If you are looking for an excellent educational, action packed day out for all the family, you’ll love the Great Dorset Steam Fair. Traditionally this English fair is held at the village of Tarrant Hinton, near Blandford Forum in the heart of the beautiful Dorset countryside. Further directions are superfluous. Just find the village on the map, head in that direction and follow everyone else!

From small beginnings this annual event has become one of the favored places for those interested in how people lived, worked and played in bygone years and it is now justifiably recognised as “The National Heritage Show” as well as being regarded as the leading show of its type in the world. The spectacle covers an enormous showground, at over 600 acres being one of Europe’s largest outdoor event locations. 2022 will see the show celebrate its 52nd year.

If its heritage related, you’ll find it at the Great Dorset Steam Fair. Each year we assemble the largest collection of steam & vintage equipment and rural displays to be seen anywhere in the world and take visitors on a giant trip of nostalgia into the days of yesteryear. Everything that was great in British engineering and craftsmanship can be seen, it really is a look back at our wonderful heritage when Great Britain was workshop to the world. Overall there are over 2000 exhibits at the show including an incredible gathering of over 250 full steam engines.

You can stand amazed at the variety of the authentically shown demonstrations and the sheer scale of the show means that there is always something new to see. For the first time visitor seeing the Great Dorset Steam Fair can be quite an awe inspiring and impressive site, a sea of exhibits and attractions that can take your breath for a moment.

The Great Dorset Steam Fair is a typically British event offering a unique blend of nostalgia and entertainment. A living, breathing museum unmatched by variety and scale, a heritage mecca showcasing Great Britain’s rich industrial, agricultural and leisure history.

There is no other event like it anywhere in the world which is why over 100,000 visitors attend each year both from the UK and abroad. People say there is an almost mystical quality about it and as one devoted follower has put it, “It really is the greatest show on earth”.

We have something for everyone, whatever your interests! Maybe you are a collector, a steam fanatic, an exhibitor, a heavy horse fan, an avid camper, a music fan or just on holiday in the South of England over the August Bank Holiday weekend and fancy an excursion to what is described as the most remarkable show on earth!

Browse through our website and you will find everything you need to know about the show, whether you have visited it before or if you are a complete beginner. You can contact us with enquiries to do with anything relating to the show by just clicking on the contact us button. You can see all of our features detailed on this site, and keep track of days to go, check trade stand prices, information on attractions and exhibiting, see details of tickets for visitors, advanced booking incentives, camping and entertainments amongst other valuable information.