South of England Showground - Image 1
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South of England Showground

4.5
·881 reviews·, United Kingdom

A versatile venue hosting diverse events from antique fairs and craft markets to equestrian shows and seasonal festivals.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Event-specific dates

Varies by event, check schedule

CrowdMedium
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South of England Showground - Image 1

South of England Showground

Best Time

Event-specific dates

Varies by event, check schedule

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A versatile venue hosting diverse events from antique fairs and craft markets to equestrian shows and seasonal festivals.

4.5
(881 reviews)

"Great days out for the whole family, lots to look at and plenty of cover for rainy days."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Book Antiques Fair Early

Wednesday tickets for the Ardingly Antiques Fair are cheaper online. Grab them before they're gone!

🧥 Dress for the Weather

The showground can be exposed. Be prepared for wind and rain, especially during outdoor events.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ardingly International Antiques Fair

Ardingly International Antiques Fair

South of England Showground

Discover a vast array of antique and vintage treasures from hundreds of stalls. A must-visit for collectors and bargain hunters.

Winter Market & Wellbeing Events

Winter Market & Wellbeing Events

South of England Showground

Get into the festive spirit with unique Christmas gifts, handmade crafts, and holistic wellbeing activities. Perfect for early holiday shopping.

Equestrian Events

Equestrian Events

South of England Showground

Witness thrilling horse trials and equestrian competitions. A fantastic day out for horse lovers and families alike.

Spring Live Festival

Spring Live Festival

South of England Showground

Experience exciting lawnmower racing and a variety of other attractions. A fun-filled event for all ages.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Tickets in Advance

Save money and guarantee entry by booking your tickets online before you go. Prices can be significantly lower for advance purchases, especially for popular events like the Antiques Fair. Check the official website for event-specific discounts.

Check Event Schedules

The South of England Showground hosts a diverse range of events throughout the year, from antique fairs and craft markets to agricultural shows and equestrian trials. Always check the specific event schedule to know what to expect and plan your visit accordingly.

Best Times

When
Event-specific dates
Why
Varies by event, check schedule
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays for Antiques Fair
Why
Fewer crowds, better browsing
Crowd
Low
When
Winter Market weekends
Why
Festive atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The next Ardingly Antiques Fair is open from the 23rd - 24th of July 💛 With an impressive line-up of hundreds of stalls, get ready to shop an extraordinary selection of antique and vintage items. 🎟 Wednesday tickets are £5 online for a limited time only! 📍 South of England Showground, RH17 6TL ☕️ Catering available on-site 👨‍👩‍👧 Under 16’s are admitted free 🐶 Dogs are welcome #ardinglyantiquesf...
iacfantiquesfairs
648 likes • 158.8K views

🎟️ Book Antiques Fair Early

Wednesday tickets for the Ardingly Antiques Fair are cheaper online. Grab them before they're gone! Instagram

🧥 Dress for the Weather

The showground can be exposed. Be prepared for wind and rain, especially during outdoor events. Reddit

All Roads Lead To Ardingly @iacfantiquesfairs Tuesday 22nd/23rd. The @searchandrescued team are On The Road Again @iacfantiquefairs Ardingly International Antiques & Interiors Fair. This Is The Largest Antique Fair In The South Of England & Not To Be Missed. Held at the South Of England Showground Ardingly on an enormous site with up to 1,700 stands which attracts thousands of dealers and buyers f...
searchandrescued
34 likes • 1.6K views
Feeling so festive after an amazing weekend at the South of England Showground Winter Show! 🎄✨ @southengshows I’ve put together a reel of some of the Christmas faces I painted — from the Grinch 💚, to sparkly snowflakes, snowmen, and twinkling Christmas lights 🎨✨ The girls and I had such a wonderful time painting and getting into the Christmas spirit. Thanks to everyone who stopped by for some fe...
i.paint_faces
21 likes • 355 views

🚗 Ample Free Parking

Parking is generally plentiful and free, making arrival easy. Reddit

🛍️ Shop Small & Local

Many events feature local makers and unique gifts. Support small businesses! Instagram

✨❄️ Winter Market at the Queens Jubilee Hall ❄️✨ Get into the festive spirit at the South of England Showground this season! 🎄 🛍️ Over 60 stalls packed with unique gifts, handmade treasures, and Christmas treats — the perfect chance to shop small and support local makers. 📍 Queens Jubilee Hall, South of England Centre 🕥 Open 10:30am – 5:00pm 🚗 Free parking 🎟️ Entry: £3 per adult | Under 1...
louise_chater_jewellery
9 likes • 114 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book Antiques Fair Early

Wednesday tickets for the Ardingly Antiques Fair are cheaper online. Grab them before they're gone! Instagram

🧥 Dress for the Weather

The showground can be exposed. Be prepared for wind and rain, especially during outdoor events. Reddit

🚗 Ample Free Parking

Parking is generally plentiful and free, making arrival easy. Reddit

🛍️ Shop Small & Local

Many events feature local makers and unique gifts. Support small businesses! Instagram

🪑 Bring Your Own Seating

For some events, seating can be limited. Bringing your own chairs is recommended. Reddit

💰 Consider Food Costs

Food vendors can be pricey. Bringing your own snacks or a picnic is a good option. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(881 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors generally praise the South of England Showground for its clean grounds, helpful staff, and the variety of events hosted. Positive feedback highlights educational enactments, engaging authors, and enjoyable entertainment. However, some events suffer from long queues at food outlets and high prices, which can detract from the experience for some families.

"Everyone made an effort to be nice and civil. Friday and Saturday unfortunately a lot of wind. Despite the weather which picked up everyone was upbeat. Very clean grounds and kept that way all weekend. Security was fab and very helpful. In fact some went beyond the call of duty helping my disabled neighbour, thank you so much. Food was plentiful and reasonably priced. Enactments were educational and love the way they engage with the audience. Some first class author's who are more than happy to indulge in conversation.
Had friends come down Saturday and Sunday who loved the weekend.
Singing entertainment by Fiona was not only lovely, but took me back to many childhood memories with her choice of songs. Loved the many outfits she wore. Hope to see you again next year.
I had a very chilled weekend and everyone seemed relaxed and laid back.
It was a pleasure to talk to Jo and his daughter Abigail about their birds of pray. And a big thank you to the author Rupert Wieloch who moved me emotionally with his stories about our troops. Who book iv started to enjoy reading " Churchill's Abandoned Prisoners." Thank you for the excellent work of research you put into your work. We know the first casualties of War is the truth. I never realised its also one of the lasts.
Thank you to all those who gave your time and knowledge.

Sarah and Steve are doing a great job.
Hope this event is around for a long time to come and keeps growing."

Fred Washington

"Fireworks Funfair Food and Queues
Free parking
Funfair
Different food outlets all under staffed and ridiculous Queues, 45 mins for the usual burger and chips and same for hot drinks, stall holders told 2k attendance when infact 6k attendance.
Food prices £7.50 for an iced latte no thank you and £15 for basic burger and chips not that great. All this doesn't include that a family of 4 £45 entry ticket, advanced booking tickets £12 instead of £15. Fireworks low noise over in 5 minutes however main event Fireworks pretty impressive so that saved the day . Would i go again not unless Food outlets and Queues are sorted out with a seating option and a better choice of food healthier options or local produce would make this event more appealing."

Mandy Franklin

"Attended the Ford classic car show. Really good venue with food and clean toilets.
Plenty of parking when you drive in.
Worth the travel down.
The show its self was amazing with all the old skool cars.. really wish I could afford one 😂"

Hardeep Panesar

What People Like

Clean grounds and facilities
Helpful and friendly staff
Educational and engaging enactments

What People Dislike

Long food queues
High food prices

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The South of England Showground is located in Ardingly, West Sussex (RH17 6TL). It's easily accessible by car, with ample free parking available. For public transport, you can take a train to Haywards Heath or East Grinstead and then a taxi or local bus service to the showground. InstagramReddit

Yes, there is plenty of free parking available at the South of England Showground for visitors attending events. Signage on the approach roads helps guide you to the parking areas. Reddit

While driving is the most convenient, you can reach the showground via public transport. The nearest train stations are Haywards Heath and East Grinstead. From there, you'll need to arrange a taxi or check local bus routes that service the showground. Instagram

Yes, the showground is generally well-signposted on the approach roads, making it relatively easy to find by car. Reddit

The South of England Showground is approximately one hour's drive from London, making it a feasible day trip destination. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets for most events can be purchased online in advance through the official South of England Showground website or the specific event organizer's website. This is often cheaper than buying on the day. Instagram+1

Yes, advance booking often comes with discounts, especially for popular events like the Antiques Fair. Some events also offer early bird specials. Instagram+1

Opening hours vary significantly depending on the event. It's crucial to check the specific event details on the showground's website or the organizer's page for accurate timings. Instagram+1

In most cases, tickets are available for purchase on the day of the event, but it's advisable to book in advance to secure your spot and potentially save money. Reddit

For most general events, children under a certain age (often under 16) are admitted free or at a reduced rate. Always check the specific event's terms and conditions for details. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The showground hosts a wide variety of events, including antique and vintage fairs, craft markets, agricultural shows, equestrian competitions, music festivals, and seasonal fairs like the Winter Fair. Instagram+4

Yes, most events offer a range of food and drink outlets. However, some visitors note that queues can be long and prices can be high, so bringing your own food is an option. Reddit

The showground generally strives to be accessible. Some visitors have reported excellent assistance from security and staff for disabled neighbors. It's always best to contact the event organizer in advance if you have specific accessibility needs. Reddit

Facilities typically include clean toilets, catering outlets, and often seating areas, though bringing your own seating is recommended for some events. Reddit

Dog policies can vary by event. For specific events like agricultural shows or equestrian trials, dogs may be permitted, but for others, they might not be. Always check the event's specific rules regarding pets. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The showground offers diverse photo opportunities, from the vast displays at antique fairs Instagram and the festive decorations at winter markets Instagram to the action of equestrian events Instagram and unique racing at the Spring Live Festival.Instagram Capture the atmosphere of the crowds and the details of the stalls. Instagram

Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is permitted. However, professional photography or videography may require prior permission. Always check event-specific guidelines. Instagram

A versatile lens, like a 24-70mm, is great for capturing a range of shots from wide scenes to details. A telephoto lens can be useful for equestrian events. Don't forget a wide-angle lens for capturing the scale of fairs. Instagram

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light, ideal for photography. However, the vibrant atmosphere during peak hours can also yield great shots, especially at markets and fairs. Instagram

It's always polite to ask vendors for permission before taking close-up photos of their products or stalls. Many are happy to oblige, especially if you mention you're sharing on social media. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The South of England Showground is a fantastic destination for families. Many events, like the Spring Live Festival with its lawnmower racing,Instagram offer entertainment that appeals to all ages. The grounds are clean and well-maintained, and there's often plenty of space for children to explore. Reddit

Look out for seasonal events like the Winter Fair Instagram+1 which often have activities geared towards children, such as face painting. While food can be pricey, bringing your own snacks and drinks can help manage costs. Consider bringing a picnic blanket or portable chairs for comfort during longer events. Reddit

🛍️ Bargain Hunters & Collectors

For those seeking unique finds and great deals, the Ardingly International Antiques Fair is a must-visit.Instagram+1 This massive fair is a prime spot for collectors to discover antiques, vintage items, and curiosities. Be prepared to spend time browsing, as the sheer volume of stalls can be overwhelming but rewarding. Instagram

Don't be afraid to negotiate prices, as many vendors are open to offers. Checking for advance ticket discounts can also save you money, allowing more budget for your finds. Instagram

🚗 Day-Trippers from London

Located just an hour from London, the South of England Showground is an excellent option for a day trip.Instagram Its accessibility by car, with ample free parking, makes it convenient. Reddit The variety of events means you can tailor your visit to your interests, whether it's antiques, crafts, or equestrian sports. Instagram+1

Plan your visit around a specific event that appeals to you. Consider packing a picnic to save on food costs and maximize your time exploring the showground. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Ardingly Antiques Fair

The Ardingly International Antiques Fair is a major draw for the South of England Showground, attracting hundreds of dealers and thousands of visitors. It's renowned as one of the largest antique fairs in the South of England.Instagram You can expect to find a vast array of items, from furniture and ceramics to jewelry and collectibles. Many visitors spend hours browsing the extensive stalls, making it a treasure trove for antique enthusiasts. Instagram

Tips for navigating the fair include arriving early, especially on weekdays, to get the best selection and avoid the biggest crowds. Consider purchasing tickets in advance, as Wednesday tickets can be cheaper online for a limited time.Instagram Be prepared to haggle, as prices are often negotiable. It's also a good idea to bring cash, although many vendors may accept card payments. Instagram

This fair is a fantastic opportunity to discover unique pieces for your home or collection. The sheer scale of the event means there's something for every taste and budget, making it a truly exciting shopping experience. Instagram+1

Seasonal Events and Festive Cheer

The South of England Showground truly comes alive during the festive season with events like the Winter Market & Wellbeing and the Winter Fair. These events offer a wonderful opportunity to get into the holiday spirit, featuring over 60 stalls packed with unique gifts, handmade treasures, and Christmas treats.Instagram It's the perfect chance to shop small and support local makers while finding one-of-a-kind presents. Instagram

Beyond shopping, these events often include uplifting wellbeing activities and a festive atmosphere, making them a delightful way to kick off the season.Instagram Visitors have praised the festive faces painted at the Winter Show Instagram and the general Christmas spirit. Remember to check the dates for these popular seasonal events, as they are typically held in November and December. Instagram

These markets are not just about shopping; they are about experiencing the joy of the season. From sparkling jewelry to cosy home goodies, the variety ensures there's something to delight everyone. Instagram

Equestrian Pursuits at Ardingly

The South of England Showground is a significant venue for equestrian events, including horse trials.Instagram These events draw enthusiasts and participants from across the region, showcasing impressive horsemanship and competitive spirit. Spectators can enjoy watching skilled riders and their horses in action, making for an exciting day out for families and animal lovers. Instagram

These equestrian gatherings often feature various disciplines, providing a comprehensive display of the sport. The atmosphere is typically energetic and engaging, with opportunities to learn more about the horses and riders. Instagram

Attending an equestrian event here offers a glimpse into the world of competitive horse riding and is a great way to spend a day outdoors, enjoying the athleticism and dedication involved. Instagram

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