Experience Westmorland Show from Our Lake District Haven

Westmorland Show 10th and 11th September 2025

The crisp September air carries the promise of autumn across the Lake District, and we at Thornbeck Manor couldn't be more excited about one of our region's most celebrated events. The Westmorland County Show returns on 10th and 11th September 2025, offering our guests an extraordinary opportunity to experience authentic British countryside culture just a stone's throw from our luxury retreat.

Why We Recommend the Westmorland County Show

Having welcomed guests from around the world to our exclusive villa in Windermere, we've learned that many seek genuine experiences that showcase the heart of British rural life. The Westmorland County Show delivers precisely this, voted as one of the UK's favourite shows and attracting over 37,000 visitors annually. We believe this recognition speaks volumes about the quality and authenticity our discerning guests appreciate.

From our vantage point in the Lake District National Park, we've witnessed firsthand how this remarkable event brings together the finest traditions of farming and countryside life. The show's location on the fringes of our beloved Lake District makes it particularly accessible for those staying with us, whilst offering an immersive experience that complements the natural beauty surrounding Thornbeck Manor.

What Makes This Agricultural Show Special

We've observed that our guests, particularly those from international destinations, are fascinated by Britain's agricultural heritage. The Westmorland County Show presents this heritage in its most authentic form through major livestock exhibitions featuring cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, and alpacas. The heavy and light horse displays never fail to captivate our guests, many of whom have never witnessed such magnificent animals up close.

The show jumping events provide thrilling entertainment that appeals to all ages, whilst the Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling offers a unique glimpse into local sporting traditions that date back centuries. We often recommend these traditional wrestling matches to our guests as something genuinely distinctive to the region.

For families staying at Thornbeck Manor, the interactive displays in the Learning for Life Marquee provide educational entertainment that engages children whilst allowing adults to appreciate the agricultural knowledge being shared. The provision of a creche service means parents can explore the show at their own pace, something we know our multigenerational family guests particularly value.

Culinary Adventures Await

As hosts who take pride in recommending exceptional experiences, we're particularly enthusiastic about the North West's largest local Food Hall at the show. Our guests often seek recommendations for authentic local cuisine, and this food hall presents an unparalleled opportunity to sample artisan chocolates, locally produced cheeses, traditional pies, and distinctive regional gins.

The variety of local producers represented ensures that even the most sophisticated palates will find something to savour. We've found that many of our international guests consider these culinary experiences among their most memorable moments, taking home locally sourced delicacies as treasured souvenirs.

Shopping and Craftsmanship

The hundreds of trade stands create a vibrant marketplace where our guests can acquire unique items that reflect the region's character. From our experience hosting visitors with refined tastes, we know they appreciate quality craftsmanship and locally made goods. The show's extensive array of vendors provides exactly these opportunities.

The WI's craft creations showcase traditional British handicrafts that many of our guests find fascinating, particularly those from countries where such traditions have been less preserved. The Rural Craft have-a-go areas offer hands-on experiences that create lasting memories, something we particularly recommend to our guests seeking interactive cultural experiences.

Planning Your Visit from Thornbeck Manor

We've designed our accommodation specifically for guests who appreciate both comfort and convenience. With driveway parking for up to three cars, families or groups of friends staying with us can easily organise transportation to the showground. The 8am to 5:30pm schedule on both days provides flexibility that works well with our guests' varied preferences for timing their excursions.

Our spacious accommodations, sleeping up to seven people, make us ideal for the multigenerational families who often find agricultural shows particularly engaging. Grandparents can share their knowledge of farming traditions with younger family members, whilst everyone enjoys the comfort of returning to luxury cotton bedding and our mountain view balcony after a day at the show.

For those who prefer a more active approach to exploring the area, our bike shelter accommodates cycling enthusiasts who might wish to incorporate the journey to the show into their Lake District adventure. The scenic routes between Windermere and the showground offer stunning views that enhance the overall experience.

Supporting Local Agriculture

We deeply appreciate that the Westmorland Show raises funds for the Westmorland County Agricultural Society, supporting farming and countryside preservation. As a luxury retreat situated within this beautiful landscape, we recognise our responsibility to encourage sustainable tourism that benefits local communities.

The show's commitment to showcasing top-quality livestock and promoting agricultural education aligns with our values of celebrating and preserving the authentic character of the Lake District. We believe our guests' attendance contributes meaningfully to these important conservation efforts.

Making Memories That Last

Throughout our years of hosting guests at Thornbeck Manor, we've learned that the most treasured holiday memories often come from unexpected cultural immersion. The Westmorland County Show provides exactly this type of authentic experience, combining education, entertainment, and genuine local culture in ways that resort-based activities simply cannot match.

The two-day format allows guests to choose their level of involvement, whether attending for a few hours or making it a central feature of their Lake District holiday. With Netflix and Amazon Prime available for evening relaxation back at the manor, families can unwind whilst discussing the day's agricultural adventures.

The show represents everything we love about our region: tradition, community spirit, connection to the land, and genuine hospitality. We invite you to join us in September 2025 for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of British countryside culture, perfectly complementing your luxury stay in the heart of the Lake District.

Book your tickets now for either 10th or 11th September 2025, and let us help you create the perfect Lake District experience that combines rural authenticity with the refined comfort our guests deserve.