If you have a question about the Kent County Show you may be able to find an answer here.
If you can’t find an answer to your question, please get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.
View our full accessibility guide here
What are the dates of the 2027 Kent County Show?
The 2027 Kent County Show will be held on Friday 9th, Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th July.
What are the opening times?
The Show is open from 8:00am to 6pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Last entry is 5pm.
Where is the Showground and how do I get there?
Showground Postcode – ME14 3JF
The Showground is on the A249 at the top of Detling Hill between junction 7 of the M20 and junction 5 of the M2. You can get directions here.
In 2026, you can also travel to the Kent County Show for FREE by bus from Maidstone or Sittingbourne thanks to Kent County Council funding!
Find out more under the FAQ “Can I Travel To The Show By Bus?”
Can I Travel To The Show By Bus?
Yes! We are delighted to announce that in 2026 you will be able to travel to the Kent County Show for FREE by bus! This is thanks to the generous support of the Kent County Council working in conjunction with Nu Venture & Chalkwell.
Nu-Venture will again provide a shuttle bus to and from Maidstone and the Kent County Show!
Bus service x33 picks up from Maidstone Town Centre (Maidstone East Station outside County Hall and King Street opposite Boots) direct to the main entrance to the Kent County Showground at Detling.
Times:
TO THE SHOW:
Maidstone East Station (pick up) 0915, 1030, 1145
Maidstone King Street (pick up) 0920, 1035, 1150
RETURN from Kent County Show (near Entrance 1) at 1500, 1630 and 1815
This year, Chalkwell will provide a shuttle bus to and from Sittingbourne and the Kent County Show!
Bus service x34 picks up from Sittingbourne (Sittingbourne Bus Hub Stop 1, The Coniston & The Long Hop)
Times:
TO THE SHOW:
Sittingbourne Bus Hub Stop 1 – 9:15am, 10:30am, 11:45am
The Coniston – 9:18am, 10:33am, 11:48am
The Long Hop – 9:22am, 10:37am, 11:52am
Kent Showground – 9:45am, 11:00am, 12:15pm
RETURN:
Kent Showground – 2:45pm, 4:15pm, 6:05pm
The Long Hop – 2:58pm, 4:28pm, 6:18pm
The King’s Head – 3:02pm, 4:32pm, 6:22pm
Sittingbourne Bus Hub – 3:05pm, 4:35pm, 6:25pm
Where is the nearest railway station?
The nearest railway station is Maidstone East. Additional transportation will have to be arranged to get to the Showground. Our shuttle buses, kindly provided by Nu-Venture, run from Maidstone East to the Showground throughout all three days and this year the service will be FREE thanks to generous support from the Kent County Council.
Is there a charge for car parking?
No, there is plenty of car parking and parking is free of charge. Please note that parking will be on grass.
Please note, there will be no access to electric vehicle charging.
Can I purchase tickets on the day?
Yes, tickets are available to purchase on the day. We accept both cash and card payments.
Who organises the show?
The Kent County Show is run and managed by the Kent County Agricultural Society. As a charity, the Society have the following charitable objectives and in addition make a number of awards each year.
- The improvement of agriculture, forestry, horticulture, allied industries, rural crafts and the breeding of livestock.
- The demonstration of improved methods connected with the above.
- The holding of an Annual Show in Kent.
- The encouragement of agricultural and horticultural education, research and experimental work.
Find out more here.
What does my entry price cover?
Your ticket provides access into the Show for the whole day. All demonstrations, exhibitions and ring entertainment are free for all to enjoy. Once inside the Show you don’t have to spend another penny if you don’t want to, but our enticing food and shopping stands may tempt you!
Is my advance purchase ticket valid for any day?
Yes, you can use your pre-booked ticket on any one day of the Show. Once your ticket has been scanned it will not admit you to another day.
Can I buy a ticket that is valid for all three days?
The best way to see all that the Kent County Show has to offer is to purchase Membership, which provides entry on all three days. Membership starts at £73.50 for the year, and includes tickets to both Heritage Transport Show and Biddenden Tractorfest, allowing you to enjoy all our events!
To become a member, please click here. If you have already bought your general entry tickets for this year’s Show, you can upgrade to a membership by calling 01622 630975.
Do you offer carers tickets?
Yes – under the ticketing section, there is an option to request a carer ticket. Please note you do have to purchase the appropriate adult or child tickets alongside this to qualify, we then ask you to upload proof of DWP/PIP form. Your request will then be received by our office team who will check paperwork then release the ticket. Please note that the ticket will not be sent on booking. This option will be open from the launch of 2026 tickets on 1st December 2025 until Tuesday 30th June 2026.
Can I get a carer ticket on the gate?
Yes – Please bring proof of DWP/PIP with you. You will be asked to purchase adult or child ticket alongside this. Please be prepared to queue on the gate as there is no separate ticket box for this request.
Is there parking for disabled people?
All entrances at the Kent County Show are accessible by disabled visitors. There is also a designated disabled car park, which you will be directed to from the Main Gate (A249). We recommend that you approach the show from the M20 J7 and display your blue badge to the parking stewards.
Can I use my wheelchair at the showground?
The Showground is wheelchair friendly with many surfaced roads, however, the marquees and some other features are on grass. If you would prefer, electric mobility scooters are available to hire from Advanced Mobility Solutions and can be pre-booked here.
An induction loop is available in some buildings on the Showground. Toilets for the disabled are provided and will be clearly marked on the Show Map.
Can I hire a mobility scooter?
Advanced Mobility Solutions will be providing mobility scooter hire throughout all three days of the Kent County Show. Scooters can be pre-booked in advance online here, or by calling 01274 297777.
Scooters will also be available to hire on the day at Gate 4.
What facilities are there?
We aim to make a visit to the Showground accessible, comfortable and enjoyable for all visitors.
- Designated disabled parking
- Disabled toilets
- Fully accessible toilet and changing facility
- Baby changing facilities
- Tarmac roads
- Electric scooter and wheelchair accessible
- Assistance dogs welcome (restricted access for some areas)
Can I get something to eat and drink?
There are lots of places to eat and drink, in fact the Showground is bursting with the very best of local produce for you to taste, try and buy.
Public catering units are sited throughout the Showground and there are a number of picnic areas where families can relax.
Do you cater for dietary requirements?
We try our best to cater for a number of dietary requirements where possible and many of the food units provide vegetarian/vegan options. If you have any specific allergies please make sure you speak to the member of staff in the catering unit.
Is there a reduction for afternoon/evening entry?
No, the price is the same at all times. Last entry is at 5.00pm each day.
Can we bring a picnic?
Yes, you are welcome to bring a picnic. You can sit in our Village Green next to the bandstand, or by the ringside if you prefer.
What is the policy for lost children?
Lost children found on site should be taken to the security control, located behind the Show Office. If your child has gone missing on site, please report this to a Show Steward or Security team member who will be able to report this to our Control Room. Wristbands which parents or guardians can write their emergency contact number on are available free of charge for all children on entry. Please ask a team member on the gate when you arrive to get your free wristbands.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are welcome at the Kent County Show, but must be kept on a lead. We have lots of activities for dogs to participate in. Dogs are unfortunately not permitted inside the cattle marquees, sheep lines and the goat marquee.
Please think about the well-being of your dog in extreme weather conditions. If hot, provide plenty of fresh water and seek shade where possible. Do not leave your dog in your vehicle no matter what the weather conditions. The tarmac roadways can get hot on sunny days, please keep this in mind when deciding if it is appropriate to bring your dog with you for the day.
What do I do if I feel unwell?
Qualified first aid staff will be available around the Showground at all times during the Show. If you feel unwell, please report it to one of our friendly stewards, or to the Show Office, and a first aider can be alerted.
Are there any baby changing and feeding facilities?
There are baby changing facilities in the toilets in the Clive Emson Exhibition Hall. For our members, there are additional baby change facilities in the members toilets.
Are there any camping and caravan sites on the Showground?
There is no public camping on the Showground due to limited space!
Caravan and camping facilities are available within walking distance at Oak View Holiday Park, opposite the Showground.
Oak View Holiday Park, Scragged Oak Road, Detling, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 3HB
Call 01622 470067 or visit www.oakviewholidaypark.co.uk
Is smoking/vaping allowed on site?
Smoking and vaping is strictly prohibited in any enclosed or partially enclosed public areas, inside buildings and marquees and near flammable materials such as straw and livestock bedding. We do encourage visitors to be considerate of others and to avoid smoking or vaping in crowded areas, particularly around family attractions and children.
