Brits on Pole

Days out for petrolheads in the UK

Every year in Britain there are a host of motorsport events that go beyond just race meetings, as well as plenty of car-themed attractions to visit. They range from exhibitions and festivals to museums and displays.

Here’s our list of some that you might find it worthwhile checking out – along with contact details and a brief description. Some are permanent while others take place for two or three days annually. Find each one located on the following Google map or scroll down for an alphabetical listing with further details.

Autosport International

Held annually in January, this is basically a huge trade fair for the motorsport industry that throws open its doors to the public during its final weekend. Always good for a few F1 stars and other famous racing types, it features live racing events, special features – and enough cars to make you dizzy. It also features The Karting Show, which does pretty much what it says on the tin.

Check out its website here

British International Motor Show

This one has, sadly, fallen a victim to economic times and will not be held in 2010. The biennial show has a history dating back to 1903 when an event was held at The Crystal Palace in London and it was subsequently staged at Earls Court’s Olympia. Since 1978 it has alternated between Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre and a London venue, having moved out to Docklands in recent years. The next show should be in 2012 but it is unclear whether or not it will take place.

Check out its website here.

Brooklands Museum

Known as the birthplace of British motorsport and aviation, Brooklands was the world’s first purpose-built motor racing circuit. These days the circuit is no more but the museum features a wide range of motoring and aviation exhibits including giant racing cars, motorcycles and bicycles as well as Hawker and Vickers/BAC aircraft and a Concorde.

Check out its website here

Coventry Transport Museum

This museum is dedicated to collecting and exhibiting products from Coventry – especially from nearly 600 companies making cycles, motorcars, commercial vehicles and motorcycles. Visitors can view the world’s largest collection of British road transport items and find out about their histories as well as seeing vehicles made by world-famous names. If you are visiting to view a particular exhibit the museum advises phoning in advance to check it is on display.

Check out its website here

The Donington Grand Prix Exhibition

Based at the Donington Park motor racing circuit, this is the collection of grand prix cars lovingly built up by the late Tom Wheatcroft, the largest of its kind in the world. It includes the largest collection of McLaren racing cars in the world, the only complete collection of Vanwalls, a 1936 twin-engined 500 bhp Alfa Romeo Bimotore with a top speed of 200mph, Jim Clark’s World Championship winning Lotus 25, and Stirling Moss’s Lotus from the 1961 Monaco Grand Prix.

Check out its website here

Goodwood Festival of Speed

Held annually early in July, the three-day Festival of Speed is one of the country’s most individual and popular events. A wide range of racing cars of all eras attempt the hillclimb course and the paddocks are open, allowing unrivalled access to the vehicles. Attended every year by a host of famous names, it can be quite a commitment of time and money to attend, but is also an unmissable experience.

Check out its website here

Goodwood Revival Meeting

Held annually towards the end of September, the three-day Revival Meeting is a unique event. As well as a historic race meeting on the Goodwood Circuit it is also like entering a film set where racers, spectators and a cast of actors dress in period costume to recreate the golden age of British racing. Can be totally immersive – and great fun.

Check out its website here

Haynes International Motor Museum

A museum dedicated to restoring, retaining and preserving motoring and motorcycling items of historical and cultural interest in England. According to its website, nearly every car is driven at least once a year and its vehicles are maintained in full working order. There are more than 400 cars and bikes dating from 1886 to the present day on display, making it the largest international motor museum in Britain.

Check out its website here

Heritage Motor Centre

Operated by the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust, the centre features a collection of important vehicles celebrating Britain’s motoring heritage. The collection originated with the British Leyland Motor Corporation but grew to incorporate vehicles from several other manufacturers. In 1980, while under the auspices of the Rover Group, it took up residence in a purpose-built centre at the former RAF Gaydon airfield where it still resides today, having since passed through thee hands of both BMW and Ford. It is home to more than 250 vehicles and an archive of more than tw million photographs, business records, brochures and drawings.

Check out its website here

Mercedes Benz World at Brooklands

A place of pilgrimage for Mercedes-lovers, it includes the opportunity to test drive the latest models and put your driving skills to the test with a driving experience. Other attractions include the chance to encounter famous models like the Gullwing or Maybach, a cinema where you can learn about the history of the Mercedes-Benz brand and a simulator reproducing a production line. There’s also a restaurant with trackside views.

Check out its website here

National Motor Museum

Based at Beaulieu, a grand country house in the New Forest, it features a collection of more than 250 vehicles covering all eras of motoring, including a number of record holders. Other exhibitions include the recreation of a 1930s garage and a dark ride entitled Wheels. It is also home to the National Motor Museum Trust, an organisation that aims to preserve and promote motoring history.

Check out its website here

The Science Museum

This national museum’s transport collection explores how we came to travel faster, further and higher than any other humans in history. As well as exhibits on space and marine travel you can visit the Making The Modern World gallery which traces exceptional objects which marked new departures in technology and science. They include Stevenson’s Rocket and the Raleigh Chopper as well as the Apollo 10 space capsule. Who could resist?

Check out its website here

Silverstone Classic

A weekend event held annually in July, the Silverstone Classic combines a historic racing meeting at the eponymous venue with air displays, a funfair, an outdoor rock concert and much more. It is extremely popular and attracts tens of thousands of people.

Check out its website here

Whitewebbs Museum of Transport

Based just off the M25 in Enfield, north of London, this museum is housed in a converted pumping station owned and operated by the Enfield and District Veteran Vehicle Trust, which also stages the annual Enfield Pageant of Motoring. Exhibits include all kinds of vintage vehicles including cars, motorbikes, pedal cycles, steam-powered vehicles and even a Green Goddess veteran fire appliance. Opening hours are limited – see the museum’s website for details.

Check out its website here

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