Event
Blenheim Palace – birthplace of Winston Churchill, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for five days each September, host to Britain's most elegant automotive gathering. The 2026 edition marks the 21st Salon Privé Concours, with a special celebration of Bristol Cars' 80th anniversary joining the established classes that have made this event the UK's only professionally judged multi-marque concours.
The format unfolds across distinct themed days. Wednesday and Thursday belong to the Concours by Aviva Private Clients, when international judges assess pre-war and post-war machinery, sports racers, Ferraris, and supercars arranged across the South Lawn. The Churchill Cup rewards exceptional design; the Duke of Marlborough Award and Best of Show follow on Thursday afternoon. Winners earn a place in the Peninsula Classics Best of the Best competition, linking Salon Privé to the global concours elite.
Friday transforms the palace grounds into Ladies' Day, where fashion meets motoring and the Boodles Best Hat Competition adds theatrical flair. Saturday opens to a wider audience as over 1,000 privately owned supercars and sports cars fill both North and South Lawns for Club Trophy judging – a family-friendly celebration of modern performance. Sunday closes the week with club paddocks and automotive appreciation.
Throughout, the Automotive Gallery provides covered display space for rare classics, grand tourers, and manufacturer debuts. The hospitality matches the setting: champagne bars, fine dining, luxury boutiques, and the kind of atmosphere where conversations with owners and designers unfold naturally between courses.
Blenheim Palace lies near Woodstock in Oxfordshire, roughly ninety minutes from London. Entry tickets and hospitality packages are available for each day separately.
