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Horticultural Show

Abbotsbury Horticultural Show

Jams, chutneys, cakes, flowers and, above all, an entirely earnest competition for the biggest vegetables in the village. A proper old-fashioned village show.

WhenSun, 13 Sept 2026, from 9am Timefrom 9am WhereThe Swan Inn, Abbotsbury, DT3 4JJ EntryFree entry, small fee to enter competition classes

A day full of colour, creativity, and a surprising amount of competitive tension, the Horticultural Show is Abbotsbury's answer to a proper old-fashioned village show. Classes cover jams, chutneys and homemade preserves, baking (sponges, scones, cakes), floral arrangements, and of course fruit and vegetables, including the "marrow madness" class that nobody admits to taking seriously and everyone absolutely does.

Held in the Swan Inn's garden, it's every bit the proper village pub setting, character, charm, and space for a very large marrow to be displayed with pride. Open to competitors and casual visitors alike, and a major fundraising date for local charities throughout the year.

Abbotsbury Horticultural Show in AbbotsburyAbbotsbury Horticultural Show in AbbotsburyAbbotsbury Horticultural Show in AbbotsburyAbbotsbury Horticultural Show in Abbotsbury
On the day

What to expect

The classes

Jams, chutneys and preserves, baking, floral arrangements, fruit and veg, and the giant vegetables everyone pretends not to care about.

Entering

Classes for all ages. The schedule goes out on Facebook a few weeks before, bring your entries on the morning.

Where

The Swan Inn's garden: character, charm, and enough table space for a very large marrow.