This is the list of the best gypsy horse fairs in England in 2024 for all you horse lovers and traders and soon we will be covering the rest of the UK. Bookmark this website as it will contain everything relating to gypsy horses, gypsy horse fairs and of course all things Appleby Horse Fair.
If you want to experience the colorful Gypsy horse culture, attending one of England’s popular Gypsy horse fairs should be on your bucket list.
Appleby Horse Fair is the largest and most well-known. Held annually in early June, this historic fair has been ongoing for over 300 years. You’ll see beautiful Gypsy horses and traditional Romanichal bow-top caravans. The horses are washed and groomed along the River Eden, with many offered for sale. There are lots of opportunities to go on wagon rides, sample delicious Gypsy fare, and enjoy lively music.
The Stow Horse Fair, held in late May, is one of the oldest fairs dating back to 1476. Set in the picturesque Cotswolds, you’ll find horses, caravans and a funfair. The horses are paraded along the streets and many are sold at auction. Like Appleby, there are wagon rides, food stalls, and vibrant Gypsy music.
If you prefer smaller fairs, check out the Traditional Romany Horse Fairs held in various towns from April to October. They feature Gypsy horses, caravans, and wagons in a more intimate setting. You can chat with breeders, learn about the horses and Gypsy culture, and even buy handcrafted goods.
Whether attending a large, historic fair or smaller event, you’ll get an inside look at England’s fascinating Gypsy horse culture. Stunning horses, ornate caravans, lively music, delicious food, and a vibrant community spirit—what more could you want in a perfect English getaway? A visit to remember, for sure!
When and Where to Find the Best Gypsy Horse Fairs in 2024
Stow horse fair
Dates: 16th May 2024
Head to Stow-on-the-Wold in the Cotswolds for the Stow Horse Fair from May 16th to 19th, 2024. One of England’s oldest fairs, it features Gypsy horses, vintage caravans, and a funfair. You’ll spot horses being trotted up and down the main street all day, with many available to buy. Enjoy the lively Gypsy music, sample traditional food from the stalls, and shop for handmade crafts.
Wickham horse fair
Dates: 20th May 2024
Wickham Horse Fair takes place 20th May. During this traditional event the travelling community sell and race ponies and horses and a fun fair fills The Square.
The Stow-on-the-Wold Gypsy Fair is a renowned event that draws visitors from far and wide to experience the colorful and vibrant traditions of the gypsy community. Expect to be surrounded by the sights and sounds of this lively fair, with traditional music, dancing, and the spectacle of beautifully adorned caravans. The fair offers a unique opportunity to shop for authentic gypsy wares, from handmade crafts to delicious, traditional foods. Horse lovers will delight in the magnificent display of decorated horses being paraded and traded. The Stow-on-the-Wold Gypsy Fair promises an unforgettable experience immersed in the rich cultural tapestry of the gypsy heritage.
Appleby horse fair
Dates: 6th-12th June 2024
The Appleby Horse Fair in Cumbria is the largest and most famous Gypsy horse fair. Held annually in early June, the 2024 fair runs from June 6th to June 12th. You’ll find Gypsy cobs, piebald and skewbald horses, and colorful Romanichal caravans. Wander the crowds, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and see the horses being ridden at full gallop through the River Eden.
Kent horse fair
Dates: 5th June 2024
The Kent Gypsy Horse Fair is a vibrant event that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the gypsy community. Visitors can expect a lively atmosphere filled with traditional music, dance, and colorful horse-drawn caravans. The fair offers a unique shopping experience with vendors selling everything from handmade crafts to delicious traditional food. Horse enthusiasts will enjoy the sight of beautifully decorated horses being paraded and traded. Overall, the Kent Gypsy Horse Fair is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in a time-honored tradition and celebrate the diversity of gypsy culture.
Wisbech horse fair
Dates: 5th-7th July 2024
The Wisbech Summer Gypsy Fair is a charming event that captures the essence of the gypsy community’s traditions and customs. Visitors can expect a lively and colorful atmosphere filled with music, dancing, and the distinct sight of elaborately decorated horse-drawn caravans. The fair provides a unique shopping experience with vendors offering a variety of handmade crafts, traditional foods, and gypsy-themed souvenirs. Horse enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to witness the beauty of decorated horses on display and possibly even for sale. The Wisbech Summer Gypsy Fair is a delightful occasion to immerse oneself in the vibrant gypsy culture and enjoy a festive celebration of heritage and community spirit.
Bournemouth horse fair and River Drive
Dates: Bank holiday weekend 24th -26th August 2024
Get yourselves down to the south English coast for this great weekend because like every year it’s going to be one great gypsy fair for every horse lover out there. The boys know how to put on a great display and this year it won’t be any different. Book this beauty in your calendars.
Hertfordshire horse fair
Dates: 25th August 2024
Another great gypsy horse fair for the whole family is this one. So book your stay in the stunning English countryside and set up your bow tops amongst the wild nature side of England and get ready to celebrate this fair which is set to be a corker this year. So it looks I’m going to sample this one as it’s new to me.
Bridgewater horse fair
Dates: 25th September 2024
Not that far from Bristol, Bridgewater horse fair has also got lots of good things in store for it so make sure you make the journey down to it and see for yourself what the fuss is all about. Like all good gypsy horse fairs, this one sounds amazing and even though I haven’t been I’m sure someone is going to report back to me and let me know how well it went.
Notice:
Please note: Fairs can be cancelled or rescheduled at short notice, please check before travelling as we can not be held responsible for any wasted journeys.
Please visit the Romany Heritage Facebook Page to read about any updates or changes to dates.
Other horse fairs around England which may be of interest to you
Devon
Widecombe Fair
Always the second Tuesday in September. Has nothing of the vigour of times past, but an old grey mare wanders through town and a country fair rides on the back of a song of which most of us somehow know a little. Some Dartmoor ponies for sale, other livestock, produce, craft demonstrations, country race from hill to fair, tugs o’ war..
Dartmoor Drift
Read more on-line about the annual round-up.
Lincolnshire
Brigg Fair
with a charter granted in 1204, Brigg has held a fair and then horse fair for nearly 8 centuries. It went into decline in the 1970’s the travelling community was driven away when the right to sell horses was gained by a local auction company. One man kept the tradition alive, selling just two horses each year. By 1993 Brigg and District Community Association agreed to organise the event, travellers have been encouraged to return and in the year 2000 over 25,000 people came to the centre of the town to see 100 horses traded and enjoy a fun fair, craft stalls and traditional entertainments. The day usually opens with Tom Glossop singing Brigg Fair ( music by Delius based upon a gypsy song) and other Lincolnshire folk songs. There was no Brigg Fair in 2003 because of problems with finding a place to house the horses.
The date moved from 20 July St James’ Day to August 5th with the change in the calendar in 1752.Read more on the BriggLife web-site.
London
Barnet Fair
4-6 September (unless one of those days is a Sunday) – nearly 800 years old, originally London cabbies bought their horses here, now they seek ponies for their children. Near Barnet Station and the Great North Road. Barnet races, costermongers joined the throng.The London Harness Horse Parade
on Easter Monday has removed from Regents Park back to its original venue of Battersea Park where it began in 1886 to improve the treatment of London’s carthorses and encourage their careful use.NB – In 2006 it is being held on 17th April at the South of England Showground, West Sussex – always check details with the organisers before making travel arrangements (contact Corrie Brown, +44(0)1737 646132).
Somerset
Priddy Sheep Fair
also a place to see horses, see the picture on the top right. The Wednesday before 21st August. Read more on-line.Bonus Yorkshire
Lee Gap
800 years old and counting. This fair at West Ardsley near Wakefield was once held for three weeks and three days around St Bartholomew, now it happens on just two days First and Latter Lee. Lee Gap Fair 24 August (St Bartholomews Day), Latter Lee 17 September. Other shows across England:
Conclusion
So if you want to try the best gypsy horse fairs in England in 2024 then all you have to do is go the ones above and come back to see if we have added any more because this list will get bigger over time. Believe you me.
If you know of any more gypsy horse fairs worth sharing then please let us know on our Facebook page here or by contact us via the contact page.
