Countryfile Live… the summer’s best day out! 

BBC Countryfile Live is coming to Yorkshire for the first time this week, as the summer’s best day out gets set to take up residence in the spectacular grounds of Castle Howard from 15th – 18th August. 

Countryfile Live celebrates every part of the British countryside for a full experience of everything the programme cherishes. The event is a celebration of the British countryside and the programme and embodies this with four days of live arena shows, debates, food, drink, farm -animal demonstrations and shopping from over 500 independent retailers and lifestyle brands, in the beautiful settings of Castle Howard.

The Countryfile team will be giving talks and hosting demonstrations, giving the public the chance to speak to and learn more about their favourite presenter, including Yorkshire’s own John Craven and Anita Rani! 

To get a glimpse of your favourite Countryfile presenters, the Main Stage features a daily programme of talks and chats as Matt, John, Anita, Steve, Adam, Ellie, Charlotte and Tom all take turns to host throughout the show!

The fun doesn’t stop there, as Castle Howard’s South Lake will be transformed into ‘The Waterside’ where families can take part in fishing, kayaking and paddle boarding. Elsewhere the Jessops Photography Experience will give visitors the chance to hone their snapping skills and photography fans can also visit the Quilter Cheviot Capturing the Moment contest for some inspiration. 

Visitors can get involved in all the outdoors action at the Wildlife Zone, the Dog Lovers’ Arena and the Equine Arena or enjoy a picnic in the National Trust Acre or a pint of Wainwright at The Craven Arms.

The event also hosts some inspirational debates at the Big Top, which will play host to a variety of guests from Sir Chris Bonington to The Hon. Nick Howard, Keeley Donovan and a myriad of Countryfile contributors. 

There’ll be plenty of food and drink over at the Le Creuset Kitchen Theatre. Hosted by local legend Brian Turner, this is a must see with a host of celebrity chefs dishing up some culinary inspiration. In addition, the Graze Inn, an all-new food and entertainment experience, offers a summertime bar, stocked with refreshing drinks and a stage packed with local musicians, comedians and entertainers as well as a selection of artisanal food producers for visitors to enjoy.

The Farmyard and Farming in Action Areas will both educate and entertain with farmyard animals and impressive machinery on display, while the National Trust Theatre will feature discussions and debates from the likes of Ray Mears, JB Gill, Carol Klein, Blue Peter’s Lindsey Russell and Hannah Cockroft.

Other highlights include the National Trust’s 50 Things Woodland: the perfect place for little ones to experience the fun that can be had in the great outdoors with tree climbing, den building, bug watching and much more.