Top UK Car Shows & Motoring Events to Visit in 2026

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

The Best UK Car Shows, Motoring Festivals and Automotive Events for 2026

The UK has a long-standing love affair with motoring, and nowhere is that more evident than in the sheer variety of automotive events taking place throughout the year.

Whether you're fascinated by Formula 1, historic motorsport, supercars, classic vehicles, military machinery or vintage engineering, there is no shortage of opportunities to get closer to the vehicles you love.

Some events attract visitors from around the world and feature the biggest names in motorsport and automotive manufacturing. Others offer a more relaxed atmosphere, celebrating local motoring communities and automotive heritage in unique settings.

Many also provide entertainment beyond the vehicles themselves, with live demonstrations, family attractions, food stalls and opportunities to explore some of Britain's most scenic locations.

If you're planning your automotive adventures for 2026, these are some of the events worth considering.

Summer 2026

Silverstone British Grand Prix

As one of the highlights of the Formula 1 season, the British Grand Prix combines elite motorsport with an unforgettable festival atmosphere. For many fans, it remains the ultimate UK racing weekend.

Location: Silverstone, Northamptonshire

Dates: 3–5 July 2026

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

Goodwood Festival of Speed

Few automotive events can match the variety on display at Goodwood. Visitors can experience everything from historic racing legends to modern hypercars, all taking part in the iconic hill climb.

Location: Goodwood Estate, West Sussex

Dates: 9–12 July 2026

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

Pickering Motor Show

This well-established Yorkshire event attracts hundreds of vehicles, offering visitors the chance to enjoy everything from vintage classics to contemporary sports cars.

Location: Pickering, North Yorkshire

Dates: 25 to 26 July 2026

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

Riviera Classic Car Show

Classic motoring and coastal scenery make a perfect combination. Held in Paignton, this event brings together impressive vehicles against the backdrop of Devon's beautiful English Riviera.

Location: Paignton, Devon

Date: 26 July 2026

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

Humber Bridge Steam Rally

A diverse gathering celebrating transport heritage, featuring steam engines, tractors, classic cars and vintage 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

Combining traditional country-show charm with an impressive display of historic vehicles and machinery, this event remains a favourite among heritage enthusiasts.

Location: Herefordshire

Dates: 18 to 19 July 2026

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

Beaulieu Supercar Weekend

Hosted by the National Motor Museum, this popular event showcases some of the world's most desirable performance cars while giving visitors access to one of Britain's greatest automotive collections.

Location: Beaulieu, Hampshire

Dates: 1–2 August 2026

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

Hebden Bridge Vintage Weekend

A wonderfully individual event that combines vintage transport, military exhibits and local culture in one of Yorkshire's most distinctive towns.

Location: Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

Dates: 1 to 2 August 2026

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

Festival of Classics & Sports Cars

Held at Helmingham Hall, this event brings together classic and sporting vehicles within the grounds of one of Suffolk's most picturesque country estates.

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

Celebrating originality rather than perfection, Patina showcases unrestored classics that tell their own unique stories through decades of use and preservation.

Location: Kent

Date: 2 August 2026

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

Orkney Classic Motor Show

One of the UK's most unusual motoring events, bringing together vintage vehicles from across Scotland's northern islands in a truly memorable setting.

Location: Kirkwall, Orkney

Dates: 1 to 2 August 2026

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

The British Motor Show

A modern celebration of motoring featuring new cars, modified vehicles, live-action displays and plenty of entertainment for families and enthusiasts alike.

Location: Farnborough

Dates: 21–23 August 2026

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

Autumn 2026

Salon Privé

Luxury motoring takes centre stage at Blenheim Palace, where visitors can admire hypercars, concours-winning classics and some of the most prestigious automotive brands in the world.

Location: Oxfordshire

Dates: 2–6 September 2026

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

Grand Henham Steam Rally

A major East Anglian event featuring classic vehicles, steam engines, fairground attractions and agricultural machinery.

Location: Suffolk

Dates: 19 to 20 September 2026

Website: https://henhamsteam.com/

Goodwood Revival

More than simply a motorsport event, Goodwood Revival is an immersive celebration of racing history where spectators and competitors embrace the spirit of a bygone era.

Location: Goodwood Circuit, West Sussex

Dates: 18–20 September 2026

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

Winter 2026

Classic Motor Show

One of the largest indoor motoring events in Britain, featuring hundreds of clubs, exhibitors and thousands of vehicles under one roof at the NEC Birmingham.

Location: NEC Birmingham

Dates: 13 to 15 November 2026

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

London to Brighton Veteran Car Run

A true motoring institution, this historic event sees pioneering pre-1905 vehicles tackle the famous journey from London to Brighton.

Location: London to Brighton

Date: 1 November 2026

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

Helpful Resources for Motoring Enthusiasts

As many event organisers confirm dates and details throughout the year, these resources are useful for staying informed:

Make the Most of the Journey

Many of these events are located in regions renowned for enjoyable driving roads, making them ideal destinations for a motoring-themed weekend away.

Whether you're exploring the New Forest, heading into Yorkshire, touring the Suffolk countryside or driving along the Devon coast, the journey itself can be a major part of the experience.

From Formula 1 and supercars to classic motoring, steam power and military history, Britain's 2026 motoring calendar offers countless opportunities to celebrate the vehicles and events that continue to inspire enthusiasts across the country.