UK car events calendar: the biggest shows month by month

The UK has one of the busiest car event calendars in the world. Whether you love race cars, classics or the latest supercars, there's something worth travelling for in most months of the year. Here are the biggest events, month by month, with tips for spotters.

January to March: the indoor shows

The year starts indoors. Autosport International at the NEC in Birmingham, usually in January, is the UK's big motorsport show, with race cars, rally cars and the latest liveries under one roof. In March, the Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show, also at the NEC, is packed with classics, club stands and project cars.

The winter months are also a good time to visit a car museum. The British Motor Museum at Gaydon in Warwickshire, the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu in Hampshire, the Haynes Motor Museum in Somerset and Brooklands Museum in Surrey all have cars you'll rarely see on the road.

April and May: the season starts

The Goodwood Members' Meeting in April is the first of Goodwood's big events of the year, with historic racing on the Goodwood Motor Circuit in West Sussex. From spring onwards, circuits around the country, including Silverstone, Brands Hatch, Donington Park, Oulton Park, Thruxton and Snetterton, hold race meetings most weekends, and "cars and coffee" meets get busier as the weather improves.

June: London Concours

London Concours, usually held in June in the grounds of the Honourable Artillery Company in the City of London, puts rare classics and modern supercars on display in the middle of the city. It's smaller and calmer than the big summer festivals, which makes it good for photos.

July: Silverstone and Goodwood

July is the biggest month of the year for UK car fans. The British Grand Prix at Silverstone is usually held in early July. Then comes the Goodwood Festival of Speed (15–18 July in 2027), where hundreds of cars, from historic racers to brand-new hypercars, are driven up the hill in front of Goodwood House. Our Festival of Speed guide has tips for making the most of it. Later in the month, the BRDC Classic at Silverstone (23–25 July in 2027) is a weekend of historic racing.

August: the British Motor Show and Silverstone Festival

The British Motor Show at Farnborough in Hampshire, usually in August, is the place to see new models from a long list of car makers. Over the August bank holiday weekend, the Silverstone Festival mixes historic racing with car club displays and family entertainment.

September: concours season and the Revival

Early September is the time for elegant classics. Salon Privé at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire (1–5 September in 2027) and the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace both put some of the world's rarest cars on display in palace grounds. Later in the month, the Goodwood Revival is like stepping back in time, with historic racing on the Goodwood Motor Circuit and visitors encouraged to dress in period clothes.

October: the season winds down

October is quieter, but the racing isn't over: the British Touring Car Championship traditionally ends its season at Brands Hatch in Kent in October. It's also a good month for museums and local meets before the weather turns.

November: veteran cars and the Classic Motor Show

The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run leaves Hyde Park early on the first Sunday of November, with hundreds of cars built before 1905 heading 60 miles south to the coast. The day before, many of them are on show in Pall Mall at the free St James's Motoring Spectacle. Also in November, the Classic Motor Show at the NEC fills its halls with club stands, restorations and cars for sale.

December: plan next year

December is quiet for events, so it's the time to plan. Tickets for the most popular summer events, such as the Festival of Speed, are sold in advance and can sell out, so it pays to book early.

Tips for spotting at car events

• Arrive early. You'll get the best views and photos before the crowds build.
• Don't skip the car parks. Visitors' cars and club parking areas at big events are often as interesting as the show itself.
• Bring a power bank. You'll take far more photos than you expect.
• Respect the barriers. Paddocks and displays have rules for a reason, so do what marshals and staff ask.

For more ideas, read our car spotting guide for beginners or our guide to where to spot supercars in London.