A long-running celebration of Volkswagen classics will return to Stonor Park near Henley-on-Thames this May, bringing Beetles, Campervans, food stalls and live music to the Oxfordshire estate.
At a glance
| Event | VW Car Rally 2026 |
| Where | Stonor Park, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 6HF |
| When | Sunday 31 May 2026 |
| Opening times | 10am to 4pm, with pre-booked ticket holders able to arrive from 9am |
| Tickets | Adults £12 in advance online or £14 on the day. Under-16s go free. |
| Booking | Book through Stonor Park |
One of Stonor Park’s longest-running summer events is returning on Sunday 31 May, when the estate will host its VW Car Rally in the grounds of the historic house.
The event, which has been part of Stonor’s programme for more than 30 years, will bring together Volkswagens of different ages and styles, from Beetles and Campervans to rare classics and newer display vehicles.
Held on the final Sunday before many Oxfordshire pupils return to school after the late spring half-term break, the rally is being billed as a relaxed family day out rather than a show only for car enthusiasts.
Louisa Fifield, general manager at Stonor Park, said:
“Our VW Rally is a highlight of our summer calendar and an amazing way to mark the end of the May half term.
“You don’t need to be a huge car enthusiast to enjoy all that the event has to offer; it’s a great value-for-money day out for the whole family full of vibrant colours, both classic and quirky motors accompanied by great food and drink, within the striking setting of Stonor Park.”
What visitors can expect at the Stonor VW Rally
The rally will have a festival-style atmosphere, with street food vendors, live music and space for families to walk, picnic and look around the cars on display.
The Association of British VW Clubs, which helps run the show, says the 2026 event will be the 42nd Stonor VW show. Its show information lists concours and show-and-shine classes, club displays, trade stands and autojumble areas, as well as special displays marking 50 years of the Golf GTI and 75 years of VW Westfalia campers.
All Volkswagens are welcome, regardless of age. Anyone who wants to show a vehicle, join a club display or take part in the concours should check the separate exhibitor information through the Association of British VW Clubs, rather than buying a general visitor ticket.
Louisa added:
“We can’t wait to welcome Volkswagens of all ages, including charming Beetles, iconic Campervans and rare classics.
“There’s also ample space for leisurely strolls, family picnics, and the chance to relax in the beautiful Stonor grounds. This fun and family-friendly day out filled with community spirit really has something for everyone.”
More to do at Stonor Park
The rally sits within the wider Stonor Park estate, which includes the historic Stonor House, gardens and the Tumblestone Hollow woodland adventure playground.
Stonor Park has been home to the Stonor family for more than 850 years and sits within parkland close to the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire border, north of Henley-on-Thames.
Families attending the rally can add entry to Tumblestone Hollow for children for £12.50, with accompanying adults admitted free to the playground on production of a VW wristband.
Visitors who want to see Stonor House and Gardens can also buy reduced-rate tickets on the day from the Visitor Centre for £5 by showing their VW wristband.
Tickets, camping and practical information
Advance adult tickets cost £12 online, rising to £14 on the day. Children under 16 can enter the rally free of charge.
Limited overnight camping is available on Saturday 30 May, from £20. Campers can arrive between noon and 9pm, with facilities including running water and portable toilets. Stonor advises that anyone booking camping will also need an event ticket.
Dogs are welcome at the VW rally, but must be kept on leads because Stonor Park is a deer park. Dogs are not allowed in Tumblestone Hollow, the gardens or Stonor House, although guide dogs are welcome.
ABVWC advises visitors that the show is held in a field in a rural setting, where mobile signal can be poor. It also suggests bringing cash for show traders rather than relying entirely on card payments.
How to get to Stonor Park from Oxford
Stonor Park is on the B480 Henley-on-Thames to Watlington road, around 10 minutes north of Henley and about 40 minutes from Oxford by car.
The nearest railway station is Henley-on-Thames, with taxis available from the station. Drivers approaching from the M40 are advised by Stonor to leave at Junction 6 rather than following sat nav instructions to Junctions 4 or 5.
Quick facts
| Adult advance ticket | £12 |
| Adult on-the-day ticket | £14 |
| Under-16s | Free entry to the rally |
| Tumblestone Hollow add-on | £12.50 for children attending the rally |
| House and Gardens add-on | £5 on the day with a VW wristband |
| Camping | Saturday 30 May, from £20, subject to availability |
FAQs
When is the VW Car Rally at Stonor Park?
The VW Car Rally takes place at Stonor Park on Sunday 31 May 2026. Gates open to the general public from 10am to 4pm, with pre-booked ticket holders able to arrive from 9am.
How much are tickets?
Adult tickets cost £12 in advance online or £14 on the day. Children under 16 can enter the rally free of charge.
Can children visit Tumblestone Hollow during the rally?
Yes. Children attending the rally can add Tumblestone Hollow adventure playground entry for £12.50. Accompanying adults can enter the playground free of charge when showing a VW wristband.
Can I bring a dog?
Dogs are welcome at the rally but must be kept on leads. They are not allowed in Tumblestone Hollow, the gardens or Stonor House, except for guide dogs.
Can I display my Volkswagen at the rally?
Yes, but vehicle owners should use the exhibitor and club display booking information from the Association of British VW Clubs rather than buying a standard visitor ticket.
Is the event accessible?
The rally is held in a field on a hill, so visitors with mobility needs may want to check arrangements before travelling. Stonor House is a historic building with uneven levels, while Tumblestone Hollow is set on a hillside with woodchip paths.
For more information and tickets, visit stonor.com/events/vw-car-rally-2026.
