Jane's Midlife Journey

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!“

Classic Cars on the Quay

Roughly once a month during the summer season, hundreds of classic car owners (vehicles must be manufactured prior to 1st September 2001 to qualify) bring their vehicles to Christchurch Quay (aka The Quomps) for the Classic Cars on the Quay series. Spectators can take a stroll along the quayside admiring the wide variety of vehicles on display.

Organised via the Bournemouth and Poole Preservation Club, the show consists mainly of cars, but with a few buses, bikes, lorries, even the occasional fire engine in attendance.

2025 Dates

The dates for 2025 are as follows:

• Monday 21 April (Easter Monday)
• Monday 5 May (Bank Holiday)
• Sunday 8 June
• Sunday 22 June
• Saturday 12 July
• Sunday 28 September

• In addition, Classic Cars on the Quay will be taking part in the Bournemouth Bus Rally in Kings Park, Boscombe on Sunday 6 July.

Details

Events run on the days listed above from 10 am until 5 pm and entry is free for spectators. (Exhibitors must pay £2 and bring a drip tray).

How to get to Classic Cars on the Quay

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 A338 or A35 to Christchurch. Buses No 1a/1b/1c and X1 all stop in the Town Centre. From here, it is approximately a 10 minute walk to the Quomps. During summer (from 24th May onwards), the No 70 Breezer Bus is another option.

Parking

There are several car parks in Christchurch. The nearest ones to the event are Christchurch Quay Car Park or Mayors Mead Car Park. Parking at either costs £2.50 for two hours. If you’re prepared to walk a little further, Wick Lane is cheaper at £1.40 for two hours.

Classic Cars on Poole Quay

New Year’s Day sees the Classic Cars assemble at Poole Quay. This runs alongside the annual Bathtub Race, where crews race in home made crafts created from bath tubs. 

Details

The cars are on display from 10 am until 12.30 pm and entry is free. The bathtub racing starts at 10.30 am.

How to get to Classic Cars on Poole Quay

Poole Quay is 6 miles west of Bournemouth along the A338/A35.

By Bus

Buses no m1/m2 and 17 stop at Poole Bus Station, which is about a 15 minute walk away from the quay. Alternatively, you can catch the One service from the bus station to the quay.

Parking

The best place to park is the Quay Visitors Car Park. Parking costs £2.50 for two hours.

• Updated: May 2025

I hope you found this information useful. For more inspiration on things to do in and around Bournemouth, check out my other ideas for ‘101 Things to do in Bournemouth’ here.