The Suffolk Show returns to Trinity Park in Ipswich on Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 May 2026, and the timing could not be better for families. The two-day event falls right in the middle of May half term, around 85,000 visitors are expected across the 300-acre site, and the best news of all: under-15s go free. That makes it one of the best-value family days out of the whole spring.
When and where is the Suffolk Show 2026?
- Dates: Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 May 2026
- Venue: Trinity Park, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 8UH
- Organiser: Suffolk Agricultural Association, a registered charity
- Expected visitors: around 85,000 over the two days
The show lands squarely in May half term 2026, which runs from Monday 25 to Friday 29 May for most state schools in England and Wales. The Spring bank holiday is on the Monday, so families have the weekend and the whole week off to plan around the two show days.
Why the under-15s go free ticket is a proper deal
Advance adult tickets cost £38 online, and every child under 15 gets in free. For a family of two adults and two children that is £76 for the whole group — a fraction of what the same group would spend on a theme park or a big zoo, and a straight ticket comparison that tips clearly in the show’s favour once you factor in how much there is to do on site.
On site, hundreds of activities are free once you are through the gate. Twelve competition rings run back-to-back displays all day, ten themed “zones” are packed with have-a-go activities, and over 800 tradestands give you plenty to browse before the kids start asking for an ice cream.
The best bits for families
The Suffolk Show is a genuine all-day out — plan on arriving when the gates open at 8am and staying until the last ring display at around 6pm. The zones below are where most families spend their time, and they are all included in the ticket price.
Farm Discovery Zone
Meet the animals up close, climb the straw pyramid, and have a ride on a mini tractor. This is the zone that wins the day for anyone aged three to ten. Come early — the queues for the tractor get long by late morning.
Nature Zone
A quiet, green corner of the showground with pond dipping, bug hunting and hands-on wildlife activities. A good place to slow down in the middle of a busy day, and a useful rainy-weather fallback because much of it is covered.
Sports Village
Free BMX sessions, dance, climbing and football challenges run by Ipswich Town Football Club. It is a brilliant stop for tweens and teenagers who have grown out of the farm-animal age.
Military Zone
Climb aboard combat vehicles, see the heavy machinery up close, and meet serving personnel. Popular with older children and parents who grew up with a Dinky tank or two.
Emergency Services Zone
Sit in a rapid response vehicle, try a mini motorbike, and say hello to your local blue-light heroes. A good early-morning stop before the queues build.
Glasswells Flower and Garden Experience
If you enjoy our May gardening jobs guide, put this stop on your map. It includes the winners of the Suffolk Schools Show Garden Competition and plenty of planting ideas to take home.
Farming Live
Watch giant machines in action and follow the story of maize farming from field to harvest. A surprising hit with children who never saw a tractor bigger than a toy one.
Look up: RAF Falcons and Red Devils
One for the diary. The RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team drops in on Wednesday 27 May, and the Red Devils take the Thursday. Both displays run in the Collins Grand Ring and are included in your ticket. Check the show programme on the day for exact times and get to the ring edge 20 minutes early for a good view.
Food, drink and local shopping
With over 800 tradestands, the Suffolk Show is also a proper platform for East Anglia’s independent businesses.
- Adnams Food and Drink Experience — local produce, tasting sessions and the chance to stock the picnic basket for the bank holiday weekend
- Greene King Eat Street — global street food, with plenty of child-friendly options
- Dummett Copp Fifth Avenue and the Lifestyle Pavilion — boutique fashion and homeware brands
- The Art Show — local painters and sculptors exhibiting and selling their work
- Rural Craft Area — independent makers, perfect for an early birthday or Father’s Day present
Tickets, prices and how to book
| Ticket | Advance price online |
|---|---|
| Adult (16+) | £38 |
| Child under 15 | Free |
Book online in advance at suffolkshow.co.uk/buytickets — advance tickets are cheaper than on the gate and guarantee entry on a busy day. Each child under 15 still needs a free ticket to be added to the booking, so do it at the same time as the adults.
Planning tips from the SatSun team
- Arrive early. The car parks fill quickly on show days. Gates open at 8am — aim to be on site by 9.
- Walking shoes, not sandals. Trinity Park is 300 acres and you will clock up five miles without trying.
- Bring layers and waterproofs. May weather on the East coast swings between 10 and 25 degrees — pack for both.
- Plan one “big” thing per child. The show is massive. Agree on one ring display, one zone and one treat before you arrive — you will save a lot of negotiating later.
- Picnic first, tradestands later. A simple packed lunch near a show ring beats queuing for food at noon. Save the food stalls for an afternoon snack or takeaway home.
- Leave a recovery day on Friday. Two full show days are a lot, especially for younger children. Plan a quiet day afterwards.
Frequently asked questions
Do under-15s really get in free?
Yes — every child under 15 goes free when you book an adult ticket. You still need to add them to the booking, so they have a ticket on entry.
Is the Suffolk Show accessible for wheelchairs and buggies?
Yes. Trinity Park is a grass site but the main walkways are flat and compacted. Accessible toilets and dedicated parking are available — bring a Blue Badge if you qualify. Check the show’s accessibility page for the latest details before you go.
Can we take dogs?
Well-behaved dogs on a lead are welcome, except inside food halls and livestock marquees. Bring water and be ready for big crowds — a quiet day at home may be kinder for nervous dogs.
Is there parking?
Free on-site parking is included with your ticket. Follow the show’s AA signage on approach and the stewards on arrival. A park-and-ride bus runs from central Ipswich if you would rather leave the car.
Can we go for just half a day?
You can, but you will barely scratch the surface. Our advice is to pick a full day, pack a picnic and build the day around one ring display you really want to see.
About the Suffolk Agricultural Association
The Suffolk Show is run by the Suffolk Agricultural Association, a registered charity that delivers year-round education programmes for schools and young people across the county. Every ticket you buy supports that work, which is another reason the under-15s go free deal feels worth celebrating.
More May ideas
- May Half Term 2026: a day-by-day family guide
- May Bank Holidays 2026: the family days out guide
- Gardening jobs for May — the month-by-month UK guide
With the under-15s go free ticket, the May half-term timing and an absurd amount to see and do, the Suffolk Show is one of the easiest “yes” days in the whole family calendar. Book early, pack a picnic, and keep an eye on the sky — the Falcons and Red Devils do not disappoint.
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