Kop Hill Climb 2026 - Princes Risborough

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We will once again be attending Kop Hill as a Club on Saturday 12th September. For those who are unaware, the annual Kop Hill Climb is a revival of a pre-World War I event for cars and motorcycles which attracted many famous drivers and riders including Malcolm Campbell, Raymond Mays, Henry Seagrave and Archibald Frazer-Nash. The event was eventually “cancelled” by the RAC in 1925 after an unfortunate accident between a motorcycle and an over-enthusiastic spectator.

The event was revived in 2009 and is now run along non-competitive lines, to showcase cars and bikes dating back to the competitive era but also includes more modern cars of interest. The event is run by the Kop Hill Climb Charity with unpaid volunteers managing the event to raise money for local charities and so far, has raised well over £1,300,000!

The main focus of the event is the hill climb itself, and there are three invited categories for cars. Veteran and Vintage from 1900 to the 1930’s, post-War era vehicles up to 1980 and “modern” cars that are either crowd pleasing, rare or significant. Since the hill climb was originally started by motorcyclists, this event is also very popular with lovers of two- and three-wheel machines both young and old, who take to The Hill on an incredible variety of machines, chain, belt and shaft driven with considerable enthusiasm.

Anyone buying a Paddock Display Ticket can also apply to “Run the Hill” for an additional fee.

There are many traders at the Festival offering vintage clothing, antiques, motoring art and memorabilia of all sorts, as well as local car dealers showing off their latest offerings. There is a funfair with Ferris Wheel, Chair-O-Planes and dodgems, live music throughout the day and more fabulous mobile food offerings than you can shake a stick at. Did I mention the fully functional bar offering local ales?

To display your car on the Club Stand on Saturday will cost you £35-, this may sound like a lot but remember it’s all for charity and the ticket price includes the Car, Driver and 1 passenger. You will need to buy an additional ticket for further passengers, either in advance or on the door. The organisers request that cars on the Club Stand should be of “Historic or of Special Interest”. But do not let this description put you off! Parking in the Paddock Display puts you in the centre of all the Festival’s activities – it really is THE place to be!

Bookings are through the event’s own website, please follow the link below. If you haven’t attended before you will need to create an account including your car’s details. Click on “The Dashboard” to book your ticket. When you have booked, click on “My Bookings” and request to be assigned to the Mercedes-Benz Club Stand. If you have any difficulties with any of this, the organisers very efficient email helpline will put you straight: entrants-support@kophillclimb.org.uk

Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a short leash. There are lots of activities of interest to children of all ages. There is usually a fly past by vintage aircraft during the weekend, but this cannot be guaranteed. Cars should be on the Club Stand by 9.00am and be prepared to stay until 4pm. If you don’t wish to display your pride and joy on the Club Stand you can also support this event by parking in the free public car park and attending as a Spectator (prices from £18-).

Please support this fantastic motoring event in the glorious Chiltern Hills. I guarantee you’ll have a great day out!