The UK's Best Automotive Events to Visit in 2026

Car | Published on: 17 June 2026 | Updated on: 17 June 2026

The Best UK Automotive Events and Car Festivals to Experience in 2026

Britain's motoring scene remains one of the most diverse and passionate in the world. Whether your interests lie in Formula 1, historic racing, classic British cars, supercars, military vehicles or vintage machinery, there are countless opportunities to get involved throughout 2026.

Some events attract global audiences and international manufacturers. Others are community-driven celebrations of automotive heritage held in picturesque towns and countryside locations. Many combine motorsport with live entertainment, food, family attractions and opportunities to get up close to remarkable vehicles.

If you're planning your motoring calendar, these are some of the events worth considering.

Summer 2026

Silverstone British Grand Prix

Few sporting occasions generate an atmosphere quite like Formula 1 returning to its British home. Silverstone attracts fans from across the world for a weekend of world-class racing and entertainment.

Location: Silverstone, Northamptonshire

Dates: 3–5 July 2026

Website: https://www.silverstone.co.uk/events/formula-1-british-grand-prix

Goodwood Festival of Speed

An event that needs little introduction. From cutting-edge supercars to legendary racing machines, Goodwood's famous hill climb showcases almost every era of motoring excellence.

Location: Goodwood Estate, West Sussex

Dates: 9–12 July 2026

Website: https://www.goodwood.com/motorsport/festival-of-speed/

Pickering Motor Show

This popular Yorkshire event brings together a wide variety of classic, vintage and performance vehicles, creating a traditional car-show atmosphere in the heart of North Yorkshire.

Location: Pickering, North Yorkshire

Dates: 25 to 26 July 2026

Website: https://www.pickeringmotorshow.co.uk/

Riviera Classic Car Show

Set against the backdrop of Devon's stunning coastline, this event combines classic motoring with the charm of a traditional British seaside destination.

Location: Paignton, Devon

Date: 26 July 2026

Website: Website: https://www.englishriviera.co.uk/whats-on/riviera-classic-car-show-p1362483

Humber Bridge Steam Rally

A celebration of transport history featuring everything from steam-powered machinery and tractors to classic cars and commercial vehicles.

Location: Lincolnshire

Date: 26 to 26 July 2026

Website: https://www.humberbridgegardencentre.co.uk/events/steam-vintage-rally-2026/

Much Marcle Steam Rally

One of the country's best-loved rural heritage events, bringing together vintage transport, agricultural machinery and classic vehicles in a traditional countryside setting.

Location: Herefordshire

Dates: 18 to 19 July 2026

Website: https://www.muchmarclesteamrally.com/

Beaulieu Supercar Weekend

Held at the National Motor Museum, this event offers visitors the chance to see some of the world's most desirable performance cars alongside one of Britain's greatest motoring collections.

Location: Beaulieu, Hampshire

Dates: 1–2 August 2026

Website: https://www.beaulieu.co.uk/events/supercar-weekend/

Hebden Bridge Vintage Weekend

A wonderfully distinctive event that blends classic transport, military exhibits and local creativity into a uniquely Yorkshire celebration.

Location: Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

Dates: 1 to 2 August 2026

Website: https://www.hebdenbridge-vintageweekend.org.uk/

Festival of Classics & Sports Cars

Combining automotive heritage with the beautiful surroundings of Helmingham Hall, this Suffolk event attracts a wide range of classic and sports car enthusiasts.

Location: Suffolk

Date: 2 August 2026

Website: https://www.steamheritage.co.uk/steam-rallies-and-events/event/festival-of-classics-sports-cars

Patina Classic Car Show

Unlike many traditional concours events, Patina celebrates originality, showcasing unrestored vehicles whose character has been earned over decades of use.

Location: Kent

Date: 2 August 2026

Website: https://www.patinaclassiccarshow.com/

Orkney Classic Motor Show

A unique gathering of vintage vehicles from across Scotland's northern islands, offering a fascinating insight into motoring heritage in a truly distinctive setting.

Location: Kirkwall, Orkney

Dates: 1 to 2 August 2026

Website: https://www.orkney.com/events/orkney-classic-motor-show

The British Motor Show

Modern cars, live demonstrations, family attractions and motorsport entertainment combine to create one of the UK's most accessible automotive events.

Location: Farnborough

Dates: 21–23 August 2026

Website: https://www.thebritishmotorshow.live/

Autumn 2026

Salon Privé

Luxury, exclusivity and automotive excellence define this prestigious event held within the grounds of Blenheim Palace. Expect hypercars, concours classics and some of the world's most desirable vehicles.

Location: Oxfordshire

Dates: 2–6 September 2026

Website: https://www.salonpriveconcours.com/

Grand Henham Steam Rally

One of East Anglia's major heritage events, featuring steam engines, classic vehicles, fairground attractions and agricultural displays.

Location: Suffolk

Dates: 19 to 20 September 2026

Website: https://henhamsteam.com/

Goodwood Revival

A remarkable celebration of historic motorsport where period dress, vintage aircraft and priceless racing cars combine to recreate the golden age of motor racing.

Location: Goodwood Circuit, West Sussex

Dates: 18–20 September 2026

Website: https://www.goodwood.com/motorsport/goodwood-revival/

Winter 2026

Classic Motor Show

The NEC Birmingham hosts one of the largest indoor classic car events in the country, bringing together hundreds of clubs, exhibitors and thousands of historic vehicles.

Location: NEC Birmingham

Dates: 13 to 15 November 2026

Website: https://www.necclassicmotorshow.com/

London to Brighton Veteran Car Run

One of the world's oldest motoring events, featuring pre-1905 vehicles completing the famous route from the capital to the south coast.

Location: London to Brighton

Date: 1 November 2026

Website: https://www.veterancarrun.com/

Useful Resources for Event Updates

Many organisers confirm dates throughout the year, so enthusiasts may find the following directories useful for tracking the latest announcements.

Turning an Event into a Road Trip

Many motoring enthusiasts use these events as the centrepiece of a weekend away, combining great driving roads with a memorable day out.

Whether you're heading to the New Forest, Yorkshire, Suffolk, Devon or Scotland, the journey can often be just as enjoyable as the destination itself.

From Formula 1 and supercars to steam engines, military vehicles and beloved classics, Britain's motoring calendar continues to offer something for every enthusiast. Whatever your automotive interests, 2026 looks set to deliver another outstanding year of events.