From local produce and beautiful handmade crafts to cream teas, a beer tent, dog shows and dog scurries, target archery and bushcraft, cookery and fly fishing demonstrations, country fairs are just one of the great British traditions which still have the power to remind us of childhood holidays.

The popularity of the Country Fair at Picton Castle and Gardens near Haverfordwest has established this as an annual event which takes place against the glorious backdrop of its 13th century castle which also houses the controversial Renoir recently featured on the BBC’s ‘Fake or Fortune’ series.

With their origins in medieval times - long before the advent of ‘proper’ roads and the mobile ’phone - country fairs would be a meeting place for traders to congregate and scattered communities to come together to share farming know-how, flirt behind the haystacks and possibly find some work for the coming year. Access and communication may be easier now but, thankfully, the country fair has retained its place in many rural societies.

Once everyday pursuits for country folk, yet now splendidly alien to many of us, recreational hunting has been taking place since Assyrian kings hunted lions from chariots. Archery has continued to be practiced as a sport and now ultra-lightweight bows allow even tiny tots to shoot, so almost anyone can try their hand at Picton.

After browsing the local craft stalls and taking a peek at the display of veteran war vehicles (Sunday only), the only place to seek out after such energetic participation is the refreshments - and in grand tradition there will be plenty of that!

From village cream teas to the beer tent and local produce stalls to the Picton Courtyard Restaurant, the choices to indulge in some fine food to round off the experience are endless.

With over 40 acres, including lawns, woodlands, a sheltered walled garden, ponds, a jungle garden, a delightful picnic site close to the children’s play area and an abundance of garden seats in tranquil spots with views to die for, Picton Castle and Gardens is the perfect choice for families to enjoy a great day out with some quality time, together with the added bonus of being able to indulge in the country fair if visiting at the end of August - it’s definitely worth bringing along the family ‘pooch’ to strut its stuff in the novelty dog show classes!

The annual country fair takes place at Picton Castle and Gardens near Haverfordwest on Saturday and Sunday, August 29 and 30, from 10 am - 5 pm. More information here: www.pictoncastle.co.uk or call 01437 751326.