wellies are a much better choice than your newest white trainers.
Bring layers and a waterproof jacket too. Lancashire weather has an impressive ability to provide sunshine, cloud, wind and rain within the same afternoon.
If the forecast is warm, remember that you’ll probably spend much of the day outside, so sunscreen and water are useful additions.
Getting to the Hodder Valley Show
The Hodder Valley lies within the Forest of Bowland, with Slaidburn, Newton-in-Bowland and Dunsop Bridge among the area’s best-known villages.
It’s beautiful precisely because it remains rural, so don’t expect motorway-style roads on the final part of your journey.
Give yourself plenty of time, follow the event’s directional signage as you approach and use the official Hodder Valley Show directions and parking information rather than relying entirely on your sat-nav.
It’s also worth checking the official website shortly before setting off in case there are any last-minute traffic, parking or weather-related updates.
Make a Weekend of It in the Ribble Valley
Travelling from further afield for the Hodder Valley Show?
Don’t rush home.
The show is a perfect excuse to spend a weekend exploring the Ribble Valley and Forest of Bowland.
Nearby Slaidburn is one of the prettiest villages in the area, while Dunsop Bridge makes an excellent starting point for exploring the Bowland countryside.
Head towards Clitheroe and you’ll find independent shops, pubs and restaurants along with Clitheroe Castle and some fantastic views across the valley.
The wider Ribble Valley is also packed with country pubs, walking routes, cafés and places to stay, making it easy to turn your visit to the show into a two or three-day Lancashire break.
Our Tips for Visiting the Hodder Valley Show
A little preparation will help you get much more from the day.
- Arrive early. There’s a lot more to see than you might expect.
- Check the programme first. Pick out the main-ring events and demonstrations you don’t want to miss.
- Wear proper footwear. You’re visiting an agricultural showground, not a shopping centre.
- Bring some cash as well as cards. Smaller traders and rural connectivity don’t always make the perfect combination.
- Allow time for the livestock areas. They’re at the heart of the show.
- Try something local. Food and drink are part of the Ribble Valley experience.
- Keep an eye on the weather. Conditions can change quickly around Bowland.
- Follow official parking signs. Rural event traffic can make relying solely on your sat-nav a bad idea.
- Stay for the day. Don’t try to squeeze the Hodder Valley Show into a quick couple of hours.
Why the Hodder Valley Show Is Worth Visiting
There are bigger agricultural shows, but that’s rather missing the point.
The appeal of the Hodder Valley Show is its strong connection with the place in which it’s held.
This is a show created from a living agricultural community in a landscape where farming remains an important part of everyday life. Generations of local families, farmers, exhibitors and volunteers have helped preserve that tradition.
Add the spectacular surroundings of the Forest of Bowland and you have one of Lancashire’s most characterful days out.
For visitors, it’s a chance to see a side of the Ribble Valley that can’t really be experienced by simply driving through it.
And for those of us fortunate enough to live nearby, it’s a reminder of just how special this corner of Lancashire is.
Hodder Valley Show 2026
The Hodder Valley Show takes place on Saturday 12 September 2026.
Before travelling, we recommend checking the official Hodder Valley Show website for the latest information about the 2026 venue, admission prices, parking, show programme, competition entries and any updates.
Official website: hoddervalleyshow.co.uk
If you’re looking for things to do in the Ribble Valley in September, put this one in the diary.
We’ll see you at the show.
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Suggested Excerpt: The Hodder Valley Show returns on Saturday 12 September 2026. From livestock and sheepdogs to local food, crafts and fell racing, here’s our guide to one of the Ribble Valley’s great traditional country shows.
