When you’re a car enthusiast in 2022, there’s no shortage of places you can visit to indulge in your automotive passion.
Cars are a huge interest for many of us, and their mechanics and aesthetics are worth exploring in many different ways.
You can visit museums, local car shows, racetracks, restaurants and lots of other themed locations.
Be prepared to meet new petrolheads, joke around with old friends or simply immerse yourself in automotive brilliance.
In today’s article, we’ll be exploring some of the best locations in the UK to visit if you’re a car enthusiast: tried and tested by the team at Casual Car Guide. Let’s get stuck in!
1. Caffeine and Machine
Caffeine and Machine (C&M) is the automotive Narnia for sociable car enthusiasts.
Situated in the idyllic countryside setting of Stratford-upon-Avon, it boasts a hotel, restaurant, shop and an outdoor seating area with street food vendors.
But let’s be real – we’re here for cars.
The entrance to C&M almost acts as a runway of sorts.
Upon entering, you’ll line up to parade your car through a sea of excitable enthusiasts. It’s really good fun!
If your motor is exotic or interesting enough, you can expect to be parked near the front of the building.
There is also plenty of parking towards the rear of the building, so you won’t have to worry about travelling from afar and not finding yourself a space.
On the whole, C&M is a must-have experience for any car enthusiast.
It’s a living and breathing concept that welcomes anyone and everyone.
There’s simply nothing better than chatting the night away with a cold beer and great pizza whilst ogling some truly awesome cars with like-minded petrolheads.
It gets our seal of approval.
2. Goodwood: Festival of Speed
This list would not be complete without us recommending the Goodwood Festival of Speed in Sussex.
The festival is held annually, and it’s an eclectic celebration of all things cars and speed.
It’s the world’s largest automotive garden party – and a party it most certainly is.
Spend some quality time with the petrolhead community as you witness vehicles of all shapes and sizes race the Hillclimb track.
Debate the future of motorsport alongside some of your favourite race drivers and automotive heroes.
As a car enthusiast, it’s something that you really must experience at least once in your life.
The Festival of Speed is set against the sprawling Goodwood Estate, which forms the perfect backdrop for a sunny day of sightseeing and vehicular excellence.
3. The British Motor Museum
Housing the world’s largest collection of British motor vehicles, the British Motor Museum (BMM) is a superb day out for car enthusiasts who love their old-school Minis, Jaguars, Rovers and more.
The BMM is located in Gaydon, Warwick (not too far away from Jaguar Land Rover’s landmark facility).
Take an informative journey through the history of car culture in the UK, from reliable public transport vehicles to veritable supercars.
There is a lot to see in just one day – so if you Gift Aid your ticket purchase, you get one year of free returns.
Also, we found the volunteer tour guides to be fantastic – they’re enthusiastic and very knowledgeable about the subject matter.
If you’re into your automotive history, this one’s for you.
The Museum hosts a huge range of events – from manufacturer-specific car meets (Jaguar, BMW) to interactive days out for the car-obsessed family.
Again, it’s a location that you simply must tick off the list.
4. Silverstone
This legendary racing circuit is one of the most famous in the world.
Located in Northamptonshire, England, Silverstone is a racetrack that’s been around since 1947.
It’s been home to some of the most notorious races in motorsport history, and it hosts the British Grand Prix every year.
Silverstone hosts all kinds of family-friendly events and shows throughout the year, including concerts and even running and cycling events on the track.
The atmosphere is nothing short of electric. If that’s not your thing, though, they also have an interactive museum with one of the most impressive and thought-provoking motorsport collections you’ll ever see.
If you’re looking to make a long weekend of it, there’s a hotel and plenty of food and drink options based around Silverstone. Put simply, it’s a car lover’s paradise.
5. Ace Cafe London
Based on the rich traditions of cars, motorcycles and rock ‘n’ roll, the Ace Cafe is a must-visit for any hardcore motor enthusiast.
It’s the ultimate place to express yourself through metal and machinery.
Its inception dates all the way back to 1938, when it quickly became a home away from home for petrolheads and car & bike lovers across the country.
Since then, Ace Cafe has opened locations in Beijing, Barcelona and beyond.
But Northwest London remains its spiritual home. The cafe hosts regular meets, shows and even the occasional music gig.
From Japanese to vintage British motors, you’re guaranteed to find it all here.
Of course, you won’t be going hungry: the Rockers cafe menu features all of the usual British favourites at very reasonable price points.
So whether you’re travelling down for a club meet or just want to see what’s on offer, make sure you visit the Ace Cafe for a hearty slice of automotive wonder.
Final thoughts
Now, this is by no means an exhaustive list of every place a car enthusiast should visit in the UK – but we hope that it gives you a good starting point.
It goes without saying, but make sure that you book tickets (if applicable) for events to ensure you don’t get turned away on the day.
There really are a huge variety of places to explore for car lovers in the UK.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a self-confessed car nerd or a casual car lover like we are, you’ll find something to compliment your passion at any of these destinations.
Have you visited any of the places we have featured here? Any tips or advice for other car lovers? Let us know!
