The best classic car shows and events in the UK for 2026

Well, what a year 2026 is shaping up to be for us classic car nuts. After a long, cold winter of tinkering in the garage, the calendar is absolutely bursting with events that'll have you reaching for your driving gloves and planning your road trips. From the roar of engines at Goodwood to the quiet satisfaction of finding a rare part at an autojumble, there's something for everyone. So, grab a brew, put your feet up, and let's have a look at my personal, and completely opinionated, guide to the must visit shows for 2026.

First up, we have the perfect cure for the winter blues. The Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show at the NEC in Birmingham (20-22 March) is the official start of the show season for me. It's a massive affair, a real paradise for anyone who loves getting their hands dirty. You'll see everything from rusty barn finds being worked on live, to pristine concours winners that look better than the day they left the factory. It's the sort of place that fills your head with dangerous ideas and makes you believe you really can tackle that full nut and bolt restoration on your own. You have been warned.

A Scramble and a Festival

If you prefer your car gatherings a little more relaxed, you absolutely have to get yourself to a Bicester Scramble. They run on various Sundays throughout the year at the old RAF base in Oxfordshire, and the vibe is just so cool. It's less of a formal show and more of a massive, friendly get together. You never know what you're going to see, from pre war beauties to 80s hot hatches, all parked up amongst the historic buildings. It's a brilliant day out. Then, for those who like their classics with a bit more noise, the Donington Historic Festival (1-3 May) is a must. Proper racing, accessible paddocks, and a genuinely friendly atmosphere make it a weekend to remember.

And let's not forget the treasure hunts. The Beaulieu Spring Autojumble (16-17 May) is a legendary event for a reason. It's a sprawling marketplace of everything and anything you could ever need for your classic. It's a fantastic day out, even if you're just browsing, but be prepared to come home with a box of bits you never knew you needed. It's all part of the fun, isn't it? This year also sees some exciting new additions to the calendar, which is always a good thing in my book. It keeps the scene fresh.

New kids on the block

I'm particularly excited about the brand new Longleat Motor Show Weekender (27-28 June). Set in the grounds of the famous stately home, it promises classic displays, rally demonstrations, and a celebration of the safari park's 60th anniversary. Cars and lions, what's not to love? Another newcomer is the London Historic Trophy at Brands Hatch (19-21 June), which is set to celebrate the circuit's centenary. It sounds like it could be a rather special weekend of historic racing at one of our most beloved tracks.

Of course, no classic car calendar would be complete without the big one. The Goodwood Festival of Speed (9-12 July) is simply on another level. It's a four day explosion of speed, noise, and automotive exotica. The theme for 2026 is 'The Rivals: Epic Racing Duels', so expect to see some legendary motorsport battles brought back to life on the famous hillclimb. Think Hunt versus Lauda, Ford versus Ferrari. It's an assault on the senses in the best possible way, and if you've never been, you owe it to yourself to go at least once.

For the love of the unexceptional

Now, I know the Festival of Speed is all about the unobtainable dream cars, but I have a soft spot for the other end of the spectrum. That's why I adore the Hagerty Festival of the Unexceptional (25 July) at Grimsthorpe Castle. It's a celebration of the everyday cars we grew up with, the Marinas, the Allegros, the cars our dads drove. It's a wonderfully British and slightly bonkers event that's full of nostalgia and charm. It might be a controversial choice for a 'best of' list, but for me, it's one of the highlights of the year.

Also shaking things up is the BRDC Classic (24-26 July), a brand new event at Silverstone that's taking the place of the old Silverstone Classic. Hopes are high for this one to deliver a weekend of top quality historic racing on the Grand Prix circuit. And for a completely different vibe, CarFest (28-30 August) is moving to Silverstone for the first time. It's a massive family friendly festival that raises a huge amount of money for children's charities, with a brilliant mix of cars, music, and food.

The autumn classics

As summer fades, the show season certainly doesn't slow down. For those who enjoy the finer things in life, Salon Privé at Blenheim Palace (2-6 September) and the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace (4-6 September) are the places to be. These are the top tier concours events, where you'll see some of the rarest and most valuable cars in the world. They are a world away from a muddy autojumble, but it's fascinating to see these incredible machines up close.

But for me, the perfect end to the summer is the Goodwood Revival (18-20 September). It's more than just a car show; it's a magical step back in time. Everyone dresses in period costume, and the racing is absolutely breathtaking. The whole weekend is a piece of theatre, a celebration of a bygone era of motorsport that is utterly captivating. It's my favourite weekend of the year, without a doubt. And if you still haven't found that elusive part for your winter project, the Beaulieu International Autojumble (12-13 September) is your last big chance.

One last hurrah

The season wraps up with two final, unmissable events. The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the NEC (13-15 November) is the grand finale. It's another huge indoor show, a last chance to see thousands of classics all in one place before they're tucked away for the winter. It's the perfect way to round off the year and get your final classic car fix.

And finally, a nod to the pioneers. The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run (1 November) is a truly special event. Seeing those ancient, pre 1905 vehicles bravely making their way from Hyde Park to the coast is a humbling and inspiring sight. It's a reminder of where it all began and a fittingly gentle end to a year of noise and speed. So there you have it, my thoughts on the year ahead. Whatever you do in 2026, get out there and enjoy the incredible classic car scene we are so lucky to have in this country. See you in a field somewhere!