If you’re new to the world of motorsports, you may not have visited the Prescott Estate yet. Surrounded by the spectacular Cotswolds, stunning views of cars and countryside are all but guaranteed. Run by the Bugatti Owners’ Club, the Prescott Hill Climb plays host to a mixture of major motor racing championships, classic car hill climbs and bike festivals.
The course itself is 1128yds in length and is well known to be technically challenging. Rising over 220 feet, the track incorporates fast and slow corners, short straights and an impressive hairpin. Most modern racing cars complete the course in under 36 seconds but the current record is held by Matthew Ryder in a 4.0L Judd V8 powered Gould GR59 single seater with a time of 34.6 seconds, set only last year.
The present ‘Long Course’ was completed in 1960 but the Vintage Sports Car Club also runs the original ‘Short Course’ of 880yds at their annual meeting in August.
The Bugatti Owners’ Club (BOC) bought Prescott from the Ellenborough Estate in 1937 after a few years running hillclimbs on various courses around the south of England. Originally conceived by Vintage Sports Car Club member, Tom Rolt, the idea was passed on to the BOC, who acquired Prescott House and Estate. A permanent hillclimb course was soon established with the very first meeting on April 10th 1938 for BOC members only.
The link with the VSCC wasn’t forgotten and the club was given the rights to run one
independent annual event, which they have done so every year. In fact, they run the only event to still use the traditional 880yd ‘shortcourse’.
On May 15th, the first official Fastest Time of the Day (FTD) was set by Arthur Baron in a Bugatti Type 51 in 50.70. Fast forward to today, the current record set by a modern car is 34.6 on a longer 1128yd course.Since 1947, Prescott Hill Climb has played host to at least one round of the British Hill Climb Championships.
The first round of the season is always an exhilarating start to the racing calendar, with a ‘Test Day’ a few weeks before to build the excitement.
Take in all the action from strategic points along the course. From Ettore’s Bend to Pardon Hairpin to the restaurant terrace, there are plenty of strategic spots to enjoy an exhilarating day of racing. Prescott Hill Climb has no high fences, and spectators can get relatively close to the tarmac, making for some stunning views against the glorious British countryside.Many events include off-track entertainment too. Food and drink, exhibitions and entertainment zones are main features for many events. However, one area you can guarantee will be buzzingwith excitement is the paddock. A standard entrance ticket gives you access to the paddock, where preparations for hillruns will be underway. See, meet and talk to the drivers, check out the cars and bikes and revel in the motorsport atmosphere.
There are so many notable events at Prescott Hill Climb to name here, so we’ve highlighted a
few stalwart favourites still to come in 2025.
Nestled in the stunning countryside near Evesham, the Wood Norton is the perfect place to relax after an epic day of racing. Combining the grandeur of 19th Century French royal hunting lodge with all the comforts of home, the Wood Norton is your escape from the everyday.
Revel in those bright summer days with our Two-Night Summer Retreat special offer. The ideal deal for an epic weekend at Prescott Hill Climb.