Royal Cornwall Show (RCS) 2025
Our favourite weekend has come and gone for another year. The beginning of June is always a local favourite as it means the Royal Cornwall Show is back. This year, once again, did not disappoint.
Putting the Royal in Royal Cornwall Show
This year’s show was particularly royal as it included a rare joint appearance from both Prince William, Duke of Cornwall, and his aunt Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh. Sophie visited the LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) stand, as Honorary President of the organisation which supports sustainable food production. She also made an appearance at the Girl Guides stand as a patron of Girlguiding. Prince William tasted local food at the Food and Farming Pavilion which showcases some of Cornwall’s incredible products, from peanut butter to gin. He also engaged with mental health charities at the Duchy of Cornwall hub.
The Iconic Flower Tent
The flower tent is a staple of the RCS and is always worth a visit. From beautiful garden displays to honey and cider stands, there is definitely something for everyone. This year, one of the displays was done by floristry students at Duchy College. Duchy College offers a wide range of “specialist vocational training” and this includes Horticulture, Floristry & Arboriculture. By mixing the natural sciences, practical work and creativity, the students are able to explore a range of career options that allow them to have close contact with nature. Not only does the flower tent boast some of the most beautiful flora, it also allows people to appreciate the creativity that it takes to forge these magnificent displays. Once you have admired the fantastic flower displays, you can learn about another integral part of the flower growing process – bees. The insightful displays teach people about some of the many threats facing our bees. To further appreciate their value, you can also taste test some delicious local honeys.
Rare Breeds Survival Trust
The Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) is a UK charity dedicated to conserving native farm animal breeds at risk of extinction. The RBST aims to protect the genetic diversity of livestock such as cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, horses, and poultry. The charity maintains a comprehensive watchlist, monitors breed populations, and operates the UK National Livestock Gene Bank, which stores genetic material like semen and embryos to safeguard against potential crises. RBST also supports responsible breeding programs and educates the public on the importance of preserving these heritage breeds. Their tent at the RCS is definitely the cutest but also highly important. They engage people through direct contact with some of these at risk breeds, for example the White Park which you can see in this photo.
The RCS is an iconic part of Cornish life and culture. We truly cannot recommend it enough. Yes, you may well get hit with a rainy day, but that is all part of the experience. Come and experience it yourself next year and stay with us at Helsbury Park.