Looking for funfairs near me today or planning a family day out at one of the UK’s mega travelling fairs? From historic medieval charter street fairs and Easter holiday carnivals to massive autumn events like the Nottingham Goose Fair, Hull Fair, and Newcastle Hoppings, travelling fairs visit towns and cities right across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland throughout the year!
🎡 Quick Navigation: UK Funfairs Calendar
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February | March | April | May | June & July | August | September | October | Nov & Dec
The UK’s Biggest & Best Travelling Funfairs
Travelling fairs form a vital part of British heritage and local community entertainment. Featuring everything from traditional 19th-century Carousels, Waltzers, and Dodgems to massive 60-meter Sky Swings, Freak Outs, and wild roller coasters, these events offer thrills that rival major theme parks!
Browse our complete annual calendar below to discover when major travelling funfairs and historic street fairs are coming to a town near you. Have we missed an event? Drop us a message via our Facebook Page!
Funfairs in February
February marks the official opening of the UK travelling fair season, kicking off with Valentine’s fairs and February Half Term events across the country.
King’s Lynn Mart (Norfolk)
Traditionally the official opening event of the travelling fair season, King’s Lynn Mart holds a special place in showmen history. Dating back to the 19th century when legendary manufacturer Frederick Savage showcased his latest steam-driven roundabouts, showmen continue to bring their newest rides and attractions to King’s Lynn every February.
Avon Valley Adventure Park
While the park is closed during February Half Term, C.Porters Fun Fair will be based at Avon Valley to bring some thrills for all ages to the holiday!
Buy a wristband for unlimited rides.
Plymouth Valentine’s Fair
Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure filled with dinosaurs, superheroes, and your favourite TV characters? Mark your calendars, because the ultimate family-friendly funfair is coming to Plymouth.
Milton Keynes Unlimited Funpark
Get ready for a fantastic day out with one-price entry, giving you unlimited access to all the rides and attractions for 2.5 hours!
Whether you’re seeking thrills or family-friendly fun, there’s something for everyone.
Brooklands Valentine’s Fair
Join the excitement at Brooklands Valentine’s Fair. Enjoy thrilling rides and fun for everyone in a great atmosphere.
Doncaster Valentine’s Funfair
A free entry event with a great line-up of your favourite rides including Waltzer, Tagada, Freak Out and even a family roller coaster!
Funfairs in March
Funderworld Bristol (Durdham Downs)
Funderworld is one of the UK’s largest mobile theme parks, featuring over 25 major rides and attractions. Taking over Durdham Downs in Bristol, highlights include the giant 60m Sky Swing, Airmaxx, the Crazy Mouse Roller Coaster, giant inflatables, and traditional family side stalls.
Funfairs in April
Kirkcaldy Links Market (Fife, Scotland)
Featured on BBC TV’s Showpeople: Licensed To Thrill, Kirkcaldy Links Market holds the title of Europe’s longest street fair! Stretching over a mile along the Fife coastline, this Scottish tradition features over 60 high-tech rides representing over £100m worth of equipment.
Mitcham Fair (Greater London)
Recognised as one of London’s oldest surviving annual charter fairs, Mitcham Fair takes place every August on Mitcham Fair Green, bringing rides, side stalls, and summer carnival atmosphere to South London.
Funfairs in May
Boston May Fair (Lincolnshire)
Dating back to a royal charter granted in 1545, Boston May Fair takes over the historic Market Place in Boston town centre for a week every May. Recognised as one of England’s premier town centre street fairs, it draws showmen families from across the UK.
Northallerton Street Fair (North Yorkshire)
Taking place annually over the May Bank Holiday weekend, Northallerton High Street is closed to traffic and transformed into a bustling carnival packed with rides, food stalls, and family side shows.
Pinner Fair (Middlesex)
Held annually in June under a charter granted by King Edward III in 1336, Pinner Fair takes over the historic High Street in Pinner, making it the last remaining ancient street fair in Greater London.
Burntisland Summer Fairground (Fife, Scotland)
Starting at the end of May and running throughout the summer, Burntisland Links transforms into a coastal summer carnival featuring rides, stalls, bingo, and seaside food kiosks.
Showmen arrive with their rides and set up from the end of May, and it gets progressively busier with more arriving as the holiday season gets into full swing. As well as the many and varied rides, side stalls, bingo etc., there are plenty of kiosks which offer food, snacks, and drinks.
Funfairs in June & July
The Hoppings (Town Moor, Newcastle-upon-Tyne)
Officially Europe’s largest travelling funfair, The Hoppings takes over Newcastle’s Town Moor every June. Spanning more than 1,000 acres and featuring more than 400 attractions, it is a legendary Tyneside tradition that attracts hundreds of thousands of thrill-seekers.
Cambridge Midsummer Fair
One of the oldest fairs in England, Cambridge Midsummer Fair traces its origins back to a charter granted by King John in 1211. Held on Midsummer Common, it features over 50 rides and traditional market stalls.
Funfairs in August
Hartlepool Headland Carnival
Hartlepool Carnival is a community-run project, with events running throughout the year, and culminating with a Giant funfair and Grand Parade in August.
Willen Lake (Milton Keynes)
Located opposite the entrance to Gulliver’s Land Milton Keynes, entrance to Willen Lake fun fair is free. Featuring a mix of new and classic thrill rides, children’s attractions, games, and food stalls.
Funfairs in September
Nottingham Goose Fair (Forest Recreation Ground)
With over 700 years of history, the famous Nottingham Goose Fair is one of Europe’s most prestigious mega-fairs. Spread over a massive 20-acre site at the Forest Recreation Ground, it features over 500 rides and attractions alongside famous mushy peas with mint sauce!
Oxford St Giles’ Fair
Every September, the grand boulevard of St Giles in central Oxford is closed to traffic as one of England’s most historic street fairs fills the road between the Ashmolean Museum and St John’s College.
Stokesley Fair (North Yorkshire)
September also sees Stokesley High Street covered in fairground rides as the fair takes over most of the open space in the town centre, covering the cobbles on both sides of the High Street before extending to fully occupy The Plain and College Square at its eastern extremity.
Neath Great Fair (Wales)
The ancient Neath September Fair in South Wales is recognised as the oldest charter fair in Wales.
Funfairs in October
Hull Fair (East Yorkshire)
Drawing over 800,000 visitors every October, Hull Fair is one of Europe’s largest travelling funfairs. The Walton Street car park, filled with over 250 high-thrill rides, food stalls, and traditional attractions, is an iconic autumn spectacle.
West Devon Tavistock Goose Fair
Tavistock Goose Fair is an annual event, held in the charming market town of Tavistock in Devon. The fair has been enchanting locals and visitors alike for centuries. With its unique blend of traditional festivities, thrilling rides, and mouthwatering treats, the Tavistock Goose Fair is a must-visit event that promises a day filled with joy and laughter.
Ilkeston Charter Fair
Thousands of visitors come to enjoy the exciting and spectacular white-knuckle rides together with the more traditional side shows at Ilkeston Charter Fair.
For virtually an entire week, Ilkeston Town Centre is transformed into a vast fairground filled with colour, lights and action for this popular event.
Yarm Fair
Every year for 3 nights in October, Yarm High Street is taken over by wild rides, flashing lights, and the mouth-watering smell of churros for the annual fair.
The fair features many popular rides, including the Crazy Frog, Tagada, ‘Miami, ‘Exciter’ and the Ghost Train.
Stratford-upon-Avon Runaway Mop Fair
Funfairs in November & December
Loughborough Fair (Leicestershire)
Held every November in Loughborough town centre under a charter granted by King Henry III in 1221, this popular fair draws thousands of families for autumn rides and street food.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland (London)
Running from mid-November through early January, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is the UK’s largest festive winter funfair, featuring giant observation wheels, indoor ice rinks, German beer halls, and dozens of roller coasters!
Frequently Asked Questions: UK Funfairs
What is the biggest funfair in the UK?
The Hoppings (held every June on Town Moor in Newcastle-upon-Tyne) is officially Europe’s largest travelling funfair by land area. Hull Fair and Nottingham Goose Fair are also among the largest events by ride count and visitor numbers.
Are travelling funfairs safe?
Yes. All travelling rides operated by members of the Showmen’s Guild of Great Britain undergo strict annual safety inspections under the Health and Safety Executive’s ADIPS (Amusement Device Inspection Procedures Scheme).
Do UK funfairs accept card payments?
While many modern ride operators and food stalls now accept contactless card payments, carrying cash is still recommended for smaller side stalls and games.
Explore More UK Days Out & Theme Park Deals
Looking for more thrilling days out across the UK? Check out our dedicated attraction guides and discount ticket offers:
- 🎪 UK Agricultural Shows Directory – Explore country shows, carnivals & steam rallies.
- 🎟️ Free UK Attraction Tickets Guide – Learn how to claim free tickets to top UK sites.
- 💳 Universal Credit Days Out Guide – Discounted £1–£2 tickets across UK zoos, museums & parks.
- 🔥 Best Value UK Theme Park Tickets – Top ticket deals for Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Chessington & LEGOLAND.
Great Family Entertainment
Large funfairs offer great family entertainment and it is an opportunity for friends and family to come together and experience some of the latest rides and attractions often not found at UK Theme Parks.
UK Attraction Hot Deals
View our Hot Deal in UK Attractions Page for great deals and discounts on your Days Out. Also, like the Attractions Near Me Facebook Page to be amongst the first to know about the best discount offers and promotions for tourist attractions across the UK.
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Author: Dan
I am passionate about theme parks and attractions, and I love riding roller coasters and thrill rides! As the founder and lead travel editor of Attractions Near Me, and a father of four, I understand how expensive family days out can be. Over the past 10+ years, I’ve tested over 100+ UK and European theme parks, waterparks, and family destinations. I also manage the 80,000+ member UK Travel Industry LinkedIn Group. My aim is to help you, your family, and your friends enjoy some incredible days out without costing the earth. You can read my full story and our editorial standards on our About Us page. Thanks for reading, and have a great time - Regards Dan
