Whether you’re gift shopping for the car enthusiast in your life or making family summer plans, explore our list of the top UK motoring attractions here. From world famous museums and child-friendly festivals to driving a luxurious Ferrari, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Expand your knowledge and indulge your motoring fascination with these unforgettable experiences.
Land Rover Factory Tour
In Solihull, West Midlands, you can explore the world of Land Rover as you take their stunning factory tour. With a welcome drink on arrival, this expedition will take you along the production line, starting with the body shop and finishing at the final assembly point. A 3 hour packed tour, it costs £50 per adult and £30 for children aged 10-17. The highlight of your day is sure to be the Kingmakers Exhibition where both 1960s vehicles and engineering pioneers are brought to life and nostalgia takes the wheel.
Dover Transport Museum
This one-of-a-kind charity museum in Kent turns the old Dover streets into an immersive experience for all. Priced at £12 a ticket (£6 if you’re aged 5-16), not only are you paying to see the world’s largest collection of Norman motorcycles but also for the ability to re-enter within the same year. A dog friendly museum, this site is a hidden gem with vintage vehicles, model railways, and a whole room dedicated to maritime history.
Donington Historic Festival
This Derby event celebrates classic race cars from pre-World War I to modern day. Occurring in May of each year, this 3 day long festivity costs £55 on the gate, including parking. A variety of trade stalls offer mementos and specialised car equipment so that you can take the Donington Festival home with you. It’s also a great event for the kids with interactive stages, face painting and a circus. If combining retro aesthetic and fast-paced action sounds interesting, this is the attraction for you.
Museum of Land Speed
In 1924, Sir Malcolm Campbell set a world record for land speed of 146.16 miles per hour. This Welsh museum stands as a monument to this exceptional motoring achievement and tells the record-breaking history of Pendine Sands. It even currently possesses the tail of Campbell’s Bluebird car to truly enrapture any visitor. Explore sustainable car designs, interactive displays, and the history of the Ministry of Defence’s presence in World War I dunes. This classic car museum is also wheel-chair friendly with accessible entrances. At just £7.50 a ticket, combine seaside views and sporting legends at the Museum of Land Speed!
North Coast 500
One of the most legendary road trips in the whole of the UK is the iconic North Coast 500. If 516 miles of open Scottish road sounds like your idea of a getaway, look no further. Drive by stunning coastal views, rugged mountains, and sublime nature as you immerse yourself in true wilderness. Your journey will start and finish in Inverness, the most northern city in the UK. Free, aside from fuel top-ups and general spending, this experience is bound to unwind your mind.
Silverstone Circuit
The most famous motorsport arena in the country, Silverstone in Northamptonshire is the UK’s only F1 track. With ARDS-qualified instructors in the passenger seat, you can drive a supercar around the home of the British Grand Prix. Choose from a Ferrari, McLaren, Aston Martin or retro Caterham and drive with serious style. Although on the expensive side of our list (with a starting price of £199), it may just be the perfect car enthusiast gift experience.
National Motor Museum
This world famous collection of over 280 vehicles in Beaulieu, Hampshire, includes the earliest motor carriages to retro saloon cars. Take a seat in the ‘We Had One Of Those’ exhibitions as you rediscover some of the most popular cars from the 1960s to the early 2000s. The glamorous ‘On Screen’ sector holds iconic cars like the Weasley’s flying Ford Anglia and Mr Bean’s mini. This British museum is great for car enthusiasts and families as it caters to all audiences through different history, pop-culture and motorsport segments.
Goodwood Festival of Speed
A July celebration in West Sussex, 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of the Formula 1 World Championships, and the Festival of Speed will celebrate to the max. Watch race cars and road bikes take on the hill climb as they try to break record times. Also, keep an eye out for star guests speakers like Richard Petty and John McGuinness. With an awe-inspiring Red Arrows air display and free entrance for children aged 12 and under, every member of the family will have a weekend to remember.
Explore the historic world of cars and connect with fellow car devotees through our favourite UK attractions. With something to suit every price range and family member, you’re bound to have an unforgettable time. For all of your daily motoring needs, visit halfords.com today.
