If you’ve got a beloved motor gathering dust in the garage, or simply love admiring other people’s, the British Motor Museum in Gaydon has a packed spring calendar that might be worth clearing your diary for.
The Warwickshire museum, home to one of the world’s finest collections of British cars, is hosting six motoring shows between April and May 2026, covering everything from rusty classics to pristine BMWs, Land Rovers to Vauxhalls, and highly modified show cars to tiny slot cars.
Here’s what’s coming up.
Rustival (18 April) returns for its fourth year, and it’s earned a reputation as “the UK’s friendliest car show.” Hosted by YouTubers Ian and Carly from HubNut, Matt from Furious Driving, and Steph from idriveaclassic, the event welcomes car, commercial vehicle, bus, and bike enthusiasts to bring their beloved motors—whatever the condition—and join a display of hundreds of vehicles from every decade of motoring. It’s less about polish and more about passion.
Ultimate BMW Show (26 April) is the UK’s largest BMW meet, uniting fans of everything from revered classics to modern motors. Last year, over 1,000 BMWs attended, with private owners and more than 30 car clubs showcasing everyday heroes alongside some of the rarest and most sought-after models.
Gaydon Land Rover Show (2-3 May) is a two-day celebration of the best 4x4s by far, showcasing hundreds of Defenders, Series 1-3s, Discoverys, and Range Rovers spanning from 1948 to the present day. The arena at the centre of the show features live commentary from Dave Barker and his team, with owners, restorers, and club members sharing the stories behind their treasured vehicles. Trade stands will be selling Land Rover clothing and models for enthusiasts and admirers alike.
UK Slot Car Festival (9-10 May), sponsored by Scalextric, is one for a different kind of motoring enthusiast. The event showcases major slot car manufacturers including Scalextric, Slot.it, and Carrera, with a large retail area selling everything from one-off collector items to newly launched products. Organisers are expecting up to 5,000 visitors, with the chance to meet the designers and developers behind some of the best-selling Scalextric products.
Vaux ALL (17 May) celebrates all Vauxhall, Opel, and Bedford models and is the fastest-growing Vauxhall/Opel event in the UK. More than 35 clubs and over 800 exhibitor vehicles are expected, with professional commentator “Our Tim” Watson interviewing guests and sharing stories in the main arena. Trade stands will offer parts, car care products, and models.
TUCKED at the British Motor Museum (24 May) is a collaboration between TUCKED Automotive, Petrolheadonism.club, and the museum, showcasing some of the UK and Europe’s best car builds and highly modified show cars. At TUCKED, variety is king—all car enthusiasts are welcome to celebrate the UK scene.
“It’s great to kick off our 2026 events calendar with six fantastic classic and modern motoring shows for our visitors and enthusiasts to enjoy this spring,” said Tom Caren, Show Manager at the British Motor Museum. “These shows literally sit at the heart of our events season and really reflect the values of the British Motor Museum.”
Show entry includes access to the museum’s permanent collection, which features over 400 classic British vehicles from manufacturers including Jaguar, Land Rover, MG, Mini, and many more.
Spring Motoring Shows at the British Motor Museum
Where: British Motor Museum, Banbury Road, Gaydon, Warwickshire CV35 0BJ
Tickets: Adults £18 advance/£21 on the day, Concessions £16/£19, Children (5-16) £9/£10, Under 5s free. Prices vary for Ultimate BMW Meet and TUCKED. Option to Gift Aid and receive an Annual Pass at no extra cost.
More information: britishmotormuseum.co.uk/whats-on
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