If you love a classic car, then you’re in for a treat. If you’re a petrol head, you can admire some beautifully restored classic vehicles. If, like me, you are getting on a bit, you can happily walk along the rows of up to 500 vehicles muttering “I used to have one of those” or “they don’t make them like that any more”.

Organised via the Bournemouth and Poole Preservation Club, Classic Cars on the Quay/South Coast Klassics events rotate across two locations during the year; at South Coast Karting near Bournemouth airport during the winter, moving in May to Christchurch Harbour for the summer months.

Classic Cars on the Quay

Roughly once a month during the summer season, hundreds of classic car owners (vehicles must be pre 2001 to qualify) bring their vehicles to Christchurch Quay for a series of classic car shows. Spectators can take a stroll along the quayside admiring the variety of vehicles. The show consists mainly of cars but with a few buses, bikes, lorries, even a fire engine. Cars range from the very old to more recent (20 years old).

Details

Events run on the Sundays listed below from 11 am until 5 pm and entry is free for spectators.

Getting There

Classic Cars on the Quay takes place on the Quomps; a park alongside Christchurch Harbour around 4 miles east of Bournemouth. By road, take the A35 to Christchurch. Buses No 1/1a/1b stop at Priory Corner. From here it is a 10 minute walk to the Quomps.

Parking

There are several car parks in Christchurch. The nearest one to the event is Christchurch Priory Car Park. Parking costs £2 for two hours. Further details can be found here. I usually park a little higher up the High Street at Bank Close Car Park. Here, parking costs £1 four 2 hours. Further details are available here.

South Coast Klassics

During the rest of the year, you can enjoy South Coast Klassics which takes place on Bank Holiday Mondays at South Coast Karting which is adjacent to Bournemouth Airport. There is no age restriction for vehicles at this event; to quote from the organisers’ website; ‘any cars or motorcycles old or expensive or could be considered interesting welcome with no age barrier but will be subject to scrutiny on the gate’.

The cars are parked along the edge of the karting track, so you can take a walk around the circuit admiring the old and interesting vehicles. In addition, there is a trackside diner selling drinks and snacks.

Details

Events run on the Bank Holiday Mondays listed below from 11 am to 4 pm and entry is free.

Getting There

South Coast Karting is in Parley, 7 miles north of Bournemouth. By car, take the A338/B3023. The 737 airport bus stops at Chapel Gate. From here, it is a 5 minute walk to the track.

Parking

There is a free car park alongside the track for those of us with less interesting vehicles.

2023 Dates

• 1st May – South Coast Klassics
• 8th May – South Coast Klassics
• 29th May – South Coast Klassics
• 14th May – Classic Cars On The Quay
• 11th June – Classic Cars On The Quay
• 28th August – South Coast Klassics
• 3rd September – Classic Cars On The Quay
• 24th September – Classic Cars On The Quay