What to See and Do at The Game Fair 2025: A Countryside Lover’s Guide

Helen
May 30
3 min read

Crowd walking between rows of white tents at an outdoor fair. Many people wearing hats under a blue sky, with trees in the background.

If you love everything to do with rural life, field sports, country fashion, and artisan produce, then The Game Fair 2025 is the highlight of your summer calendar. Running from 25–27 July at Blenheim Palace, this iconic event blends heritage, tradition, and modern country pursuits in a way no other does. Whether you’re a seasoned shot or a tweed enthusiast, here’s your guide to what to see and do at The Game Fair this year.

Country Pursuits and Demonstrations:

White and brown dog carrying a bird in its mouth, standing on grass with blurred green and brown background, wearing a colorful collar.

Gundog Trials & Scurries

One of the main attractions – watch top handlers put their Labradors and spaniels through their paces in fast-paced scurries and beautifully executed retrieves. You can even enter your own gundog for a bit of fun and fundraising.

Clay Shooting Line

Test your aim at the renowned clay shooting line, with instruction and equipment available. New to it? Book a “Have a Go” session – great for beginners.

Falconry Displays

Watch majestic birds of prey swoop and soar in daily flight displays. A must-see for families and photographers alike.

Country Fashion & Kit

Mannequins in chic outfits under a white tent, displaying orange accessories. Elegant decor includes a white blossom tree and a chandelier.

Browse the Best in British Outdoor Wear

Over 1,000 exhibitors will be showcasing everything from waxed jackets to handcrafted leather boots. Look out for brands like Dubarry, Fairfax & Favor, Holland Cooper, Barbour, and more.

Outdoor clothing booth with mannequins in coats and hats, woman browsing. Green "Holland Cooper" banners and signage. Casual atmosphere.

Tailored Tweeds & Hats

This is the place to invest in a new bespoke tweed or handcrafted fedora. Don’t be surprised if you leave with an outfit fit for the Glorious Twelfth.

Blonde woman in pink hat walks confidently through a stylish crowd on grass. Others watch, smiling. Banner reads "S... British."

Food, Drink & Artisan Delights

Two people smile while mixing drinks at a wooden bar with colorful bottles. Wood shelves and a stag picture decorate the background. Signs read "OPEN" and "COOK".

Field & Fork Food Village

Tuck into game burgers, fresh oysters, and wood-fired pizzas while sipping English wine or a craft cider. The food village is packed with local producers and tempting samples.

Try Before You Buy

Bottles of gin on a wooden shelf, featuring labels like Forest, Opihr, and Rock Rose. Various bottle designs include detailed patterns.

This is your chance to discover small-batch gins, chutneys, smoked meats, and cheeses you won’t find in your local supermarket. Pack a tote bag—you’ll need it.

Fishing Village

Casting clinics, fly-tying demos, and riverbank activities are perfect for budding anglers of all ages.

Archery, Axe Throwing & Ferret Racing

The kids won’t want to leave once they’ve tried their hand at longbow archery or watched the ferrets whizz down the racing tubes.

Pony Club Ring & Countryside Arena

With everything from show jumping to heavy horse displays, these areas are a magnet for animal lovers.

Talks, Panels & Celebs of the Countryside

Expect to bump into recognisable faces from field sports, farming, and rural telly. Previous years have seen appearances from the likes of Adam Henson, Amanda Owen and members of the royal household.

Plan Your Shopping Strategy

The Gunmakers’ Row & Sporting Kit

SUV trunk with open wooden drawers showcasing champagne, magazines, wine, glasses, and a gun. "TALOS" sign visible. Outdoor setting.

Browse premium rifles, country optics, and gamekeeping essentials – even if you’re just browsing, it’s an education in country craft.

Lifestyle & Homewares

Stock up on country kitchen staples, interior design pieces, rustic garden décor, and heritage brands to bring a slice of the countryside home.

Top Tips for Visiting The Game Fair 2025

Black Labrador sitting happily in front of purple heather backdrop. Text reads "Gundog Journal: Training | Advice | Comment."

Book tickets early: They often sell out—especially for Friday and Saturday.

Arrive early: There’s so much to see, you’ll want to make the most of your day.

Dress for the weather: Think breathable tweed, sturdy boots, and a waterproof if July turns moody.

Dogs are welcome: On leads, with water and shade available throughout the grounds.

Take a folding chair: You’ll thank yourself when you settle in ringside for a falconry display or clay shooting final.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re there to shop, shoot, socialise or simply soak up the countryside atmosphere, The Game Fair 2025 is a date worth circling in red. Blenheim’s grounds make for a stunning setting, and the sheer scale of it all is a proper celebration of rural Britain.