You have tickets, the grandkids are coming, and your dad is bringing his blue badge. The big question now is logistics. This Kent County Show parking and facilities guide answers it for you.
You will find out where to park for free and which of the four catering hubs suits your group. You will also see where to sit down, and how the site handles wheelchairs and prams. The 2026 Show runs from 3 to 5 July at the Kent Showground in Detling, Maidstone. Gates open 8am to 6pm daily, with last entry at 5pm.
Where to park at the Kent Showground
Parking at the Kent County Show is free and on grass. You do not need to pre-book. Signage starts on the A249, between Junction 7 of the M20 and Junction 5 of the M2. Stewards direct you straight from the road into the parking fields.
Arrive between 9am and 10am to get the closest spots. Saturday is the busiest day, so allow extra time if that is your visit. Friday tends to be the quietest of the three days.
One honest note. The parking is on grass, and in wet weather it softens. Check the Met Office Maidstone forecast the night before and plan your footwear accordingly. The interactive site map shows the layout in full.
Disabled parking and blue badge access
Approach the show from the M20 Junction 7 for the smoothest disabled access. Display your blue badge to the parking stewards at the Main Gate on the A249. They will direct you to the designated disabled car park.
Here is how the disabled access works in four steps:
- Leave the M20 at Junction 7 and follow signs to the showground.
- Display your blue badge clearly as you approach the Main Gate.
- Follow steward direction to the designated disabled car park.
- Collect a pre-booked mobility scooter from Gate 4 if needed.
Tarmac roads cover most of the showground. Some marquees sit on grass, but the main avenues are firm underfoot. Pre-book a mobility scooter through Advanced Mobility Solutions or hire on the day at Gate 4.
Getting to the Kent County Show without a car
The Nu-Venture x33 shuttle bus runs from Maidstone East station to the showground. It also picks up at King Street, opposite Boots. The adult fare is £5 single. Under-16s travel free across all three days.
Maidstone East is the nearest railway station. Plan your train via National Rail, then walk to the bus pickup at County Hall or King Street opposite Boots.
| Pickup point | Departures to the show | Returns from the show |
|---|---|---|
| Maidstone East Station | 09:15, 10:30, 11:45 | 15:00, 16:30, 18:15 |
| Maidstone King Street | 09:20, 10:35, 11:50 | 15:00, 16:30, 18:15 |
Call Nu-Venture on 01622 882288 the day before to confirm any timetable changes.
Where to eat: the four catering hubs
The Kent County Show has four main catering hubs. These are the Astor Courtyard, the Village Green, The Curious Cow Restaurant & Bar, and the New Kent Courtyard. Each one suits a different mood and pace of day.
Use the comparison below to pick your stop before you arrive.
| Catering hub | Map location | Best for | Indoor or outdoor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Astor Courtyard Catering Village | Map ref 9, beside the Astor Ring | Quick bites between showjumping classes | Outdoor seating |
| Village Green | Map ref 15, near the bandstand | Families wanting music, food and picnic space | Outdoor grass |
| The Curious Cow Restaurant & Bar | Map ref 5, inside the Clive Emson Centre | Older visitors, bad weather, sit-down meals | Indoor |
| New Kent Courtyard Catering | Map ref 17, near Gate 1 | Arrival coffee and YFC ringside snacks | Outdoor seating |
Picnics are welcome too. Spread a blanket on the Village Green next to the bandstand, or take a ringside spot for the showjumping. Dietary information is available on the official catering list.
Most stalls take card payments. Carry a little cash for the smaller artisan producers in the food market on Churchill Avenue.
Where to rest: benches, shade and indoor breaks
The best rest spots are the Village Green bandstand, the Clive Emson Centre and ringside at the Astor Ring. The Members’ lawn is also worth an upgrade. Each gives you somewhere to sit and reset before the next event.
Your sit-down options at the show:
- Village Green for live music and picnic-style seating on grass.
- Clive Emson Centre for an indoor sit-down meal at The Curious Cow.
- Astor Ring grass banking for free entertainment with your own blanket.
- Members’ lawn for shaded seating (membership or upgrade required).
- Folding chair brought from home if walking distances are a worry.
You can upgrade to a Society membership at the Show Office on the day. That gives you access to the Members’ restaurant, bar and seated grandstand.
Kent County Show accessibility, baby changing and family facilities
The Kent Showground offers full accessibility for visitors with reduced mobility, young children and dietary needs. Designated disabled parking, tarmac roads, accessible toilets, baby changing rooms and free child wristbands are all on site.
Baby changing facilities sit inside the Clive Emson Centre toilets. Members get additional baby change facilities in the Members’ toilets. Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the site.
Pick up a free wristband for each child as you enter. Write your phone number on it. Lost children are taken to security control, located behind the Show Office.
Dogs on leads are welcome too. They are not permitted inside the cattle marquees, sheep lines or goat marquee. Check the full visitor FAQ for the complete accessibility guide.
Your first hour at the Kent County Show
Use this five-step plan to settle in fast and beat the queues. It is the order our stewards recommend to first-time visitors.
- Arrive between 9am and 10am to secure the closest grass parking.
- Use Gate 1 on Friday and Sunday for the fastest entry.
- Collect a free wristband for each child as you arrive.
- Head to the New Kent Courtyard for an arrival coffee or breakfast.
- Pick up a printed site map at the Show Office to plan your day.
Frequently asked questions
Is parking free at the Kent County Show 2026?
Yes. Parking at the Kent Showground is free and does not need to be pre-booked. It is on grass and signposted from the A249. The site sits between M20 Junction 7 and M2 Junction 5. In wet weather the grass can soften, so allow extra time.
Where can I eat at the Kent County Show?
There are four main catering hubs at the show. These are the Astor Courtyard, the Village Green, The Curious Cow Restaurant & Bar, and the New Kent Courtyard. Picnics are also welcome on the Village Green and at ringside.
Is the Kent County Show wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The Kent Showground has designated disabled parking via M20 Junction 7. Tarmac roads cover most of the site, and accessible toilets and a changing facility are provided. Mobility scooters can be pre-booked or hired at Gate 4.
How do I get to the Kent County Show without a car?
The Nu-Venture x33 shuttle bus runs from Maidstone East station and King Street. It goes direct to the showground main entrance across all three days. The adult single fare is £5, with under-16s travelling free. Maidstone East is the nearest railway station.
What are the Kent County Show 2026 opening times?
The 2026 show is open 8am to 6pm on Friday 3, Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July. Last entry is 5pm each day. The same ticket price applies at all times. Pre-booked tickets are valid for any single day.
Plan your Kent County Show 2026 day with confidence
A little planning turns a long day into an easy one. Know your gate, pick your catering hub, and know where the accessible toilets sit on the map. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy.
Book your Kent County Show 2026 tickets now to lock in the pre-booking rate. Then visit the Kent County Show planning page to check the latest schedule.
Which catering hub will be your first stop? Drop us a line on social and we will see you at Detling.
