Calling all classic car enthusiasts! Did you know there’s a whole heap of motoring events and rallies in and around the Cotswolds to keep you busy in 2017? We pick ten events not to be missed this year
1. European Classic Springtime Tour, Oxfordshire 21-23 April
The weekend driving tour will be based near Enstone in Oxfordshire at the Heythrop Park Hotel. The tour’s driving routes will cover the most scenic roads with regular check-ins at country houses, local breweries and a gin distillery too. The entry fee is £425 for a car with two people and the hotel room. If you don’t own a classic car but still want to join in, the organisers are in partnership with two classic car hire companies where you can hire a historic motor for the duration of the tour.
2. Stratford Festival of Motoring, 30 April - 1 May
This May Bank Holiday, the Stratford Festival of Motoring has organised a drive through the Warwickshire countryside, followed by a classic car showcase in the charming centre of Stratford. The street will be closed to traffic allowing car enthusiasts the time to inspect and admire the mix of classic and high performance cars that will be on show.
3. The Classic Land Rover Show, Warwickshire, 6-7 May
The two day Classic Land Rover Show will take place at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon. The event will look back at the history of the beloved Land Rover with a showcase of its development as well as some of the other models that were competing with it at the time. Commentary of the show will be provided by Diana Tigwell and other guest speakers. Visitors have the opportunity to make a full weekend of the event as camping is available for just £10 per person if paid in advance.
4. The Vintage Nostalgia Show, Warminster, 2-4 June
This little known event will be taking place in the Wylye Valley just a few miles outside of the Cotswold border. Attendees can take a look back at the past with a celebration of classic cars and motorcycles, vintage fashion, antiques and all manner of automobilia. The event sees a huge collection of classic and vintage cars from old rust-buckets to perfectly preserved vintage classics. There will also be live music, a real ale bar, cocktails and a vintage fair.
5. Cotswold Motoring Museum, Bourton-on-the-Water, open all year
A day out at the Cotswold Motoring Museum in the picturesque village of Bourton-on-the-Water will take you on a nostalgic journey through the history of classic automobiles. Based over seven stunning showrooms each with a different theme, the museum is a paradise for enthusiasts of classic and vintage cars. Admission is £5.75 for adults and £4.10 for children, or you can purchase a family ticket for £18.
6. 3rd Lechlade Annual Vintage Rally & Country Show, 3-4 June
The 3rd Lechlade Annual Vintage Rally & Country Show will be taking place at Rough Grounds Farm this year. There will be an assortment of vintage and classic car collections alongside motorcycles, caravans, tractors and much more. This family friendly event will be holding a vehicle parade, car boot sale, dog show and entertainment for the kids to enjoy. Entry fees are £4 for adults and children under 16 years of age can attend for free.
7. Classic Vehicle Day, Toddington Station, 11 June & 10 September
The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway organise a classic car event twice a year. This first occasion taking place in June has been organised exclusively for car clubs and the second event in September will be for classic car owners. Attendees will need to register their cars ahead of the events and on the day visitors will have the chance to immerse themselves in the history of classic cars and vintage trains at Toddington Station.
8. Blenheim Palace Pre ’50 American Auto Club ‘Rally of the Giants’, 9 July
If you have a passion for classic American cars then this event is a must visit. With well over 400 classic American vehicles on show from cars and bikes to trucks and even military vehicles there is something to sate the appetite of any car enthusiast. Collectors gather from all over the UK and in some cases even Europe, to marvel at the display dating back to the 1920’s onwards. Admission for adults is £24.90 or family tickets are £59.90 for two adults and two children.
9. Blenheim Palace Festival of Transport, 27-28 August
Petrol heads from across the county congregate at the Festival of Transport to admire a superb selection of classic cars from all over the world. The first day of the festival is dedicated purely to classic cars, whilst the second day introduces a selection of motorbikes, Minis, VW’s Customs, Hot-Rods and classic American sports cars too. Admission for adults is £24.90 or family tickets are £59.90 for two adults and two children.
10. Autumn Classic Weekend, Prescott Speed Hill Climb, 30 September – 1 October
Found on the outskirts of Cheltenham, The Prescott Speed Hill Climb is one of the most celebrated race locations in the area and the Autumn Classic Weekend is a much anticipated event on any car enthusiast’s calendar. Over the course of two days, guests will see hill races from saloons, sports cars, Bentleys, Morgans and a whole host of American cars. There will also be an excellent selection of vintage entertainment to keep the family entertained. A weekend ticket is £25 in advance or £35 on the day.
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