Ten days ago, one of my regular Inside Track readers sent me an interesting request for a customised small group of 8-10 who want to spend at least 2 days at this year’s Goodwood Revival, the world’s greatest celebration of motorsport and car culture. It takes place in mid-September and I’ve used it as the foundation for an itinerary that includes today’s features attractions of the Brooklands Museum near Guildford, the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu and the gleaming collections at the Haynes International Motor Museum in Yeovil.

Because these pantheons of motoring excellence are open pretty much year-round, this itinerary can be run at almost any time of the year for independent travellers with a knowledgeable driver guide or for small groups with a specific motoring interest.  Given their proximity to Southampton, some or all of them can brought together as a memorable pre or post cruise extension.

Give this niche a bit of thought because I’m absolutely certain that some of your clients share this interest and England has something that will knock their socks off!

Chitty Chity Bang Bang 50 Years New

To celebrate the golden half century of one of the world’s favourite films, Beaulieu, home of the National Motor Museum is hosting the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 50 years exhibition until November 2019. It includes an original screen Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the Humber 8hp driven by Truly Scrumptious and the original Child Catcher carriage on show in the UK for the first time.

The Haynes International Motor Museum

This impressive collection features more than 400 cars and motorbikes representing motoring from the 1800s to the present day. The American Collection packs all the muscle cars from the early 20th century onwards, while the Vroom Room features several supercars, including a Lamborghini Countach.  A you might expect, the Red Room is a hall of red racers, including cars driven by Michael Schumacher.

Speed Kings - Motorsport's Record Breakers

This year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed (4^th-7^th July) celebrates drivers, riders, cars, motorcycles and teams that have gone further than their contemporaries in the pursuit of glory. It is one of the world’s bucket-list of motoring events, as much for the motor racing ‘royalty’ who attend as for the thousands of enthusiasts meet and chat to their heroes at this quintessentially British celebration. 

Brooklands Relived

On Sunday 11^th August, the heyday and glamour of British Motorsport will be brought back to life at Brooklands, the birthplace of British motorsport & aviation.  Located near Guildford, it will provide visitors with the atmosphere of a typical Brooklands race day when cars, motorcycles and bicycles from 1907-1939 are put through their paces as they blast up Test Hill.

The Goodwood Revival

Between 13^th-15^th September, the annual Revival will recreate the allure of the golden era of the Goodwood Motor Circuit, between 1948 and 1966. This extraordinary event, a theatrical and sporting drama, assembles the most significant racing cars and motorcycles along with legendary drivers and riders from the past and stars of today as they celebrate the halcyon days of motor racing.

The Golden Age of Motoring

This tour begins with a visit to a unique collection of American and European classic cars from the 1950s to the 1980s and the next few days include private tours of the 3 motor museums listed above, with interesting alternatives for those wanting to do something else.  Time the tour to coincide with one of the annual motoring festivals.  Email me for details.