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Escape to the Woods: Surrey Hills Wood Fair Returns This September with Adventure, Craft and Countryside Magic
9th July 2026
The Surrey Hills Wood Fair returns to Cranleigh Showground on 12–13 September 2026, inviting visitors to step into a weekend of woodland adventure, traditional craft, countryside skills and hands-on family fun.
Organised by Surrey Hills Enterprises in partnership with Shooting Star Children’s Hospices and sponsored by JDB Contractors & Sons, the event celebrates its 16th year and continues to grow as one of the South East’s most popular outdoor festivals, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
Set in the heart of the Surrey Hills, the Wood Fair transforms the showground into a vibrant celebration of woodland heritage, skilled craftsmanship and outdoor adventure. Visitors are encouraged to explore, take part and experience the countryside at its most alive.
Live Craft, Heritage in Action
At the heart of the event is a vibrant celebration of woodland skills, where traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation come together across the site. Visitors can watch master craftspeople in action as they bring age-old techniques to life, from greenwood turning to basket weaving, spoon carving, hedge laying and hurdle making.
Beyond this, the showground is alive with activity at every turn. Hands-on woodworking workshops like pyrography invite visitors to try their own creative skills, while cutting-edge woodland machinery demonstrations showcase the modern side of forestry and land management. Immersive outdoor skills displays run alongside Viking survival experiences and Medieval living history demonstrations within The Paladins of Chivalry village, creating a constant sense of discovery throughout the event.
Bringing everything together, the much-loved Woodworkers’ Village offers a chance to meet skilled artisans face-to-face, explore time-honoured techniques, and see how traditional and contemporary woodland crafts continue to evolve side by side.
Hands-On Family Adventure
The Wood Fair is built for participation.
Families can try tree climbing, archery, axe throwing, trampolining, treasure trails and shire horse and wagon rides, alongside a new puzzle-solving treasure trail from Paradox Parlours, where visitors can solve clues and challenges around site. Alongside this, there are fascinating animal encounters with Surrey Amphibian & Reptile Group and Wild About Britain, offering the chance to get up close to native wildlife and learn more about the species that share our countryside.
Younger visitors can get creative with a range of arts and crafts, including twig pencil making and beeeswax candle rolling, making it a full day of outdoor discovery for all ages.
New for 2026: The Fun Dog Show
A brand-new Fun Dog Show, sponsored by Brookmead Vets, launches on Sunday. Open to dogs of all shapes and sizes, it celebrates personality, character and charm.
Categories include Prettiest Bitch, Handsome Chap, Dog Who Looks Most Like Their Owner, Best Trick, Golden Oldie (8+) and Waggiest Tail. Expect light-hearted competition, big laughs and plenty of crowd favourites.
Arena Entertainment & Live Action
The main arena delivers a packed programme across both days, featuring the spectacular Paladins of Chivalry, Birds of Prey displays, log-pulling and the Fun Dog Show including a dog trick display.
Shop, Eat & Enjoy Local
The fair also showcases 80+ Surrey’s best independent makers, artists and food producers. Visitors can browse handmade crafts, unique gifts and artwork inspired by the Surrey Hills landscape, alongside street food, local produce and live music throughout the day. Now a firm favourite with visitors, the covered music area hosts an ever-popular line-up of singers, songwriters and choirs, creating a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere with a wide range of styles to enjoy.
Plan Your Visit
With free parking, free entry for children under 16 and a warm welcome for well-behaved dogs on leads, the Surrey Hills Wood Fair offers an accessible and memorable countryside day out.
Book the date: 12–13 September 2026, Cranleigh Showground. Step into the woods.
Fish Pond Copse, Bookhurst Road, Cranleigh, Surrey, GU6 7DW
Early Bird tickets are now available with an optional donation to Shooting Star Children’s Hospices:
Adults: £12.50 (£15 on the door)
Students & Senior Citizens: £10 (£12.50 on the door)
Children under 16 and carers: FREE
Experience a countryside fair where you don’t just watch – you take part!
For tickets and further information, visit Surrey Hills Wood Fair 2026 – Surrey Hills National Landscape
