Fun and thrills with the speed kings of Wiscombe

The throaty roar of race-tuned engines and squeal of tyres skidding on tarmac are not sounds you might normally expect to hear in the heart of tranquil East Devon woodland. But that is exactly what you get at Wiscombe Park, venue for one of the premier motorsport events in the south-west.

The annual summer-long Hillclimb gives drivers of two, three and four-wheeled vehicles the chance to compete against the clock to be quickest to the top of the 1000-yard course, set in a stunning steep-wooded valley on the Chichester family grounds near Southleigh.

The event, which takes place over a number of weekends from April to September, has been running for over 60 years. Thousands of spectators get the chance to see classic single-seater race cars, modern road cars and motorbikes, some with sidecars, all competing by class.

The original hillclimb course was built in 1958 and then extended in 1961. Shortly after opening it was selected to host rounds of the British Hillclimb Championship and has hosted the championship every year since 1962. The course record currently stands at 32.93 seconds, set by Wallace Menzies in July this year.

Plans are currently in train for the 2024 season. For details, dates and tickets, check out the event website at www.wiscombepark.co.uk

The Old Bakehouse is just a ten minute drive from Wiscombe Park and offers the perfect base for a visit to this fantastic event. You can now book ahead for spring and summer 2024, so check out our four en-suite bedrooms or hire our self catering holiday cottage.

We enjoyed the action at the final September race weekend. Here’s some pictures from a fantastic day out!