Tatton Park Car Show Review: A Day of Classics, Curiosities and Mixed Weather
Introduction to Tatton Park Car Show
The Tatton Park Car Show, officially known as the Tatton Park Classic & Performance Car Spectacular, is one of the UK’s most established classic motoring events organised by the classic car show. Held in the scenic grounds of Tatton Park in Cheshire, the event brings together more than 2,000 vehicles, dozens of car clubs, and a wide range of exhibitors, traders, and auto enthusiasts. It’s an annual pilgrimage for fans of the golden era of motoring, with everything from pristine Jaguars to quirky retro imports on display.
What You’ll See
This isn’t your average village car meet. The Tatton Park Car Show boasts a huge variety of classic and performance vehicles, ranging from British favourites like MGs and Minis to occasional modern head-turners like Ferraris and Porsches. While the show isn’t heavy on exotic supercars – you won’t find Zondas or McLaren F1s – you will spot the occasional Honda NSX, Lotus Esprit, or replica Ferrari that looks the part.
For fans of nostalgia, it’s a treat. A whole row of Audi Quattros brought back rally memories, and retro gems like the Lotus Elan and Esprit were there for those who remember the Turbo Challenge games on the Amiga. Club stands are particularly engaging, with owners always ready to share restoration tales and community banter.
Features Beyond the Cars
There’s more to the event than just gleaming bodywork. A massive autojumble offers rare parts, memorabilia and classic accessories. Trade stalls ranged from detailing products to an Octopus Energy promo tent and even a stand selling fish tanks, lending a charming, slightly chaotic cottage industry vibe.
For families, the Tatton Park Car Show delivered with its new Kid Zone powered by Scalextric, featuring a replica Goodwood track for hands-on racing. The Wheelstand simulator added a dash of modern motorsport thrill. Meanwhile, Sporting Bears offered ‘Dream Rides’ in supercars, raising money for children’s charities – a feel-good highlight.
I did email Sporting Bears beforehand to see what cars were going to be there, but they ignored me. So I messaged them on social media, and they responded, but didn’t answer the question. They basically lost someone who was going to pay to go in a car straight away. A simple “we don’t know until the day” would have been fine.
Food, Facilities, and Pricing
You won’t go hungry at Tatton. There are burgers, Cornish pasties, drinks, and even a gourmet scampi vendor (pricey but fragrant). Most seasoned visitors bring their own food, which we did, and found a dry spot to picnic. Toilets are a mix of porta-loos and slightly posher trailers – plenty of them and reasonably maintained.
However, the pricing is a sticking point. Parking can be pre-booked from the Tatton Park website at around £10, and entrance is another £15 – £25+ per adult before food or souvenirs. Compare that to Claremont Car Show, which offers free parking and donation-based entry, and it does raise eyebrows, especially as the event is entirely outdoors with no shelter.
Getting There
Don’t rely on satnav. Follow the well-marked signs to Tatton Park Car Show from the A50 – stewards guide you through a well-managed parking field. It’s easy to find if you follow signage, and traffic flows smoothly if you arrive early.
Final Verdict
Despite the high cost and unpredictable weather (we got drenched), the Tatton Park Car Show remains a solid entry in the classic motoring calendar. The atmosphere is friendly, the cars are diverse, and there’s enough to do even for non-petrolheads. If you’re into cars and want a big show without needing a tuxedo or track pass, it’s worth considering. Just pack sandwiches and a raincoat.
Tatton Park Car Show FAQ
Yes, the Tatton Park Car Show is family-friendly and offers plenty to keep kids entertained. While the main attraction is undoubtedly the array of classic and performance cars, the organisers have made sure to include family-oriented activities that make the event more than just a car show.
The headline addition for families is the Kid Zone, powered by Scalextric. It features a replica of the Goodwood racing circuit where children (and competitive adults!) can try their hand at slot car racing. There’s also a Wheelstand racing simulator that offers an immersive motorsport experience without the need for a racing licence.
The open-air layout gives kids room to explore, and the friendly, relaxed atmosphere means parents can enjoy the exhibits without constant worry. There are food stalls selling kid-friendly options like burgers and soft drinks, or you can bring your own picnic—which is a smart option if you want to keep costs down.
Toilets are available throughout the venue, and while they’re mostly porta-loos, they are plentiful and generally well maintained. The only real drawback is the weather: as it’s all outdoors, muddy fields and wet conditions can make life harder for families with pushchairs or toddlers.
Overall, the event is well-suited to family visits—just bring a raincoat, wet wipes, and maybe a toy car or two.
The Tatton Park Car Show is best known for its wide variety of classic and performance vehicles. Visitors can expect to see over 2,000 cars on display, ranging from pristine British classics like MGs, Triumphs, and Jaguars to more modern showstoppers like Ferraris and Porsches—although true supercars like Zondas or McLaren F1s are rarely seen.
Many vehicles are brought in by official car clubs who put together impressive stands, often themed and rich in detail. Others are privately owned entries from individuals who simply love to show off their pride and joy. Standouts at recent events have included replica Ferraris, a Honda NSX, and a fantastic line-up of Audi Quattros.
Aside from the vehicles themselves, the event also features a huge trade and autojumble area selling parts, detailing products, memorabilia, and even some unexpected items (one stall was selling fishtanks!). The new Kid Zone, powered by Scalextric, and charity Dream Rides by Sporting Bears also add diversity to the event.
While it may not offer the ultra-exotic cars found at Goodwood or Salon Privé, Tatton’s strength lies in its community vibe and sheer scale. It’s a proper day out for anyone with a soft spot for retro cars and motoring nostalgia.
Attending the Tatton Park Car Show involves two main charges: parking and entry. Parking is approximately £10 and can be purchased in advance through the Tatton Park website. It’s located in an open field, so come prepared if the weather’s wet. Entry to the car show itself is around £15 per adult, bringing the total to £25 or more per person before you’ve even bought a burger or souvenir.
Compared to similar events like the Claremont Car Show, which offers free parking and donation-based entry, the pricing at Tatton can feel steep, especially considering there are no indoor facilities or permanent buildings. Everything is based outdoors, which can be brilliant in the sun, but less enjoyable in the rain.
That said, the event does offer a lot for your money: over 2,000 classic and performance cars, trade stalls, a massive autojumble, live entertainment, charity Dream Rides, and a family-friendly Kid Zone. If you’re a dedicated car enthusiast or enjoy a full day out with plenty to see, it can justify the cost. For casual visitors or families, it may come down to how much you value the experience and whether the weather holds up.
Note: Costs are approximate and some discounts may be available ahead of time.
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