A historic family estate on the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire border is preparing to welcome an array of vintage vehicles this summer.
Stonor Park is the latest UK heritage venue to utilise their expansive grounds to diversify visitor offerings through specialised outdoor events.
Marking six decades of classic American cars, the All American Auto Club will bring its Rally of The Giants to the estate on Sunday 2nd August. The event will feature hundreds of vehicles, ranging in age from 1900 to contemporary models, arrayed on the lawns directly in front of Stonor House. Participants will compete for over 30 class awards designed for classic American vehicles. Access to the showground is strictly limited to American cars booked in advance through the Club.
Discussing the operational approach to the day, Louisa Fifield, general manager at Stonor Park, highlighted the broader appeal of the gathering. “The Rally of the Giants has an energetic festival vibe and a fantastic atmosphere, with live music, delicious street food vendors and auto-themed retail completing the line-up,” she stated.
Expanding on the visual appeal, she added, “This event is an experience for all the senses with fired-up engines and lots of dazzling bright colours and fun designs to enjoy. You don’t have to be a car enthusiast to be able to appreciate and enjoy this amazing spectacle.”
“Something for everyone”
To maximise the visitor experience and encourage longer dwell times, Stonor Park is utilising an all-inclusive ticketing strategy. Visitors attending the rally gain access to the wider estate, which includes the historic gardens and the Tumblestone Hollow woodland adventure playground. Afternoon entry to Stonor House, recognised as one of the oldest family homes still continuously inhabited today, is also included in the admission.
Base adult tickets begin at £13.50, while children aged five and over enter from £14.50. Tickets for younger children aged three and four start from £12.50, and children under three receive free entry. Discounted early bird tickets and family ticket combinations are available online until Monday 27th July.
Detailing the heritage venue‘s family demographic, Fifield added: “Stonor Park really does offer something for everyone and a variety of interests. Perhaps you like learning about history, art and treasures, or prefer to head outdoors to appreciate beautiful planting schemes. Maybe you have little ones who love to burn off some energy exploring our amazing playground full of towers, bridges, spiralling chutes, tunnels and even a water play area.” The estate explicitly welcomes well-behaved dogs on leads.
Stonor Park has operated as the Stonor family residence for over 850 years. The site spans 250 acres of sweeping parkland and historic gardens, resting upon the site of an ancient Neolithic stone circle. Today, the venue maintains a varied events calendar that includes medieval jousts, endurance runs, craft fairs, and car rallies. The estate also features historical woodland trails, a restored WWII air raid shelter, and connections to the Chiltern Way and Shakespeare’s Way walking routes.
Accessibility across the estate varies. Tumblestone Hollow is situated on a hillside with wood chip paths, and the medieval house features different levels, though seating is provided at intervals for visitors. Book Rally of the Giants by clicking here.
Photos: Nicolas Hudson
