At Great British Car Journey, the museum will be open as usual on April 26th and is once again embracing Drive It Day as a key event for 2026. It promises to be a fantastic opportunity to blow away the winter blues, enjoy a vibrant gathering of classic car enthusiasts, and support a worthwhile cause, with proceeds from Drive It Day plaques going to Childline.
For those planning to attend, a £15 pre-paid ticket offers exceptional value. Not only does it grant full access to the museum, but visitors will also receive three £5 vouchers on arrival, which can be redeemed against purchases in the café, on merchandise, or even driving experiences. It’s a great way to make the most of your visit while enjoying everything the venue has to offer.
The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs created “Drive It Day” back in 2005 to commemorate the famous Thousand Mile Trial, organised by the Royal Automobile Club in 1900. That pioneering event saw 65 vehicles travel from London to Edinburgh and back, proving the viability of the motor car as a practical means of transport.
The trial began on April 23rd, and to honour it, Drive It Day is always held on the nearest Sunday to that date.
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Alternatively, on-the-day entry in an eligible vehicle is also £15 per person, though this option does not include the redeemable vouchers, making pre-booking the better choice for those looking to maximise value.
As part of these linked events, the offer extends beyond just Drive It Day—any make of car over 20 years old can take advantage of these benefits across event days. Even better, for eligible vehicles, children under 15 go FREE, making it an ideal family day out for classic car lovers.
(Please note: vouchers are valid for the event day only and no change will be given.)
Adding to the atmosphere, the team is also organising a special club run-out, giving car clubs the chance to arrive together and be part of the occasion. If you’re a member of a car club and would like to get involved, simply email clubsec@greatbritishcarjourney.com to join the run and be part of the convoy.