Fordham Vehicle Show

The Fordham Vehicle Show is a proper enthusiast's day out - rows of classic cars, vintage motorcycles, and restored trucks all lined up in a Suffolk field. You'll find everything from 1950s Austins to American hot rods, with the occasional lovingly maintained tractor thrown in for good measure. It's the sort of place where you genuinely overhear blokes comparing restoration stories for hours.

Peaks are usually summer weekends, and the atmosphere is refreshingly unpretentious - families wander between the vehicles, kids press their noses against windows, and the owners stand about happy to chat about their finds. You won't need more than two hours unless you're a serious collector yourself, though car-mad children could easily stretch it to three.

Being near Colchester means it's a natural fit if you're based at somewhere like The Huts at Woodthorpes, just five miles away. That site's a solid base for exploring East Anglia, and the Vehicle Show makes for a decent rainy-day alternative when the countryside walk plans fall through. It's free entry, which is refreshing - no nickel and diming at the gate. Check ahead for specific opening dates, as it's not a year-round fixture. If you're into motors at all, worth the detour. If cars leave you cold, skip it and head into Colchester town instead.