Top UK car festivals

What and where are the UK’s top car festivals

From classic cars, to supercars, there’s truly something for everyone in the UK.

The UK’s motor show calendar is always packed with amazing events.

Admire and experience some of the world’s fastest cars at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, or some of the most iconic vintage vehicles at the London Classic Car Show. 

We’ve compiled some of the top UK car festivals into this one, handy blog.

Let’s dive in.

Car festivals

CarFest

One week, seven festivals, and enough automotive eye candy to keep you going… until the next show.

CarFest isn't just about drooling over gorgeous motors (though there's plenty of that) – it's about creating memories that'll stick with you longer than that mysterious stain on your car seat.

Nestled in the picturesque Laverstoke Park Farm in Hampshire, CarFest manages to combine petrolhead paradise with genuine do-gooding, raising millions for children's charities.

So, you can ogle that dream car while doing your bit for a good cause.

Win-win, right?

Goodwood Festival of Speed

If CarFest is the friendly neighbourhood barbecue of car events, Goodwood is the A-list celebrity party that somehow you've scored an invite to.

Held in the jaw-dropping grounds of Goodwood House, this isn't just a car show – it's motorsport's ultimate summer garden party.

Think champagne, strawberries, and the sweet, sweet sound of supercars hitting ridiculous speeds while you stand there speechless.

Silverstone Festival

Welcome to the home of British motorsport, where Formula 1 was born and bank holiday weekends get the upgrade they deserve.

If you've ever wondered what it would be like to witness decades of F1 history in one place, Silverstone Festival has you covered. This isn't just any motorsport event – it's a celebration of everything that makes our hearts race (literally and figuratively).

The World Champions Collection is the star of the show, featuring cars raced by all 34 title holders – including British legends like Lewis Hamilton, who's claimed a record-breaking nine victories at this very circuit.

But it's not all about the history lesson (though what a lesson it is). There's live music from some big names, plus enough family entertainment to keep everyone happy.

Kids under 15 get in free, which is handy because they'll be pestering you for go-kart lessons by the end of the weekend…

Heveningham Hall Concours d’Elegance

We know what you're thinking – "Concours d'Elegance" sounds fancy enough to require a monocle and top hat just to attend. But don't let the posh name put you off.

This Suffolk spectacular showcases around 50 remarkable cars displayed on garden terraces like they're rare pieces of art (which, let's be honest, they kind of are). 

And as if that's not enough, they've thrown in a dozen historic propeller aircraft too – because why not?

The highlight has to be Horsepower Hill, where you can watch all sorts of amazing cars thunder along the estate's parkland road.

It's like if Downton Abbey and Top Gear had a baby – surprisingly classy but with a healthy appetite for speed.

BHP Fuel Fest

Right on our doorstep here in sunny Devon (well, occasionally sunny), BHP Fuel Fest takes over Westpoint Arena with 110 acres of automotive heaven.

With Devon's only indoor VIP show & shine, this isn't just about looking at static cars – it's about watching them do what they were born to do.

Drifting, motorcycle stunts, freestyle motocross – it's all happening here, along with enough tyre smoke to be visible from space.

Bring the kids too – there's plenty of family entertainment. Though be warned, they might come home begging for a drift car instead of that hamster they wanted last week.

Classic car shows

London Classic Car Show

Forget London Fashion Week – the real catwalk action happens at Olympia during the London Classic Car Show, where dream cars strut their stuff on the indoor driving runway.

Since 2000, this show has been bringing together the most exclusive classic cars in the world.

Recent celebrations have included the 40th anniversary of the Audi Quattro and the 50th of the Range Rover – proving that, like a good wine or George Clooney, some things just get better with age.

For the discerning classic car enthusiast, this is basically Christmas.

Except this time, you're unwrapping millions of pounds’ worth of motoring history — no socks in sight.

Goodwood Revival

This isn't just any classic car show – it's three days of pure vintage magic where the clock stopped at 1966, and everyone's invited to join the party.

Think of it as the ultimate fancy dress event, except instead of Superman costumes, you've got vintage racing overalls and period-correct frocks.

The world's best historic motorsport event transforms Goodwood into a living, breathing museum where the cars aren't just for show – they're here to race. From thundering Cobras to screaming Ferraris, every vehicle has earned its place through decades of motorsport history.

What makes Revival special isn't just the cars (though watching a 1960s Le Mans legend battle it out on track is pretty spectacular). 

It's the commitment to authenticity that screams dedication.

The fashion, the music, the food – everything transports you back to when throwaway culture didn't exist and cars were built to last a lifetime.

Fair warning: you might find yourself seriously considering whether that vintage racing jacket is a 'need' rather than a 'want'. We won't judge.

Cofton’s American Car Show

Yeehaw! If you've ever fancied yourself cruising down Route 66 but can't quite stretch to the plane ticket, Cofton's American Car Show brings a slice of Americana to... Dawlish.

Just down the road from us here at Carparison (we might be slightly biased), this is the South West's largest classic American Car Show.

With over 200 show cars including Cadillacs, Chevrolets and muscle cars that make more noise than your neighbour's teenage band, it's a star-spangled spectacular.

Plus, there's live music, family fun, and enough American food to make your arteries cry for mercy.

Lyn Valley Classic

Picture this: supercars worth millions casually parked up in a peaceful Exmoor coastal village.

It's like finding a Ferrari parked next to a tractor outside your local pub – brilliantly unexpected and totally Instagram-worthy.

The twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth (connected by a historic cliff railway, no less) provide a backdrop so stunning that even the cars have to up their game.

Ferrari and Lamborghini models parade through streets usually reserved for cream tea enthusiasts and hikers.

What makes this event special is the absence of competition – there are no prizes, just passionate owners sharing their pride and joy.

From humble beginnings with just 12 cars in 2014, the Lyn Valley Classic has grown exponentially.

Where else can you see classic tractors sharing space with supercars? It's like the most unlikely friendship movie ever – and we're here for it.

Your ticket to automotive heaven

Now you're fully fuelled up with the knowledge about the UK's best car festivals and shows.

From the champagne and supercars of Goodwood to American muscle cars flexing in Devon, there's something for every flavour of car enthusiast.

The beauty of the UK car festival scene is its variety – one weekend you could be watching supercars tear up Horsepower Hill, and the next you might be admiring a lovingly restored classic that's older than your grandad's jokes.

So, which will you put in your calendar? 

Just one, or will you hit the road and make a summer of it? 

After all, nothing beats the smell of burning rubber in the morning (well, except maybe that new car smell – but that's another story).

And speaking of hitting the road – if you're thinking your current wheels aren't quite festival-worthy, we might be able to help with that. Just saying.