London to Brighton Veteran Car Run from Hyde Park

Name: London to Brighton Veteran Car Run
Start: 2024-11-03
End: 2024-11-03
Location: Hyde Park

Where? Hyde Park When? 3rd November 2024 Cars can be seen in Hyde Park from 6 AM and will leave between 7 AM to 8.30 AM (approx) Price? Free to watch · See veterancarrun.com Parking: Nearby car parks Buses: 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 19, 22, 30, 36, 38, 52, 73, 74, 82, 137, 148, 274, 390, 414, 436 Bus fares Trains: The closest station is Marble Arch Central Train fares

The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run commemorates the Emancipation Run of 1896, which was held to celebrate the speed limit rising from 4 to 14 mph -- abolishing the need for every car to have a man with a flag.

Strictly speaking it's not a race (100-year-old cars don't race!) but seeing as the majority of drivers are men you can bet your life that there will be plenty who try and arrive first.

Driving down the Mall past Buckingham Palace

Four hundred pre-1905 vehicles

There's always a wide variety of cars on show, from steam and petrol-powered machines to early electric models. You'll even see a few early motorbikes and bicycles - including the famous old Penny Farthings.

Route through London from Hyde Park

Around 400 vehicles are expected to take part in the 60-mile drive from London to Brighton, but you'll have to get up early if you want to see them assemble in Hyde Park.

They'll start arriving from 6 AM and the first tranche will set off at sunrise (usually around 7 AM). The final runners will leave around 8.30 AM.

Unfortunately they don't allow the public into the actual paddocks where the cars are kept, but you'll be able to watch them exit from the Serpentine Road on Hyde Park Corner and drive past Wellington Arch before continuing down Constitution Hill. They will then pass Buckingham Palace and head up the Mall before crossing over Westminster Bridge by Big Ben.

Arrival time on the Brighton seafront

After passing through Surrey and Sussex the first cars arrive on Brighton's Madeira Drive around 10 AM, and will continue arriving right up to 4.30 PM (which will be in darkness by that time).