Wiltshire Game & Country Fair returns to Bowood this August

The ever-popular Wiltshire Game & Country Fair returns to the Bowood Estate over the weekend of Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August, and it is shaping up to be a full two days of country sports and rural pursuits. The show runs from 10am to 6pm on both days, with arena entertainment carrying on right through the afternoon.

Arena entertainment all day

The main arena is the beating heart of the fair, and this year’s line-up takes in falconry, gundogs, horseboarding, scurry driving and sheepdog displays. A new face for 2026 is Chris Green, the Cornish Countryman, who will be showing off his wildfowling expertise. With something happening from morning to early evening, it is worth planning a couple of visits to the arena across the day so you do not miss a display.

Have a go across the showground

Away from the arena there are demonstrations and have-a-go events dotted around the showground, so anyone keen to try their hand can pick up a clay shoot, some fishing, airguns or archery, among others. It is a relaxed way to get a feel for a discipline you might not have tried before, whether you are a seasoned shot or bringing the family along for the first time.

The World of Dogs

Any dog lover should make time for the World of Dogs section. Your pet or working dog can join in with lurcher racing, whippet racing, the gun dog multi scurry, a clinic and the fun dog show, so there is plenty to keep four-legged visitors busy too.

Food, drink and crafts

When it is time for a break, the Food Glorious Food section serves up a range of street food and drink vendors, chef demonstrations and a music marquee. The Fine Food halls gather an array of fine foods, wines and spirits from local and national producers and retailers. The craft village is well worth a wander for a special gift or a treat for yourself, with traditional craft demonstrations and a chainsaw carving arena where the finished carvings are auctioned off at the end of each event. Children’s entertainment and amusements round the weekend off as a proper family day out.

How to visit

The Wiltshire Game & Country Fair takes place on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August at Bowood House and Gardens, Calne, SN11 0LZ, open 10am to 6pm each day. Tickets can be booked at livingheritagecountryshows.com/tickets or by calling 01283 820548. Check the organiser’s website for the full listing of events and entry details.