Heritage meets horsepower at Longleat for the estate’s first Motor Show Weekender

The new two-day event – Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June – pays homage to the Wiltshire’s estate legacy of spectacle and innovation and is the first weekend of the Great British Summer Savings scheme with VAT reduced on entry tickets.

It has been over 50 years since the first Bath-based Lombard Rally, which has previously included stages that raced directly through Longleat Estate and Safari Park. This shared heritage between two icons will be celebrated, with two distinct demonstration runs: a specially created spectator stage set against the magnificent backdrop of Longleat House, and a thrilling Tarmac run inspired by the competitive rally stages Longleat once hosted.

“Longleat means something different to everyone who visits, and that’s what makes celebrating our history so special. So many people have memories connected to the Estate, whether that’s seeing the animals in the Safari Park as a child, watching rally cars race through the grounds all those years ago, or now bringing their own families and making new memories,” said Longleat's Head of Operations, Scott Ashman. “The Motor Show Weekender is a brilliant way for us to bring some of those stories back to life and celebrate the memories and passions that people still connect with today.”

The grounds will transform into a hub of motoring activity, bringing together everything from early pre-war icons to the latest performance and supercars. Guests can expect to get up close to over 100 cars and motorbikes displayed across the sweeping lawns, soaking up the sights and sounds of decades of motoring innovation and style. This area will feature exceptional vehicles such as the Jaguar XJ220, Ford GT40, Delorean DMC 12 and the Jaguar Series 3 e-Type.

The event also features an immersive art installation, aptly named ‘A Brush with Speed’. The collection of motoring-themed pieces from 15 artists and sculptors is included with a Longleat Day Ticket and can be enjoyed as part of the day.

Scott added: “The Motor Show Weekender is set to be an unmissable weekend where memories are made, reimagined, and brought vividly back to life across one of the UK’s national treasures.”

Along with the Safari Park, Walking Safari, Longleat House, Jungle Cruise, Longleat Railway, attractions and gardens, The Motor Show Weekender is included as an added extra as part of the Day Ticket.