There’s nowhere quite like the Lakeland village of Grasmere for a unique August Bank Holiday day out and, on Sunday (August 24), we are proud to be bringing families, from across the UK, one of the UK’s oldest traditional sporting events and occasions.
But, this year, it's taking on a new dimension, blending rich Lakeland heritage with daring airborne drama. We're creating one of the very best things to do over the August Bank Holiday weekend!
What to do on your August Bank Holiday day out at Grasmere Sports
Our wonderful Grasmere Lakeland Sports and Show, now in its 175th year and older than the modern Olympics, offers a full day of family fun and exhilarating sport, set in a natural arena, nestled beneath breathtaking fells.
A full day’s entertainment lies in store the minute the show starts at 10am. You can't miss the official start, as it is signalled by the ceremonial ringing of the bell by the Bellman. This is followed by the National Anthem, played by our very different Fat Cat Brass Band, complete with stilt-walking drummer.
Programme to thrill the family
The sporting action kicks off at 10:30 am with track races and goes on all day, until around 5 pm, after the pinnacle of the event – the Senior Guides’ fell race – has reached its thrilling conclusion.
Our August Bank Holiday day out programme centres on unique and traditional sports rooted in centuries-old Cumbrian culture, including fell racing. Fell races are available for several age groups, with all racing up Butter Crag (either to the full summit height of 294 metres for the Senior Guides, or the age group turnaround point).
This year, runners can enter the fell races online, no matter what their age group.
Sports you may never have seen
Then there is hound trail racing, with dogs following an aniseed and paraffin trail and overcoming similar obstacles to the human racers, including walls. The third thrill is Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling – something only 5% of Brits have ever seen[1] – and offering hipes, chips, and buttocks moves from back-hold wrestlers from Cumbria, Northumberland, Scotland, Brittany, and Iceland too.
Brand-new paragliding race
But 2025 marks a new high, with the first-ever Grasmere Hike and Fly Race. This new paragliding event, featuring 12 skilled pilots, will see participants race across the fells and through the air, using a mix of running and flying to navigate between waypoints.
From a dramatic launch from the Grasmere Sports Field to a grandstand sprint finish (pilots must land in an adjacent field and race in on foot), this spectator-friendly race promises to be a jaw-dropping spectacle. The skies above the showground will buzz with colour and movement from 10.30 am to 2 pm, all tracked via GPS and shown on a big screen. It will be one of the highlight's of this August Bank Holiday's day out.
Canine and family fun
Even family dogs can enjoy the day, by savouring their own fun dog show - not for pros, just normal doggies like Rex or Shep. Kids can engage in circus skills with Circus Avago, spinning plates before you can say ‘diabolo’, and grandparents can have fun tapping their feet to the jazz band’s sessions.
Everybody is welcome to have a go at riding the unrideable bike, or maybe pedalling a penny farthing, mini tandem, unicycle, bendy bike, or balance trike from Wonder Wheelers. This year, you can even go home and say you were scammed, but not by the admission price. Sam the Scam will be on hand to show off some popular fairground and racecourse scams from yesteryear, including Find the Lady, Prick the Garter and the Three Shell Game.
With more craft stalls than the Show has hosted for many years, plus food and drink stalls and classic cars on display, there’s all-day fascination assured.
Arranging your August Bank Holiday Sunday day out
Whether you're visiting the Lake District for a summer break or just looking for a magical August Bank Holiday day out, our Grasmere Lakeland Sports and Show offers a cultural deep-dive into the real Lake District, filled with timeless tradition and thrilling innovation.
Tickets are best value when bought in advance, for £12 for adults, £5 for children and £28 for families. These prices are available until 7 pm on August 22 and are available via online purchase. On-the-day adult and children’s tickets will also be available, at a higher cost.
Do come and join us for a glorious August Bank Holiday day out. Everyone is welcome, whether you are part of the local community or someone who's very rarely ventured into the countryside before. Come and see what you are missing!
[1] Statistics taken from a research survey conducted by Censuswide, on behalf of Grasmere Lakeland Sports and Show, in late April 2025.
