Some friendships are built to last. Mine with a close mate from the Royal Navy is one of them. We trained together, served side by side, and even after life took us in different directions, the connection stayed solid. Now he lives in Japan, thousands of miles away, but when he got in touch earlier this year and asked if his 16-year-old son, Len, could stay with us for a few days while visiting the UK, it didn’t take me long to say yes.
Len’s a sharp young lad with a serious passion for supercars. He knows his Ferraris from his Ford Escort and can quote engine specs the way some people recall football scores. A true car enthusiast. So when he messaged to say he’d booked us tickets to the Heveningham Hall Country Fair and Concours, I was genuinely looking forward to it. I knew the day would be special for him. What I hadn’t expected was how memorable it would be for me too.
Smooth Arrival and a Grand Setting
We set off early on the Saturday morning. With events like this, I usually expect a bit of a wait, long queues, stressed parking stewards, and a slow shuffle to get through the gates. But Heveningham proved me wrong.
The parking was simple, clear, and quick. Despite the growing number of cars arriving, the whole setup ran efficiently. There was a long queue when we arrived at the entrance, but as soon as 10 a.m. rolled around, it flowed like clockwork. Within ten minutes we were through and into the showground.
Heveningham Hall itself is a showstopper. Set among sweeping Capability Brown-designed landscapes, the building stands tall with its wide Georgian façade, looking every bit the grand country estate. It’s the kind of place where you stop and take a breath. And that was before we even got to the cars.
Wandering Through the Country Fair
We began our visit with a gentle stroll around the Country Fair. The event sprawls out across the parkland with stalls, displays, and activities for all ages. There were dancing diggers, jousting knights, sheepdog trials, birds of prey, samba dancers, and even a tug-of-war. The whole thing had the energy of a traditional village fair, just on a much larger scale.
There were plenty of opportunities to try local food and drink. Stalls lined with homemade chutneys, Suffolk cheeses, gin tasters, and craft cider. The Fire Feast stage had a rotating lineup of chefs doing cooking demos and tastings. We caught part of one, a chef chargrilling flatbreads on an open flame, giving tips to a crowd of foodies leaning in close.
The Walled Garden offered a quiet spot for tea and a sit down. Families relaxed under umbrellas while kids played in the grass. It was a lovely contrast to the buzz outside, and we used it for a brief pause before heading to what Len had been waiting for.
The Heveningham Concours
The Concours d’Elegance is the crown jewel of the weekend. Located behind the hall, on the stepped garden terraces designed by Kim Wilkie, the display features around fifty remarkable motor cars. Entry to this area costs a little extra, but it’s well worth it if you’re a car lover, and Len absolutely is.
The first thing that hits you is the shine. It’s like walking into an open-air museum of rolling art. From pre-war Alfa Romeos to modern Bugattis, each vehicle is pristine. Categories range from Pioneers & Pre-War to Mid-Century, Post-Modern, Performance, and even Motorcycles.
Len darted between them like a kid in a sweet shop. He explained the differences between the V12 naturally aspirated engines and the more modern twin-turbo setups. He pointed out original features on a 1960s Ferrari and explained why a specific McLaren colour was so rare. He was in his element, and I loved seeing that excitement firsthand.
It wasn’t just static display either. Many of the owners were present, chatting with visitors, sharing details, and clearly proud of the machines they’d brought. The vibe was relaxed but respectful, enthusiasts sharing knowledge and admiration without pretension.
Horsepower Hill: Sound and Speed
We made our way over to Horsepower Hill just in time to see a Porsche 911 Turbo S line up. This is the timed sprint course that runs up one of the estate’s private drives. It’s loud, fast, and very popular.
Each car roared into life before launching uphill, the sound bouncing off the trees. The crowd lined both sides of the road, cameras in hand, phones up, everyone eager to see who could top the leaderboard.
A Ferrari 458 hit full throttle and lit up the tarmac. American muscle cars followed. Then came James, the reigning champ, who clocked an eye-watering 112 mph. Commentary from the sidelines added colour, including one shoutout to the infamous “spin doctor” who once crashed a £4 million Ferrari on this very hill.
Len’s eyes were wide the whole time. You could feel the energy and the appreciation from the crowd, especially when something loud, vintage, or unusual fired up.
Capturing the Day Through the Lens
Although I wasn’t there in a professional capacity, I had my camera with me. The idea was to take a few good shots for Len’s parents so they could feel part of the day. In the end, I shot a bit more than planned.
Photographing cars in full sun is always tricky. Reflections, glare, and unpredictable shadows make timing important. I alternated between wide-angle shots to capture full car profiles and tighter compositions for badges, textures, and interesting curves. The classic designs offered so much to work with.
At times I paused, waited for the crowd to shift, and caught those small quiet moments, like someone crouching to explain a wheel detail to a child, or a father and daughter standing in awe at the polished chrome of a Bugatti. Those human touches add life to the machines.
Smash Burgers and a Proper Refuel
After a lot of walking, talking, and photographing, we were ready for food. Luckily, one of the busiest and best-looking food stalls caught our attention, Smash Burgers, run by Amor Street Food from Norwich.
The queue was long but moved quickly. The smell coming from the grill was unreal. Burgers were smashed onto the hotplate, seasoned, flipped, and stacked with melted cheese, onions, pickles, and sauces.
I went for The OG, and Len ordered Yee Haw. Both were excellent. Hot, juicy, packed with flavour, and served with that satisfying edge of crispness only a smash burger can deliver. The Amor team worked like clockwork behind the stall, keeping up with orders and still finding time to smile and chat.
It was the kind of food that brings a second wind. We ate standing under the canopy, watching the crowd, still buzzing from the morning’s excitement.
Smash Burger Gallery
A Lasting Impression
What I thought would be a simple day out turned into something far more meaningful. Watching Len enjoy every second, soaking up the detail, asking smart questions, and sharing his knowledge with ease, it was brilliant.
I know the photos will mean a lot to his parents. For me, they’re also a reminder of how important shared experiences are. This was more than just a visit to a car show. It was a moment of connection across generations, across continents, and across a shared love of beautiful machines.
Final Thoughts
Heveningham Hall puts on an impressive event. From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, it’s thoughtfully organised, beautifully presented, and packed with things to see, taste, and hear. The cars are exceptional. The fair is fun. The food is fantastic.
But what sets it apart is the sense of purpose behind it. Every penny raised supports local causes, from a dementia care unit to scholarships and emergency services. That turns a good day out into something even better.
I’ll definitely be going again. And if you’re considering it, I’d recommend it without hesitation. Bring a friend, bring a camera, and make a memory.
Get in touch
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Bob Foyers
Photographer, Foyers Photography
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