Nestled in the undulating, green and pleasant Worcestershire countryside is the historic Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb.
It’s been home to motorsport since 1905, making it older even than the likes of Le Mans, Monza or Indianapolis. First used by the Midland Automobile Club on the 12th of August that year it’s been hosting events on its tight-and-twisty 1,000-yard course ever since, and on 17 May 2025 you could be joining a long list of alumni who have defied gravity on its slopes.
That’s the day that Hagerty takes over, giving our customers, Drivers Club Members, and anyone else who fancies a run, the chance to take their own car up the famous hill in a friendly-family festival of speed.
“The Hagerty Hill Climb at Shelsley Walsh is one of our favourite events of the year,” says Mark Roper, Managing Director of Hagerty. “It presents a wonderful opportunity for owners to enjoy their cars in a safe environment and to interact with the enthusiasts young and old throughout the day. Like the Hagerty Festival of the Unexceptional, the Hagerty Hill Climb is all about the memories and the experiences that we associate with classic cars and what better place to enjoy them than at this historic venue.”
The entry fee is just £150 and guarantees at least three runs up the course, with spectators charged at £30 per car. Hagerty Drivers Club Members get a 25 per cent discount and access to the HDC members enclosure and its hospitality. If you’re keen to get an early start then overnight camping is also available.
Drivers will need to wear long-sleeved top and trousers and bring a crash helmet, with those in open-topped cars requiring a full-face helmet. Spectators would be well advised to bring walking shoes as it’s quite a hike to get to the best vantage point to catch all the action.
The event is open to anything on four wheels from classics to showroom-fresh models and even competition machines. It’s always a car spotter’s dream come true, with the paddock filled to the brim with exotic and exciting vehicles and owners who are always happy to chat about their pride and joys.
Among them will be a wide variety of rally cars from Ralli22 Club, including fire-breathing Group B machines such as the Audi quattro, MG 6R4 and Renault 5 Turbo, alongside 90s WRC heroes like the Ford Escort Cosworth and Subaru Impreza.
Mission Motorsport will be bringing along a massive Scalextric track so drivers of all ages can get in on the action and, if you’re planning on heading up the historic hill, then you can pick up some tips in advance from record holder Sean Gould who rocketed up the course in an incredible 22.37 seconds. With his time set in a purpose-built Judd V8-powered single-seater, you may not get close, but no matter what you drive you’re sure to have a thrill ride.
We look forward to seeing you on the hill. Get your tickets here.
