For classic car and bike enthusiasts, having a good place to meet and gather is essential to the experience of classic ownership. Footman James took it upon themselves to find which location truly is the UK’s Classic Capital and over the last six weeks, fanatics put forward their opinion on which venues and places helped make their experience of classic vehicle ownership more enjoyable. It captured the imagination of many, with towns and villages, countryside B roads, coffee shops and pubs all put forward for the vote and has been whittled down to five finalists. Let’s take a look at them in more detail…

Bicester Heritage - Launton, Oxfordshire

Based in Oxfordshire, Bicester Heritage is home to 45 specialist automotive businesses on a 444-acre former WW2 RAF Bomber Training Station. Its regular Sunday Scramble and Scramblers Assembly events attract thousands of enthusiasts from across the country, featuring classic vehicles of all shapes and sizes. It is also now home to Wheeler Dealers, after filming moved back to the UK from California.

Coleshill Auto Breakfast Meet - Dordon, West Midlands

Coleshill Auto Breakfast Meet has grown from a small meet-up in a car park in Birmingham into a 4,000-strong gathering now hosted at Birch Coppice Sports & Social Club just off the A5 in Dordon, proving particularly popular with local classic car and bike fans from Birmingham and Staffordshire.

Goodwood Motor Circuit - Chichester, West Sussex

Home to the Festival of Speed, Revival and the Members’ Meeting, Goodwood Motor Circuit is a firm favourite with petrolheads and motorsport fans alike. It is one of the premier automotive venues in the UK and people travel worldwide to attend its prestigious events.

The Motorist - Sherburn in Elmet, North Yorkshire

Based in Sherburn in Elmet near Leeds, The Motorist has grown into one of the North’s most popular automotive venues since its launch a few years ago. Meet are held every week, all year round and it is now home to a restaurant, shop and service centre.

Re:Fuel - Cullompton, Devon

After opening in August last year, Re:Fuel has had a rapid rise. Open seven days a week, petrolheads and enthusiasts are invited to try its onsite cafe, racing simulator and paddock area. It has space for up to 150 cars or 300 bikes and caters to the South West of Britain.

Voting is now open and will close on Sunday 15th October. The winner will be announced on Tuesday 24th October. To vote for your favourite, visit: https://footmanjames.co.uk/classic-capital-2023/classic-capital

Words: Mike Booth
Pictures: Footman James