Car Festivals To Rev Up For In 2026
By
5 hours ago
The hottest car events across the country
Blending speed and history backdropped by rolling countryside, Britain’s car festival season hooks hundreds of thousands of petrolheads every summer. Combining the scent of freshly cut grass and high-octane fuel, spanning the manicured lawns of stately homes to the gritty asphalt of world-class circuits, here’s our rundown of the best.
UK’s Best Car Festivals 2026
Goodwood Festival Of Speed, West Sussex
This annual four-day automotive extravaganza attracts huge crowds to the Duke of Richmond’s 12,000-acre country estate. Now a must-visit event for motoring enthusiasts from around the globe, the focal point is a mile-long hill climb up the estate’s narrow, winding driveway. Described as the ‘motorsport garden party of the gods,’ Goodwood today has achieved iconic status.
When? 9–12 July 2026
Where? Goodwood House, Kennel Hill, Chichester PO18 0PX
Price? Tickets start from £73 per person.
Goodwood Revival, West Sussex
Speaking of Goodwood, the Revival is a three-day, historic motorsport festival, held at the historic Motor Circuit in the same West Sussex grounds. Priceless cars racing wheel-to-wheel, vintage fashion, music and aviation displays: this colourful extravaganza of retro celebrates the 1948–1966 ‘golden era’ of racing. A fully immersive vintage experience, attendees always dress in period costume – and you will stick out like a sore thumb if you don’t.
When? 17–21 September
Where? Goodwood Motor Circuit, Kennel Hill, Chichester PO18 0PX
Price? Tickets start from £77 per person.
CarFest, Northamptonshire
Britain’s biggest family fundraising festival was created by DJ Chris Evans to raise money for children’s charities. A hybrid of several themed festivals in one, the main attraction is the cars with more than 1,000 vehicles on display from F1 motors and supercars to more bespoke creations. Music plays a key role: this year headliners include Jessie J, Tom Jones and Nile Rodgers and Chic.
When? 28–30 August 2026
Where? Silverstone Circuit, Towcester NN12 8TN
Price? Day tickets start from £89 per adult, £40 per teen or £21 for children with under 6s going free. You can also camp for the full three days with a camping ticket.
Supercar Sunday, Ripon
The annual premier automotive event of the North. Grantley Hall is a five-star country house hotel with all the trimmings, and the popular Supercar Sunday showcases more than 350 supercars, hypercars and classics, including brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche. The event includes live music (Sophie Ellis-Bextor is 2026’s headliner), fantastic food, a driving simulator and the luxury hospitality Grantley Hall is synonymous with.
When? 6 September 2026
Where? Grantley Hall, Ripon HG4 3ET
Price? Tickets start from £155 per person.
Salon Privé, London
Widely considered the UK’s most exclusive motor show, Salon Privé is held in central London( and shouldn’t be confused with the Blenheim Palace sister event which takes place in Oxfordshire in late August). A magnet for fans of supercars, Salon Privé features a concours d’elegance, luxury hospitality packages and a retail and lifestyle village for those with very deep pockets.
When? 18 April 2026
Where? Royal Hospital Chelsea
Price? Tickets start from £55 per person.
Heveningham Concours, Suffolk
My favourite event on the motoring calendar – a mini Goodwood Revival with all the charm of a country fair. Part of Heavening Hall County Fair, expect an intimate atmosphere, a gorgeous collection of rare cars and a fair smattering of vintage aircraft, too. Heveningham is the antidote to car shows – a beautiful event in the most stunning location. The highlight? A mini hill sprint that offers views of exotic cars in full flight.
When? 27 & 28 June 2026
Where? Heveningham Hall, Heveningham, Halesworth IP19 0PN
Price? Tickets will be available in Spring. Note that you also need a ticket to the County Fair to enter.
James Martin’s Supercar Rally, New Forest
Fancy something a little more hands on? TV chef and car enthusiast James Martin hosts this luxury event featuring a scenic driving route from the New Forest to Buckinghamshire. Begin with lunch, dinner and a night at the in-demand Chewton Glen hotel and spa before driving to the historic Cliveden House where an exquisite dinner awaits. Expect Ferraris, McLarens and a host of classics. Places are limited but if you own a high-end supercar and enjoy fine dining, book a spot now.
Chewton Glen, New Forest
Where? Chewton Glen to Cliveden House
When? 14 & 15 June 2026
Price? Tickets start from £4,500 per person.
