Important: The UK Truffle Festival & Truffle Dog Championships is not taking place in 2024. This event is postponed until 2025. Please join the waitlist below.

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Experience the ultimate fusion of truffles, dogs, delicious food and drink at The UK Truffle Festival

"Unpretentious and very chilled out."

Experience the magic of fresh truffles up close while learning from knowledgeable experts and our informative wild talks.

Paul Thomas

"... very friendly and warming."

A Special Event For Foragers, Foodies And Dog Lovers

Get ready for a unique and family-friendly event filled with indulgent food, drink, and the incredible UK Truffle Dog Championships.

Get ready for a unique and family-friendly event filled with indulgent food, drink, and the incredible UK Truffle Dog Championships.

Festival Highlights

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    The UK Truffle Dog Championships
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    Fresh British truffles & truffles from abroad!*
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    Wild talks on all things truffle & wild food!
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    Best-in-show dog & handler competition for all!
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    Have-a-go truffle dog scent sessions for all!
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    Mushroom innoculation workshop
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    Cooking demos & tasters
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    Truffle inspired delights
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    Truffle raffle
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    Kids go free!
  • Dog friendly!

More About The Festival

The UK Truffle Festival, along with the Truffle Dog Championships, brings people together not only to celebrate, educate, and raise awareness for our native British truffles (yes, we have lots of wild truffles growing in the UK!), but also to indulge in a fantastic truffle-eating experience like you've never had before. Founded by truffle lovers Ben Sweet and Melissa Waddingham, this festival promotes safe and sustainable foraging practices. The aim is to create a unique and unforgettable experience for everyone involved, where food enthusiasts can enjoy fresh truffles in abundance.

“Today’s event has been fantasitc. It’s been really well organised. The food’s been fantastic. It’s been great meeting all the truffle dogs and the handlers, it’s been really really good."

Prof. Paul Thomas

The UK
Truffle Dog Championships

We're excited to host the UK Truffle Dog Championships again at this year's festival.

This professionally officiated, scent-based dog competition challenges dogs to find truffle scents in an outdoor environment.

Competitors can enter into one of three different categories, Bronze, Silver and Gold, and we encourage all experience levels to take part.

Everyone is invited to watch and observe the unique bond between dogs and their handlers as they compete. Prizes are up for grabs!

Wild Talks

Listen to facinating speakers talk about truffles, truffle hunting, wild food foraging and more...

Food & Drink

The Squerryes Wine Estate team is set to tantalize your taste buds with a lavish truffle-infused breakfast and lunch menu, harmoniously paired with their exceptional wines.

Don’t miss Plumpton Estate Wine, who will be showcasing their award-winning sparkling wine, crafted by the talented students of Plumpton College.

During lunch, join Chef and forager, Ben Spice, for an enthralling on-stage demonstration featuring wild mushroom and truffle cooking, complete with delectable tastings.

Explore an array of other stalls where various vendors will be presenting their own culinary delights. Plus, indulge in freshly shaved truffles generously sprinkled over your food for an unparalleled gourmet experience.

Squerryes Wine Estate – website | instagram

Location & Directions

The UK Truffle Festival 2023 is being held at Plumpton Racecourse, East Sussex, BN7 3AL

The venue is just a 10 minute walk from Plumpton train station and a 30-minute drive from the city of Brighton.

Truffle Festival UK Venue

Plumpton Racecourse

East Sussex, BN7 3AL

By Road

Plumpton Racecourse is situated on Plumpton Lane 1.5 miles off the B2116, and 8 miles form the A23, leaving at the Pyecombe services junction. Our signposted main entrance on Plumpton Lane is 200 yards beyond the bridge on the left (coming from Ditching) and 0.5 miles past the train station (coming through Plumpton Green), up the hill on the right.

By Rail

Plumpton station is situated at the bottom of the course and is less than a 5-minute walk to the North entrance. Plumpton is served by a regular train service between London Victoria and Eastbourne/Hastings.

Parking

Parking is avialable on site however, we do encourage you to car-share where possible. All-day parking will be £4 and must be purchased online with your ticket order or via this page here.

Important Information

Animal Welfare Guidelines

The health and welfare of all people and dogs attending The UK Truffle Festival is of highest priority. Please read on for guidance to ensure the event is a safe and fun day for all.

 

  • Please consider the temperament of your dog before you decide to attend the festival. The marquee at Plumpton Racecourse, where the festival will be taking place can get very busy with people and their dogs, and knowing your own dog(s), you should consider if this is an environment they will be safe in.
  • If your dog is fearful around other dogs or anxious in unusual settings, including around strangers, please re-consider bringing your dog to the festival.
  • Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.
  • Extendable dog leads are not advised.
  • We’re sorry to say that bitches in season are not permitted to attend.
  • Never leave your dog unattended in the car. If we see any dogs locked or left in vehicles in unsuitable conditions, we may need to seek assistance to forcibly remove the dog from your vehicle. Dogs must be under your supervision at all times.
  • We advise travelling with your own fresh water. We will also provide water bowls around the festival that will be refilled regularly.
  • Legally, dogs should have a collar with a tag displaying their owner’s name and contact details, in case of emergencies.
  • If you want your dog to take part in The Truffle Dog Competition or the ‘have-a-go’ activity, it is your responsibility to ensure they are fit and able to do so.
  • Please make sure you pick up after your dog. You will need to bring your own poop bags and dispose of them in the nearby bins.
  • Anyone seen mistreating their dog or handling it poorly will be asked to leave the festival immediately. The UK Truffle Festival does not promote the use of inappropriate training devices, or forceful punishment based training techniques.

 

If you have any concerns, please speak to a member of security, who will contact the event organisers.

Health and Safety of Attendees

  • Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a responsible parent or guardian aged 18 or over. 
  • Children must remain with the attending parent or guardian at all times. 
  • The weather in November can be temperamental so please check the weather forecast before attending and ensure you are wearing appropriate clothing. The Truffle Dog Championship will still go ahead, even if conditions are poor. 
  • The organisers of The UK Truffle Festival can take no responsibility for the medical conditions of attendees and their dogs.

Filming and Photography

The UK Truffle Festival will be photographing and filming the event for promotional purposes. Ticket holders and attendees give their express consent to the use of their actual or simulated likeness in connection with the production, exhibition, advertising or exploitation of any film, video and/or audio recording of this event and/or any element thereof in any/all media throughout the world. If you have any objection, should this happen when you attend the event, please speak to a member of security, who will contact a member of the event team on site.

Festival Disclaimer

By attending The UK Truffle Festival and Truffle Dog Championships you agree to abide by the terms and conditions of the event. You also acknowledge that you participate in the Truffle Dog Championships competition at your own risk. The UK Truffle Festival accepts no liability whatsoever for any accidental damage or loss of any kind, whether direct or consequential, suffered by you, your family or your dog(s), in relation to attending the event, provided that nothing shall exclude or limit our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence or wrongdoing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be able to buy fresh truffles?

Yes, we are hoping to have a variety of British and European truffle available to purchase, depending on seasonal availability. 

Is parking available?

Yes, limited paid parking is available on site. Please purchase an all-day parking ticket for £4 online in advance. 

If you are coming by train, Plumpton Racecourse is only a 10-minute walk from Plumpton Train Station.

Is accessible parking available?

Yes, there are two designated accessible (blue badge) parking spaces at Plumpton Racecourse. Please visit their website here for more information.

Can I show up and buy tickets on the day?

Tickets will not be available to purchase on the day. Please purchase your ticket online before arriving to the festival. 

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, please consider the temperament of your dog before you decide to attend. The marquee can get very busy with people and their dogs, and knowing your own dog(s), you should consider if this is an environment they will be safe in. Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times – preferably on a non-extending lead. Drinking water will be available and please ensure you pick up your dog’s mess. You will need to bring your own poop bags. 

Please Note: When purchasing your tickets, you will need to indicate how many dogs are coming with your booking. Please refer to our Animal Welfare Guidelines above and our full event and ticket T&Cs for more information.

Can my dog take part in the Truffle Dog Competition?

If you would like to enter your dog into The Truffle Dog Championship, please purchase a competitor ticket. This will allow entry for you and your dog into the festival and entry into the competition. Anyone else accompanying you must purchase a general guest ticket. 

Can I watch the Truffle Dog Competition?

Yes, you will be able to watch the competition from the designated viewing area on the racecourse, or from the Lewes Grand Stand where we would recommend bringing binoculars if you have some. 

Do you have a vet on Call?

You will find the contact details for nearby emergency vets at the ticket office. If whilst at the event, you become concerned for a dog’s welfare, please contact a member of security, who will pass on your concern to a member of the events team.

Will there be toilets on site?

Yes, as well as an accessible toilet.

Do I need to bring printed tickets to the event?

Tickets will be scanned at the entrance to the festival. You can either bring printed tickets or show the e-ticket on your phone.

Do you have a concession for carers?

Yes, we offer free entry for carers. You will need to book tickets for everyone else in your group but the carer/s will receive complimentary entry. Please email team@trufflefestival.co.uk with your booking number along with one of the following documentation – a photocopy of blue badge, PIP or DLA letter. Our event team will then issue a carer ticket to the original bookers email free of charge.

I'm having problems booking a ticket online, what should I do?

We recommend using a different browser or device and if the problem persists, please email our team at team@trufflefestival.co.uk and we will be happy to help. 

I can no longer attend - can I get a refund?

There is a 14-day grace period from the date of ticket purchase where you will receive a full refund, unless your booking is made within 30 days of the festival date. If you are unable to attend, you can re-sell your tickets through Tixel, the preferred and only resale platform of TicketTailor. 

I can no longer attend - can I transfer my ticket to a friend?

Yes, as long as the attendee has your booking confirmation with the original tickets.

Can I leave and re-enter the festival on the day?

Yes, security will issue a re-entry wristband on your way out. Please ensure you collect one as you will not be able to get back in without this.

Can I buy products for my dog at the festival?

Yes, please visit the Partners & Traders section for info on who will be joining us on the day. 

Will there be food and drink available?

Yes, we’ll have a number of vendors selling hot and cold drinks and a variety of food. Please visit the Partners & Traders to see who will be joining us.

Will there be a cash machine on site?

No, however you will be able to pay with either cash or card at most of the traders on-site.

For any other queries, please use the contact us form below.

Contact us