Yorebridge House prides itself on its gorgeous, countryside location. Nestled in the heart of North Yorkshire, we get to experience the Yorkshire Dales in all their beauty, in every season. Every August that beauty takes centre stage at the Wensleydale Show, just a short drive from our door.
The Wensleydale Show takes place on Saturday 29th August 2026 at the Leyburn Showground for August Bank Holiday weekend. It’s the ideal excuse to book a few extra nights in North Yorkshire and make a long weekend of it.
If you love horses, this is the show for you. The main ring hosts a full programme of Light Horse classes, including the popular Retraining of Racehorses section, alongside powerful Heavy Horses and elegant Carriage Driving displays. Whether you’re a lifelong equestrian or simply enjoy watching beautifully turned out horses and their handlers, there’s a class to catch your eye throughout the day.
The Wensleydale Show has always been a celebration of Dales farming and the livestock lines prove it. Beef Cattle and Dairy Cattle are judged side by side with the Sheep classes, where the valley’s own Wensleydale sheep take pride of place. For a taste of working farm life, don’t miss the sheep dog trials, where dogs and handlers work together with real skill and precision.
Away from the show ring, the horticulture tent is a highlight in its own right, packed with prize winning flowers and vegetables grown by local gardeners and allotment holders. Next to it, the handicraft and homecraft displays show off everything from baking and preserves to needlework and crafts, alongside the ever popular walking stick competitions. There’s a dedicated Young Persons section too, giving the next generation of Dales growers and makers a stage of their own.
Between the judging, there’s plenty more to fill your day: dry stone walling demonstrations, vintage tractors and cars, terrier racing, a children’s fun area with inflatables and more than 200 trade stands to browse. Live music comes courtesy of the Leyburn Band and this year’s main ring entertainment features a roaring appearance from Jurassic Earth’s dinosaurs, perfect for keeping younger visitors entertained between classes.
Yorebridge House has been part of this valley’s story since 1850, when this handsome stone building was built as a home for the headmaster of the neighbouring Yorebridge Grammar School. These Grade II listed walls have since become a five star boutique hotel, with a spa, restaurant and individually styled suites waiting for you after a full day at the show.
Yorebridge House is around 13 miles from Leyburn Showground, about 20 minutes by car through some of the prettiest scenery in the Dales. It’s an easy drive back to gorgeous grounds, award-winning dining and a luxury suite after a day spent like a local.
The Wensleydale Show is the perfect excuse to turn a day trip into a proper Dales getaway. Stay with us at Yorebridge House and you’ll have the best of both worlds: a front row seat to the equine, livestock, horticulture and handicraft classes that make this show special and a luxurious retreat to return to once the show ring quietens down. Unwind at our private riverside spa and enjoy a menu built on local produce, the same Dales farming that fills the show ground each August.
Book your stay for the August Bank Holiday weekend and make the Wensleydale Show the centrepiece of your visit.
As the festive season approaches, gift yourself the luxury of time & relaxation. Prices from £640pp.
