An invitation to the Yorkshire Veteran Car Rally 2026

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Press release

We have received an invitation from the organiser of the Yorkshire Veteran Car Rally, which we are pleased to share with our readers. Having participated in the Event in recent years, we can confirm that it has been a great success and a highly enjoyable experience.

For those who would like to read more about our experiences, reports from the 2024 and 2025 editions can be found here and here.

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We are organising a full weekend of Veteran Car activity in the heart of North Yorkshire. The Rally is based at the newly refurbished Ripon Inn, HG4 2BU – formerly the Ripon Spa Hotel – with the addition this year of The Old Deanery Hotel in Ripon and the luxurious Grantley Hall.

The Event is open for entries now. Eligible vehicles are any self-propelled vehicle manufactured prior to 1905, or any steam or electric vehicle manufactured before 1919 – all as recognised by the Veteran Car Club of Great Britain. The routes have been selected so that any vehicle capable of completing the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run will be able to achieve them. The Event is fully supported by back-up recovery crews, well acquainted with Veteran Cars, and equipped with fully equipped repair trucks and trailers.

The YVCR Programme

Thursday 18th June 2026
Unload Veteran Cars at Hollin Hall, Ripon, HG4 3AB, then drive your Veteran Car to The Ripon Inn (approx. 2.5 miles) or your nominated hotel. Dinner is at your own choice and cost – there are plenty of restaurants around Ripon Market Square, a short walk from the Hotel, or dining may be taken at the Ripon Inn. Dinner on Thursday and Friday is included if you are staying at The Old Deanery or Grantley Hall.

Friday 19th June 2026
A scenic and largely level drive to the historic City of York – approximately 28 miles each way. Lunch provided. Friday evening is the Ripon Pub Crawl Quiz for those with the stamina, culminating at the Obelisk in the Market Square at 21:00 hours, when the Wakeman sets the Watch.

Saturday 20th June 2026
Breakfast at the Ripon Inn. Drive to Harrogate, parking in the centre of town (12.5 miles). Cars on Concours display from 11:30 to 14:30. A light lunch is included at The Yorkshire Hotel, taken in a private room overlooking the Concours display. Drive back to Ripon and at 18:00 hours drive your Veteran Car to dinner at the Carpenters Arms, Felixkirk (15 miles), passing through the Market Square at Thirsk – the original location of Skeldale House, where James Herriot originally practised (Darrowby in the books). Larger cars will dine at the Black Bull at Moulton – approximately 26 miles each way. Return to the Ripon Inn – this is just after the longest day, with lighting-up time at 21:50 in Yorkshire. (Full breakdown recovery services will be on hand if required.)

Sunday 21st June
Breakfast at the Ripon Inn, then drive to Tennant’s at Leyburn for the coffee stop – 20 miles – followed by a drive along the north bank of the River Ure in the heart of Wensleydale to Bainbridge (14 miles) for a traditional farmers’ lunch in the Village Hall, provided by the Bainbridge Women’s Institute. Return to the Ripon Inn via the south side of the River Ure, including a coffee stop in Masham Market Place – home of Theakston beer (35 miles). A catered dinner will follow a Museum visit at Hollin Hall, Ripon. Pimms and Champagne will be served with canapés in the Museum, followed by a traditional Yorkshire Roast Beef Dinner with wine, seated in the Bicycle Annexe. Coach transport to and from the Ripon Inn and Grantley Hall is provided.

Monday 22nd June
Return to Hollin Hall to load up and depart. The Rally will be supported by a full team of mechanics with vans, tools and trailers.

Costs and Terms – YVCR 2026
The Rally package for a car with driver and passenger is £950, including all meals and drinks as described above.
Additional passengers are £450.
If you need to cancel your entry nearer the event, a refund will be made if a substitute entrant can be found.

Entry form can be found here.

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