The best car and bike shows of 2020: motorsport and classics

Whether you’re feeling the need for speed or looking for a family friendly classic car show, 2020 is chock full of great motoring moments.

The London Classic Car Show

Thursday 20 – Sunday 23 February, ExCel London

In 2019 this celebration of the world’s greatest classic cars, the London Classic Car Show includes the Maserati 250F and the Porshe 962C racing cars. A major pull is the indoor ‘runway‘ where some of these beautiful vehicles are fired up and driven right before your eyes (and ears). 

Race Retro 2020

Friday 21 – Sunday 23 February, Stoneleigh Park, Coventry

This speedy show has plenty of iconic racing cars and might even give you the chance to rub shoulders with some motorsport legends. Race Retro are boasting their biggest rally stage yet in 2020, and there’s also a huge autojumble.

Harewood Hillclimb

Thursday 25 June, Harewood Ave, Harewood, Leeds

Not your standard car show but a beautifully chaotic race, the Harewood Hillclimb features a range of vintage cars that’s well worth the watch. You can also try out the course in your own car on a number of days throughout the spring and summer with a Harewood Driving Academy instructor.

Isle of Man TT

Saturday 30 May – Friday 12 June

This week of races for the Isle of Man TT will whizz by at breakneck speed, but motoring experts and casual spectators alike will appreciate the skill it requires. Not one record was broken in 2019 after the previous year’s lightning fast rides, so spectators will hope 2020 delivers some more thrills and records tumbling.  

MotoFest 2020

Saturday 6 – Sunday 7 June, town centre, Coventry

MotoFest 2020 is a free event with something for the whole family to enjoy. Coventry is the venue for a whole load of track action, and much of the ring road and city centre will be taken over by supercars, rally cars and classic motors. You'll also find displays, competitions, food, drink and live music. 

The Goodwood Festival of Speed

Thursday 9 – Sunday 12 July, Goodwood House, West Sussex

Only got time for one motoring event this year? Make it Goodwood Festival of Speed. There’s a huge range of cars to see and you might run into some famous drivers enjoying the show, too.

And if you’re feeling a little more nostalgic you could visit the nearby Goodwood Circuit later in the year (Friday 11 – Sunday 13 September) for the Goodwood Revival – vintage-themed and therefore aptly dubbed the ‘Festival of Tweed’.

Silverstone Classic

Friday 31 July – Sunday 2 August, Silverstone Circuit, Northants

Historic race cars take to the track at the home of the British Grand Prix in the exhilarating three-day Silverstone Classic, which celebrates its 30^th year in 2020. There are also plenty of vehicles on display, so you can get a little closer to your favourites, as well as aerial displays, a Saturday night concert and lots of shops and stalls.

If you’re interested in classic motors and fancy taking part in tours and displays then check out the Boundless Classic Vehicle Group.

Cranleigh Classic Car Show and Autojumble

Sunday 9 August, Cranleigh Showground, Cranleigh, Surrey

With 1000 classic vehicles and an autojumble, plus events in the arena, the Cranleigh Classic Car Show also includes music, children’s entertainment and a car raffle.

CarFest 2020

North: Friday 24 – Sunday 26 July, Bolesworth, Cheshire 

South: Friday 28 – Sunday 30 August, Laverstoke Park Farm, Laverstoke, Hampshire

Both in aid of BBC Children in Need, the family-friendly CarFest events are filled with track races, classic and modern cars, plus music from fantastic bands, great food and a parade.

Concours of Elegance

Friday 4 – Sunday 6 September, Hampton Court Palace, Surrey

The world’s rarest cars gather in this exquisite setting; over the weekend the Concours of Elegance will have over 300 gleaming examples of luxury and performance cars.

Trax Silverstone

Sunday 4 October, Silverstone Circuit, Northants

Performance cars and supercars will be on display as Trax comes to Silverstone, along with drifting demonstrations, sprint tests and experts on in-car audio.

London to Brighton Veteran Car Run

Sunday 1 November, starting at Hyde Park, London

At the historic London to Brighton Veteran Car Run you can see some of the earliest cars around (the event only accepts vehicles from before 1905) make their way from Hyde Park at sunrise all the way to Brighton.

NEC Classic Motor Show

Friday 13 – Sunday 15 November, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham

Classic cars and motorbikes will fill the NEC exhibition halls for the NEC Classic Motor Show with the Meguiar's Club Showcase, cars for sale, the Discovery Live stage with the Wheeler Dealers, and the car restoration theatre.

Beaulieu

Beaulieu, New Forest

From Aston Martin to VW, Beaulieu runs a number of events entirely dedicated to fan-favourite vehicles throughout the year. Top that off with a Supercar weekend in August and a huge international jumble – the biggest this side of the Atlantic – in September, and most motoring enthusiasts will find some reason to visit in 2020.