Kop Hill Climb returns to Princes Risborough this September

Heritage, horsepower and plenty of family fun return to Princes Risborough with Kop Hill Climb in September.

If the words “motoring festival” conjure images of grown-ups polishing classic cars, Kop Hill Climb is about to change your mind.

Returning to Princes Risborough on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2026, this beloved community event combines motoring history with engineering, entertainment, food and plenty to keep younger visitors busy.

The hill has a remarkable story. Did you know that between 1910 and 1925, Kop Hill was one of Britain’s most famous hill-climb venues, attracting legendary drivers and pioneering machines?

Today’s event is no longer a competitive race, but more than a century of motoring history comes roaring back to life as cars and motorcycles take on the route.

For budding engineers, the Soapbox Challenge is a particular highlight. Youngsters aged eight to 16 can get involved in designing and building their own gravity-powered vehicles before taking to the all-grass track.

It’s a brilliant hands-on lesson in engineering, teamwork and problem-solving – with the added incentive of seeing your creation hurtle downhill!

There’s something for everyone: the festival also promises an impressive collection of historic and modern cars and bikes, plus live music, food, shopping, a funfair, face painting, a play area and other family fun.

Visitors can even get up close to some of the rare vehicles and, for a donation to the Kop Hill Charity, take a ride up the hill in one.

The event’s community credentials are just as impressive. Kop Hill is run to raise funds for local good causes, making a family day out a chance to support the wider community while enjoying the spectacle.

With free parking and the site just a 15-minute walk from Princes Risborough station, it’s an easy local adventure.

Whether you’re a petrolhead, history buff, aspiring engineer or simply looking for a brilliant September day out, Kop Hill Climb offers a fascinating journey through the past – with lots of noise, speed and fun along the way.

Visit kophillclimb.org.uk for tickets and information.

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