The inaugural Rewind Tour Britain has reached 50% of its available entry capacity* just one week after entries opened, as organisers also reveal Bowood Estate in Wiltshire as the final destination for the 2027 event.
Taking place over four days from 27-30 May 2027, Rewind Tour Britain will combine competition on three circuits with special stages and hill climbs across England and Wales, reviving the spirit of the original Tour of Britain from the 1970s.
The route was announced and entries opened at the start of last week, with organisers Motor Racing Legends and the British Automobile Racing Club receiving an immediate and enthusiastic response from the historic motorsport community. “Launching just ahead of the BRDC Classic weekend at Silverstone, we had the opportunity to talk to many race and rally drivers that have either already entered or are eligible for the Tour and wanted to know more. The excitement was palpable,” said Motor Racing Legends CEO Pierre-Antoine Lecoutour. “We are keen to ensure a great mix of pre-1986 cars take part – from pre-war machinery to Group A cars – and, subject to eligibility checks, we are delighted to now be reviewing entries which already reflect 50% of the overall Tour capacity. Considering this is after just one week, this is an incredible response.”
Set in the Wiltshire countryside, Bowood Estate has been home to the Lansdowne family for more than 250 years and has evolved into a destination for culture, heritage and nature. Its historic house, award-winning gardens, ‘Capability’ Brown parkland and renowned Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort will provide a fitting backdrop for the final stages of the Tour. Bowood will also host a special garden party and prize-giving to bring the inaugural event to a close.
Commenting on why Bowood House makes such a fitting finish point for the Tour, Tony Jardine – who first tabled the idea of bringing this event back with Motor Racing Legends and BARC – said: “This epic multi-discipline event is bringing back the magic of the 70s Avon Tour of Britain, and now we are complete as the beautiful Bowood Estate will be adding its own touch of class. As the final venue for competition, a classic show and the glittering prize giving set against the stunning historic backdrop, this will make a magnificent finale.”
“We are delighted to be hosting Rewind Tour Britain 2027 at Bowood Estate, in the heart of Wiltshire. Having hosted historical events back in the 70s and 80s, the event is the perfect reboot of these eras. We are looking forward to celebrating these classic periods and showcasing one of Britain’s most innovative motorsport competitions here at Bowood Estate” added Sarah Forwood, Events & Filming Manager.
Further details on spectator opportunities across the race and rally elements of the route will be announced in due course.
About Rewind Tour Britain
Inspired by the legendary Tour of Britain of the 1970s – won by motorsport greats including James Hunt, Graham Hill and Roger Clark – Rewind Tour Britain has been created to recapture the spirit of one of Britain’s most innovative motorsport competitions. Combining circuit racing, rally stages, hill climbs and road sections into a single competitive adventure, the event will challenge drivers and co-drivers across multiple disciplines in a way rarely seen in modern historic motorsport.
*To ensure an exceptional experience for all participants, places on Rewind Tour Britain are strictly limited. A selection committee will agree the final participants to ensure that a broad variety of eligible cars is represented, with the list covering a wide period from pre-war machinery to Group A cars. A waitlist will open once all places have been filled.
About Bowood Estate
For over 250 years, Bowood Estate has been home to the Lansdowne family and has evolved into a destination for discovery, culture, education, and escapism. Managed by the present Marquis since 1972, the estate spans 2,000 acres and has been carefully developed to embrace a range of diversification opportunities.
About Bowood House & Gardens
Bowood House & Gardens is a much-loved destination for culture, heritage, and nature, located within two hours of London and one hour of Bristol.
There is something new to discover on every visit, with outdoor activities in the woods, tree climbing, and hands-on experiences. Mud & Guts, the Big Tree Climb, and Creepy Critters workshops will entertain the kids on selected dates across the season. Visit www.bowood.org/whats-on for more information.
Lord Kerry and his father (Lord Lansdowne), the 10th and 11th generation custodians of Bowood in Wiltshire, own and manage the estate.
Bowood House & Gardens is also an ACS National Historic Chemical Landmark for Joseph Priestley’s discovery of oxygen in Bowood House in 1774. Grade I is also listed on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.
Today, the house and gardens, including the Woodland Garden, attract more than 120,000 visitors every year, and many more attend events. Visit bowood.org for more information.
About Bowood Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort
The 4 AA Red Star Bowood Hotel, located within two hours of London and one hour of Bristol and within the heart of the historic 2,000-acre Bowood Estate, combines the best of the estate’s history with 21st-century hospitality – guests can enjoy luxurious accommodation and unrivalled leisure facilities.
The Bowood Hotel boasts an award-winning spa with a pool and jacuzzi overlooking the grounds, a steam room and sauna, a relaxation room, and a choice of Temple Spa treatments. The resort’s PGA Championship 18-hole Golf Course is the official PGA-approved golf course and academy in the South West, and one of the best in the county. Guests can dine at the 2 AA Rosette restaurant or enjoy afternoon tea in the library. Guests also receive complimentary access to Bowood House & Gardens.


