People travelling from Kendal to the Westmorland County Show 2026 have two important decisions to make before the event: book tickets by 8 September to secure the advance price, and consider taking the free bus from Kendal Bus Station rather than driving.
The show returns to Lane Farm at Crooklands on Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10 September 2026. Gates open at 8am and close at 6pm on both days. The event is expected to bring significant traffic to roads around Crooklands, Endmoor and Milnthorpe, with temporary one-way arrangements advertised for both show days.
Tickets, parking and bus travel from Kendal
Adult tickets for visitors aged 16 to 64 cost £23 when booked in advance, compared with £25 on the day. Concession tickets for people aged 65 and over and students are £22 in advance or £23 at the gate. Child tickets for ages five to 15 cost £4 in advance or £5 on the day.
A family ticket for two adults and three children costs £54 in advance, rising to £60 at the gate. Children under five enter free. A family booking made in advance therefore saves £6, while an adult ticket saves £2. The advance-ticket discount closes on 8 September, according to the booking information.
Parking at the showground is free on both days. Free carer tickets are available, although supporting evidence is required during booking. Visitors should note that concession-ticket buyers may be asked for identification. Show guides and catalogues are available as e-vouchers, priced at £4 and £5 respectively, for exchange on site.
The free County Show bus from Kendal Bus Station is operated in 2026 by KT’s Coaches of Kendal. There are 18 departures, running every 30 minutes, with the first bus leaving Kendal at 9.15am and the last departing at 5.45pm. The journey takes about 20 minutes each way.
Services alternate between two routes. Buses using the A65 call at Endmoor, while those using the A6 call at Milnthorpe, outside the square. Each service returns using the other route. The last bus back to Kendal is due to reach the bus station at 6.25pm after leaving the showfield at 6.05pm.
A separate shuttle runs from Milnthorpe to the showground every 30 minutes between 9.15am and 11.45am. The operator says extra buses have been added this year but warns that heavy traffic could delay the published timetable.
Road changes around Crooklands
Westmorland and Furness Council has advertised temporary traffic order TTROW/19919 for the two show days. The order is currently advertised as an intention, so the arrangements could still change.
Under the advertised plan, the B6385 Crooklands Bridge between the A65 and Milton Lane would operate one way south-westbound from 7am to 1pm. Service buses would be exempt. Moss End Lane would run north-westbound between the A6070 and B6385 from 7am to 2pm, then south-eastbound between the B6385 and A6070 from 2pm to 8pm.
Milton Lane would be closed to vehicles for about 290 metres south-east of the B6385. The arrangements are intended to keep traffic moving in and out of the showground, but drivers should expect delays at busy times. Residents of Crooklands, Endmoor and Milnthorpe may particularly notice the changes from 7am on Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10 September.
The show organisers advise drivers to follow County Show signs rather than satellite-navigation directions. From Kendal’s eastern side, the recommended approach is via the A65 to Crooklands. Visitors travelling from elsewhere should follow the signed routes from the M6 and surrounding roads.
What visitors can expect
The nearest railway station is Oxenholme Lake District, about five miles from the showground, with taxis available from the station rank. Blue Badge parking is available across the road from the showground on a first-come, first-served basis. Accessible toilets are located around the site, and Mobiloo provides a fully accessible unit with an adult-sized changing bench and ceiling hoist.
Wheelchair and mobility-scooter hire is available from Advanced Mobility and can be booked on 01274 297777. Dogs are permitted on a short fixed lead and must remain under control, but they are not allowed in the Food Hall or poultry marquees.
The programme includes livestock classes for cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and alpacas, as well as heavy and light horses. Organisers also list show jumping, foxhounds, Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling, the Learning for Life marquee, WI craft displays, rural craft activities, a food hall and have-a-go areas. The society describes the food hall as the largest local food hall in the North West and says the show attracts more than 37,000 visitors each year.
As of 25 August, the detailed ring-by-ring programme and trader information had not yet been published. Money raised by the event goes to the Westmorland County Agricultural Society, which supports farming and the countryside.
Visitors should confirm ticket prices, bus times and traffic arrangements with the organiser before travelling, particularly because the advertised traffic order and published event information may change.
