If you have ever wondered whether The Game Fair at Ragley Hall is worth the trip, the short answer is yes. Set against the grounds of a striking country manor, it combines shopping, field sports, displays and family entertainment in a way that makes for a full day out. If you are planning a visit in warmer weather, it is also a good excuse to look through the summer sale collection before you go.
Having never been to a game fair before, we were unsure what to expect. Ragley Hall itself made a strong first impression. The 17th-century house and its rolling parkland gave the event a fitting setting and made it a pleasure simply to walk around between the stands and demonstrations.
We arrived on the Sunday at about 8.30 am. The road signage was excellent, and we were directed into the parking area very easily. We had already bought tickets, though they were also available on the day. For campers, free transport ran from the campsite to the venue throughout the day. Readmission was also allowed, which proved very useful as we did plenty of shopping and needed to unload the car.
A well-organised country fair
The fair was well laid out, with a broad mix of gunmakers, knife brands and country trade stands, as well as areas where visitors could have a go themselves. Clay shooting, survival activities and live demonstrations helped give the day a practical feel rather than making it just a shopping event.
The fishing section was located close to the lake, where there were regular fly-fishing demonstrations and space for visitors to try it for themselves. We would have liked to see more fishing stands, as there were only a handful, but we still managed to pick up a healthy number of items and found the demonstrations worth watching.
Dogs, displays and plenty to watch
One of the most enjoyable parts of the day was the range of dog-related displays. A local hunt brought along foxhounds, bassets and harriers for a demonstration and talk on their roles within the hunt. There were also terriers from across the British Isles, including some breeds now considered at risk. Talking to the owners added real character to the event, and anyone interested in country dogs would also enjoy browsing the dog accessories collection.
For horse enthusiasts, there was show jumping throughout the day as well as demonstrations of French heavy horses used for logging, a practical forestry method that many visitors stopped to watch. We also saw a Shetland derby, which was highly entertaining and added to the fair's family-friendly atmosphere.
Food, atmosphere and final thoughts
Across the grounds, there were plenty of food outlets, coffee and tea stalls, and ice cream vans, though prices were on the high side as you might expect at a large event. Visitors were welcome to bring their own food, and there were picnic areas available, which is worth knowing if you are planning a full day there.
At one point, we stopped to listen to a trio singing sea shanties and whaling songs, and they were excellent. There was also a funfair area for children with enough rides and activities to keep younger visitors occupied while the adults shopped. Between the retail stands, live displays and the setting itself, the fair managed to feel busy without becoming difficult to navigate.
Overall, it was an excellent first experience and one we would happily repeat. If you are heading to a summer country event and want something suitable for the day, it is also worth looking at the men’s clothing collection beforehand.
Our guest blogger, Caroline Hutchinson, shares her first experience of The Game Fair at Ragley Hall.
