Haddenham Classics' tours
Classic vehicles are not just for looking at, they are for driving! So we often arrange a run out into the countryside after our monthly meet, or sometimes as a standalone event.
It could be a short run in Buckinghamshire, or a tour in the south of England, stopping at points of interest along the way. Let us know if there is somewhere you'd like to take a drive out to.
We recently had the Spring Tour and a drive out to Sudeley Castle in the Cotswolds – write ups below . Our final tour of the year was our Photoquest event – see below.
Photoquest – A tour of Midsomer Murders locations, Aug 2025
by Lee Jones
Our Photoquest event, on 31 August, proved to be a perfect example of what Haddenham Classics does best: classic cars, countryside drives, a hint of mischief, and just the right amount of friendly competition.
The morning meet
The day began with a 9.30am meet and greet at Bradmoor Farm, where 21 cars and 47 attendees gathered, chatting over coffee before a 10am start. True to form, some preferred a slightly later getaway – after all, detective work is about analysis, not rushing.
The first challenge was a crossword, designed to reveal Midsomer Murders filming locations. Once solved, teams knew the places they’d be visiting during the day.
Before departure, Hannah Jones gave a clear and friendly briefing. She reminded everyone that this was not a race, that it was unlikely anyone would manage to complete every task, and most importantly, to have fun and ensure that everyone was back at Buckmoorend Farm by 5.30pm for the BBQ.
Waved off in style
With that, Phil Day raised his large Union Jack flag and waved each team off in fine style. Following their question sheets, teams embarked on a leisurely drive through the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire countryside, finding items they needed to photograph and answering a variety of questions.
Sleuths and successes
Cars arrived at the end point, Buckmoorend Farm, through the afternoon, with the first arrival a Model T Ford, looking sprightly despite its years. The question papers were marked and the results of the quest were as follows:
· Third place: Back in Time for Tea
· Second place: The Odd Couple
· First place: Team Puss Puss Puss
To mark their victory, Hannah Jones presented the winning team with a Haddenham Classics teddy bear and a bottle of prosecco, a suitably celebratory pairing.
A feast to finish
As the sun went down, the day was rounded off with the very first Haddenham Classics BBQ. Thanks go to Steph Hares, the venue owner, for stepping in at short notice with her fully equipped food van, and to Dave Robinson who helped Steph serve a superb spread using locally sourced and home-grown produce.
Behind the scenes
Of course, this event could not have happened without the efforts of the wider Haddenham Classics crew. From identifying locations and photographing objects, to setting up and taking down gazebos, handling transportation, printing and marketing, their hard work ensured everything ran seamlessly.
For added peace of mind, John Harper, the club’s first aider, was on hand to deal with any health issues. Thankfully, his services were not needed, and he was able to enjoy the evening under the summer sun.
Thanks all round
Special thanks go to Phil Day for coming up with the original idea of a Midsomer themed event. Most of all, thank you to our participants. We hope you enjoyed the day and will consider joining Haddenham Classics as a paid member, your contributions help us build the club and run more events like this.
As the sun set over Chequers, it was clear – the Photoquest had been a resounding success, with sunshine, sleuthing, and sausages, combining to make a day to remember. The Haddenham Classics crew look forward to planning next year's quest.
Haddenham Classics' run out to Sudeley Castle, June 2025
by Lee Jones
On a bright and beautiful Sunday morning, Haddenham Classics set off on a drive out into the Cotswolds – to Sudeley Castle.
Our starting point was the Seven Stars pub, in the nearby village of Dinton, where ten classic cars gathered for a relaxed morning mini-meet. The line-up was as eclectic as it was impressive – from the ever-charming Fiat 500, to the iconic Ferrari Dino. As engines cooled and conversations warmed, members enjoyed coffee and bacon sarnies, generously laid on by the pub.
After a good catch-up, and plenty of admiration for each other’s motors, some of the cars headed off for a drive, with Will Hughes leading the pack in his E-Type Jaguar.
Our route took in winding country lanes and rolling hills, even passing by the now-famous Farmer’s Dog pub of Jeremy Clarkson. But as is sometimes the way with classic motoring, not all went smoothly. Burford traffic became a real test, and unfortunately, Will’s V12 E-Type didn’t take kindly to crawling in the heat. After a brief bout of overheating, a loss of brake pressure meant the car had to retire early, missing out on the final leg to the castle.
Despite this setback (and my own Rolls Royce nursing a less-than-happy gearbox), the rest of the group pressed on. We made it to Sudeley Castle without further incident, where we parked up and enjoyed a well-earned snack and a stroll through the castle grounds.
Sudeley Castle is rich in Tudor history, and is the resting place of Queen Katherine Parr, the last wife of Henry VIII, and the only one to be buried on castle grounds. The estate has seen its fair share of royal visitors over the centuries, including Richard III and Queen Elizabeth I, and the award-winning gardens offered a peaceful end to the outing.
If you’ve got an idea for a route or destination, and can help plan or lead our next run out, we’d love to hear from you. Here’s to more miles, more memories, and a few less mechanical surprises along the way!
HMVC and HC Spring Tour, May 2025
by Lee Jones
On Sunday 25 May, the rolling hills of Buckinghamshire and the Cotswolds provided a glorious backdrop for the Spring Tour 2025 – a 130-mile navigational rally co-hosted by Haddenham Classics and the Hellfire Motor Vehicle Club. This unique partnership brought together classic car enthusiasts from across the region for a day of
by Lee Jones
On Sunday 25 May, the rolling hills of Buckinghamshire and the Cotswolds provided a glorious backdrop for the Spring Tour 2025 – a 130-mile navigational rally co-hosted by Haddenham Classics and the Hellfire Motor Vehicle Club. This unique partnership brought together classic car enthusiasts from across the region for a day of scenic motoring.
A joint effort with a shared vision
Haddenham Classics and Hellfire Motor Vehicle Club have a longstanding friendship based on more than just their admiration for vintage vehicles. Through their joint venture, Men With Machines CIC, the clubs strive to promote mental well-being by encouraging social interaction, inclusivity, and shared interests. This Spring Tour event perfectly reflected those aims – combining mechanical passion with community spirit.
An exciting start
The event officially began at 9am with a tour briefing and then all the participants gathering at the start location, engines purring and anticipation in the air. The start had a ceremonial feel: one by one, the classic cars were waved off at 30 second intervals using a Union Jack flag, adding a sense of theatre and tra
An exciting start
The event officially began at 9am with a tour briefing and then all the participants gathering at the start location, engines purring and anticipation in the air. The start had a ceremonial feel: one by one, the classic cars were waved off at 30 second intervals using a Union Jack flag, adding a sense of theatre and tradition to the occasion. It was a proud moment for many drivers, some of whom had spent days preparing their cherished vehicles for the tour.
The weather was generally favourable throughout the day, bright and dry, if a little breezy, which added a bit of drama to open-top motoring!
A route steeped in beauty and history
The navigational rally format, using tulip diagrams (simple directional symbols), led drivers through a stunning and diverse set of locations. Unlike a timed race, the Spring Tour focuses on enjoyment, observation, and discovery, inviting participants to immerse themselves in the scenery, history, and charm of each location.
Lunch stop: The Classic Motor Hub, Bibury
Midway through the journey, the participants paused at the extraordinary Classic Motor Hub in Bibury – a location that is as much a museum as it is a dealership. Set on the site of the former RAF Bibury, the Hub blends motoring history with aviation heritage. The venue houses a rotating selection
Lunch stop: The Classic Motor Hub, Bibury
Midway through the journey, the participants paused at the extraordinary Classic Motor Hub in Bibury – a location that is as much a museum as it is a dealership. Set on the site of the former RAF Bibury, the Hub blends motoring history with aviation heritage. The venue houses a rotating selection of rare and beautifully restored cars, (some of which can be seen below), including vintage Bentleys, Aston Martins, Ferraris, and a variety of post-war sports cars.
Visitors explored the hangar-like showroom buildings, perused automobilia in the shop, and enjoyed refreshments in the café, designed to mimic an old RAF mess room. The lunchtime break provided not only sustenance, but also a chance for relaxed conversation and admiration of machinery.
A Journey through time
Throughout the day, the route passed through a selection of villages and towns, some of which are noted below.
Haddenham – an ancient settlement noted in the Domesday Book, with duck ponds, traditional cottages, and a deep sense of local pride.
Chinnor – with medieval origins and once the site of a Civil War skirmish in 1643. Now known for its heritage railway.
Brize Norton – now home to RAF Brize Norton, the UK’s largest Royal Air Force base, Brize Norton’s development has long been intertwined with military history.
Burford – the gateway to the Cotswolds, Burford is a stunn
Chinnor – with medieval origins and once the site of a Civil War skirmish in 1643. Now known for its heritage railway.
Brize Norton – now home to RAF Brize Norton, the UK’s largest Royal Air Force base, Brize Norton’s development has long been intertwined with military history.
Burford – the gateway to the Cotswolds, Burford is a stunning village known for its sloping high street, medieval bridge, and long history in the wool trade.
Bibury – another stunning Cotswold village famous for its trout farm.
Bicester – once a Saxon settlement, Bicester is now globally recognised for Bicester Village and Bicester Heritage – the latter being a classic motoring and engineering centre housed in a former RAF base.
The Bartons – Oxfordshire villages with a strong connection to agriculture, with medieval churches, traditional farms and limestone cottages.
Charlbury – A historic market town in the Evenlode Valley, Charlbury is known for its arts, crafts, and scenic location near Wychwood Forest.
Classic cars and community
While the cars were undoubtedly the stars on this tour – ranging from 1920s tourers to 1980s icons – the real triumph of the day was the human connection. Haddenham Classics and Hellfire Motor Vehicle Club are about more than metal and petrol, they provide a platform for friendship and shared interests.
Whether it was helping a stranded driver, swapping restoration tips over coffee, or simply laughing about navigational mishaps, the sense of community was ever present. For many, this tour wasn’t just a drive – it was a meaningful escape from routine, a celebration of shared passions, and a boost to mental well-being.