When is the Royal Highland Show?
The Royal Highland Show always takes place from the Thursday to the Sunday of the second last week of June. The Showground will be open from 7am - 8pm Thurs-Sat and 7am-6pm on Sunday!
What is there to see and do?
There is so much to see and do at the Show that it’s impossible to cover everything in one go!
Witness top-class livestock strut their stuff, look on in wonder at the amazing displays of skill in the showjumping rings, shop till you drop at the variety of retail stands, sample Scotland’s Larder in the food hall, be thrilled by exciting farriery and pole climbing displays, watch the exciting action in the sheep shearing competitions – need we go on?!
What do I wear?
As we all know, Scotland’s weather can be notoriously unpredictable, even in the height of summer!
That’s why it’s best to come prepared – always check the weather before setting off on the day and be ready to experience all four seasons in one day! Essentials to take include a waterproof jacket, light layers, sensible footwear, and sun screen.
What is there to eat?
Food and drink are one of the most exciting parts of the Royal Highland Show experience. The food and drink hall, Scotland’s Larder, sees artisanal produce from Scotland on display, eat, meet and buy delicious tastes of Scotland.
Once visitors have sampled their way around Scotland’s Larder, they’ll be able to see the results of this year’s Scottish Bread, Honey, Cheese, Butter and Ice Cream Championships unfold.
If you’re still feeling peckish afterwards, there is a fantastic selection of food-to-go stands on every corner of the Showground. The Royal Highland Show’s strict Food Charter ensures that only locally produced and ethically sourced food be served at the Show – from delicious venison burgers to tasty fish and chips, finished off with a bowl of Scottish strawberries bursting with flavour.
Which animals can I see?
The Show is the place to be if you are an animal lover – around 6,000 animals flock to the showground over the four days! You’ll be bound to discover some unique breeds you’ve never ‘herd’ of before.
Admire the moo-rvelous cattle, from the iconic Highland coo to the unique striped Belted Galloway. Stare at some special sheep – including what are known as the cutest sheep in the world, the curly-coated Valais Blacknose.
Watch in wonder as incredible equines canter past – from the towering Clydesdales to the tiny but strong Shetland Ponies. Witness everything from the magnificent heavy horse turnouts and impressive side saddle displays to exciting show jumping rounds and the hugely fun Pony Club games.
Always an amusing sight to see, goat lovers can get up close to these cheeky creatures. Poultry fans can also go nose-to-beak with some of the finest feathered friends in the country.
Where can I stay?
Many visitors to the Show choose to stay in Edinburgh and hop on the bus or tram - the showground is perfectly located just outside of Edinburgh City Centre, next to Edinburgh Airport and within an easy drive of the M8 and M9 motorways.
If you’d like to stay overnight close to the showground, there is hotel accommodation on-site at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel. In addition, there is Moxy Edinburgh Airport, Hilton Edinburgh Airport Hotel, Edinburgh Marriott Hotel and Norton House Hotel & Spa all within easy reach.
Is the Show accessible?
The showground and its facilities have been designed with accessibility in mind – we want everyone to be able to experience a first-class day out at the Show.
There is a dedicated disabled car park, and carers go free to the Show. There are baby changing facilities throughout the showground, and there are hire stations for mobility scooters at the east and west gates.
There is also a Changing Places toilet and Parent Room in the Highland Hall, and there are PAMIS Pamiloo facilities located around the showground.
How to get here
The Royal Highland Show is located at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh, EH28 8NB. It is easily accessible from Edinburgh City Centre and from further afield across the country.
It’s easy to jump on the tram to the Show - alight at the Ingliston Park & Ride stop and remember to wear comfy shoes as there’s a 15-minute walk to the south entrance.
The bus is also a great option - hop on at any stops along the route, with the drop-off being on the A8 just outside the Royal Highland Centre.
You can also drive to the Show, however you must purchase your car parking ticket in advance.
What is there to do with kids?
The Royal Highland Show offers tons of fun activities for younger visitors - it is also free for those aged 15 and under when accompanied by a paying adult! (Free tickets must also be reserved in advance online).
The Discovery Centre is run by the Royal Highland Education Trust and offers interactive sessions and activities for children to participate in, all while learning about the countryside and where their food comes from.
Kids will love getting up close to the animals and incredible machinery displays at the Show (just please don’t let them clamber on the displays!) The Countryside Area is also brilliant for little ones, with row boats, bird of prey displays and the honey, goat and poultry marquees – plus, new for this year is a fantastic Kids Zone complete with a woodland walk!
How can I compete or exhibit at the Royal Highland Show?
All our competition entries are now close but find out how to enter competitions at the Show or to find out more about becoming an exhibitor for next year in our entries section!
Any other questions?
If you have any other questions about the Royal Highland Show that aren’t covered here, including questions around ticketing, be sure to visit the FAQs section of our website here to find out more.
Join us this June to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the first Show – remember, entry and parking tickets must be bought in advance before you arrive! You can purchase tickets here
