A brief guide to The Game Fair 2025

A brief history of The Game Fair 

The very first Game Fair was put on in 1958 at Stetchworth Park in Cambridgeshire by the (then) Country Landowners’ Association (CLA), supposedly on a budget of just £500. There were only 30 stands on the now-famous Gunmaker’s Row, 55 exhibitors in total, and 8,500 visitors. The programme was filled with fly casting demonstrations, clay pigeon shooting, archery, rifle shooting competitions, and gundogs.

Over the decades that followed, the fair moved around the country; to date it has been hosted at 28 different locations. It visited Scotland (Blair Drummond near Stirling) for the first time in 1964, Wales (Glanusk Park, Powys) for the first time in 1976, and the likes of Stratford Saye, Belvoir Castle, Chatsworth House, Harewood House, Woburn Abbey and Broadlands since, changing from a two-day event to a three-day event in 1979.

The Game Fair hosts some prestigious competitions, too. The Home International, for example, which sees gundogs and handlers from four nations compete in a series of challenging tests, has featured since 1969.

Up until 2016, the CLA continued to run the event, and then Stable Events took the reins. The show has since alternated between Ragley Hall in Warwickshire and Hatfield House in Hertfordshire, each time being officially opened by a gun salute which takes place in the main arena and has involved as many as 64 people giving it both barrels. Last year, in 2024, it returned to Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire. And now we’re heading back to Ragley again...

The Game Fair 2025 highlights

From ferrets and falconry to cooking demonstrations, lively debates, competitions and bargain hunting, there’s a huge array of things to do and see at The Game Fair. Whether you’re there for the duration or just a single day, it’s worth working out what is on and when so you can make the most of it. Below, we’ve picked out some of the key features of the event; the rest is up to you…

Have a go

The Game Fair has a long-held reputation for its breadth and diversity of have-a-go activities for people of all ages and experience levels. From archery, airgun shooting, clay pigeon shooting and fly casting and tying, to polo, dog agility and coarse fishing, it’s a great place to learn about an activity – or indulge in one that you’re already interested in – under the supervision of qualified coaches.

On the shooting line, for example, which is expertly run by the team from E.J. Churchill, visitors can find a range of stands showing everything from simple practice targets for beginners to competition stands that will test even the most seasoned Shots. The likes of BASC and CPSA, meanwhile, will have their own offerings which are accessible and reasonably priced with all the kit on hand.

For the keen anglers, Canal & River Trust coaches will be in attendance to share their wisdom on everything from casting and fly selection to kit and fieldcraft. 

Perhaps a 4x4 driving experience appeals? Well, there will also be the chance navigate various challenging terrains with Isuzu and Subaru. 

Join the debate

Every year, numerous MPs and celebrities visit The Game Fair, many of whom star in the Carter Jonas Game Fair Theatre at some point across the three days. A central hub where you can sit in the shade and watch discussions on a broad range of subjects, there is often the opportunity for audience members to put their questions to those on stage – that’s if host Charlie Jacoby hasn’t already turned the screw. 

The topic in focus might be rural access, the future of commercial game shooting, firearms licensing issues, qualifications in fieldsports… examples abound. There’s something for everyone and the full schedule is usually displayed in the show guide and outside the theatre area itself. 

Watch and learn

Of course, if you’re simply looking for some respite from the shopping, activities, walking and (hopefully) the heat of the summer sun, you might like to simply sit and watch one of the many demonstrations that pepper the show schedule.

Usually found at the heart of the event, the Main Arena is a good place to start and over the course of the three days plays host to an array of spectacles – some insightful, some entertaining, some a mixture of the two. Falconry, hound parades, carriage driving, gundog displays, and the notorious Shetland Pony Grand National are just a few highlights to look out for this year at Ragley Hall.

Elsewhere, in dedicated areas, you’ll find rings and stages that specialise in a particular topic. That might be gundogs, pugs n’ drummers (do look it up), or the Wild Food Kitchen. Well-known demonstrators and presenters often feature.

Eat

Both a treat for the senses and a fitting celebration of food from the Great British countryside, the Totally Food Area is a great place to explore – and certainly where you should head if you’re hungry. From wild game burgers and pheasant goujon wraps to biltong, traditional cider, ice cream, hedgerow-fruit tipples and so much more, whether you’re looking for lunch or on the hunt for a gift for a foodie friend, the choice is remarkable.

Elsewhere at The Game Fair you’ll find various dining options. For something a little more refined, there’s the VIP Enclosure, hosted by TV presenter and farmer Jimmy Doherty, who has also led on the design of the menu, majoring on local British produce. Meanwhile, the Gunmakers Arms & Grub, Dog & Duck, and Hare & Hound are all options with real merit.

Shop

One of the largest retail areas in Europe for its duration, The Game Fair typically boasts in the region of a thousand stands selling a smorgasbord of goods and services spanning fieldsports, equine activities, land and estate management, country lifestyle, and many more. If you want to see a product first hand, try on a particular piece of clothing or footwear, or speak to the people behind the brands, you could do a lot worse than a trip to Ragley. 

The revered Gunmakers’ Row, this year sponsored by Pulsar, will once again be a hub for shopping as hundreds of brands display their wares. Whether you’re in the market for a shooting coat, a shotgun, a thermal spotter, or a new flask, search and you will very likely find… 

Find Schöffel Country at The Game Fair…

Once again, Schöffel Country will be at The Game Fair, and if you come and find us on the Bredon Hill Country stand (C555) you’ll be able to make the most of our activations, offers and competitions. We have a gin bar, too... 

Of course, we’ll also be on hand to chat through the features of our latest styles, so whether you’re looking to refresh your summer wardrobe, add a new colour of gilet to your collection, or invest in a new waterproof coat, our team will be on hand to help and advise. 

In addition to Bredon Hill Country, there will be three more of our retailers exhibiting at the show. Do pay them a visit! 

William Powell – stand G1575 

Philip Morris & Son – stand G1588 

Elm of Burford – stand U2128 

The Game Fair 2025 – Key details

Where? Ragley Hall, Alcester, B49 5NJ 

When? Friday 25 – Sunday 27 July 2025

Parking? Is free and signposted for visitors and exhibitors. But there are paid options for both ‘in show’ and ‘forward’ parking’ – see here

Admission? See The Game Fair website. Adult tickets for a single day start from £38, but there are concessionary rates and packages that include camping, food, and forward parking. 

Members of the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) qualify for complimentary entry and guest ticket rates, and must pre-register online. 

 We look forward to seeing you there! 

 For more information about The Game Fair, visit thegamefair.org