COMPETITION BELOW:
The Heartbeat of the English Countryside: A Celebration of Stratford-upon-Avon, Evesham, Alcester & The Game Fair at Ragley Hall.
There’s something timeless about the Warwickshire countryside. The kind of charm that stirs the soul and makes you breathe a little deeper.
With its patchwork fields, winding lanes, and storybook villages, this little corner of England, home to Stratford-upon-Avon, Evesham, and Alcester, is more than just a scenic escape. It’s a living, working landscape that captures the very essence of rural Britain.
Come July 25–27, that essence comes alive in spectacular style at The Game Fair at Ragley Hall—Europe’s largest outdoor celebration of the countryside. And we’re giving 20 lucky readers the chance to win a pair of tickets to this unmissable event!
A hugely popular event.But first, a celebration of what makes this region so utterly captivating…
A Landscape Woven with Heritage
In Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare, the past lingers in the air. Meander past half-timbered buildings and along the River Avon, where weeping willows dip their branches into the water and canal boats bob gently in the breeze. Just down the road, Alcester’s Roman roots and charming high street invite a slower pace, while nearby Oversley Wood beckons walkers and wildlife alike. Evesham, nestled in the fertile Vale, is bursting with orchards and the scent of summer blossom—no wonder it’s dubbed the “fruit basket of England.”
This is no museum-piece countryside. It’s living, breathing, and lovingly tended by generations of farmers whose hands shape the land, from market gardens to rolling pastures. It’s here, amongst these hills and hedgerows, that you’ll find Ragley Hall, an architectural gem wrapped in 10 hectares of gardens designed by none other than Capability Brown.
And it’s here that the countryside’s finest traditions, pastimes, and passions will gather once again…
The Game Fair: A Grand Day Out, and Then Some
There’s a certain magic to The Game Fair—where Shetland ponies race like champions, falcons soar over ancient oaks, and the air rings with the crack of clay shooting and laughter from the archery lines. With everything from gun dog demonstrations to wild cooking, axe throwing to fly fishing, there’s truly something for every country soul.
The Clarence Court Main Arena promises thrills and spectacle, while hundreds of exhibitors line the avenues with everything from handcrafted countrywear to the latest in rural innovation. Want to try your hand at a new skill? Learn from the best. Fancy a bit of shopping? Prepare to be spoiled.
And for those who’ve felt the sting of confusing signs or long walks in the past, fear not: organisers have upped their game, with improved ‘AA’ event signage, dedicated blue badge parking, free standard parking, and even a shuttle from the campsite to the gates. There’s also public transport via Diamond Bus 247 from Redditch, so no one’s left out of the fun.
The Backbone of the Countryside: Our Farmers
Let’s not forget the quiet heroes of this green and pleasant land. The farmers. In the Vale of Evesham, orchards brim with apples, plums, and all the goodness that fills our kitchen tables. Around Stratford and Alcester, family farms blend tradition with modern know-how, protecting the land for generations yet to come.
Events like The Game Fair offer a rare spotlight on these stewards of the soil—giving them the chance to showcase their craft, share their knowledge, and connect with those who value where their food, clothes, and countryside come from.
COMPETITION TIME: WIN TICKETS TO THE GAME FAIR 2025
We’re delighted to offer 20 pairs of tickets to The Game Fair, 25–27 July 2025, at Ragley Hall. Just answer the following question for your chance to win:
Name the recent show starring Vinnie Jones in the West Sussex countryside and a host of over-ambitious farmyard build projects, set on over 2,000 acres…
A) Lock Stock & Two Smoking Barrels
B) The Gentleman
C) Vinnie Jones in the Countryside
Send your answer to [email protected]
Entries close: 11.59pm 18 July 2025
Winners will be drawn at random. Good luck!
Country Living Starts Here: Discover Muttons Country Store
No countryside celebration would be complete without a tip of the hat to the true purveyors of rural life. Based just outside Stratford-upon-Avon in Southerley Park, Muttons Country Store has been serving the rural community for over 50 years—and remains a trusted supplier to The Game Fair itself.
Whether it’s outdoor clothing, pet and equestrian supplies, country kitchenware or dependable boots, Muttons has everything you need to live the country life in style and comfort. Their handpicked products come from the brands you know and trust, and their knowledgeable team is always happy to offer advice with a smile.
Visit the store or browse online at www.muttons.co.uk – and don’t forget: Free Next Day Delivery on Orders Over £99.
Muttons Country Store – Tradition. Quality. Country Life.
Southerley Park, Binton, Stratford-upon-Avon
01789 777933
So, polish your boots, pack your picnic, and prepare for a weekend where the countryside comes to life. We’ll see you at Ragley Hall!
