⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4 out of 5
If you're thinking about taking the kids to the Tatton Park VW Car Show, here's my honest review from the perspective of a mum of two toddlers.
We had a really enjoyable family day out. There was loads to see and do, the kids loved watching the cars arrive and we easily filled the whole day.
So, is the Tatton Park VW Car Show worth visiting with children? Yes – but come prepared!
Tatton Park VW Car Show Prices
Here's what we paid and what you need to know about the Tatton Park VW Car Show ticket prices:
- Adults: £13.50 online in advance
- Adults on the gate: £15
- Children aged 16 and under: Free, although a child ticket is still required
- Tatton Park vehicle entry: £10 per vehicle, payable when you arrive
Both card and cash are accepted on the gate.
For a family day out, I didn't think the admission price was unreasonable, particularly as children are free. Just remember to factor in the additional £10 vehicle entry fee when working out your total cost.
What Time Does the Tatton Park VW Car Show Start?
The gates open at 10am and if you're visiting with children, I'd recommend getting there fairly early.
There can be a queue when the gates open, but arriving early has a bit of a bonus – you get to see all of the show cars driving into Tatton Park.
For children who love cars, this was actually one of the highlights.
Many of the show cars meet at Lymm Services before the event and then drive into Tatton Park together. So if your little ones are car mad, the arrival itself can be quite exciting to watch.
How Long Does the Tatton Park VW Car Show Last?
The show cars can't leave until 5pm, so you've got plenty of time to enjoy the event.
This is helpful when visiting with toddlers because you don't feel like you have to rush around trying to see everything.
You can spend the day:
- Looking at the VW show cars
- Watching the cars arrive
- Visiting the fairground
- Browsing the shops and stalls
- Taking the children to the playground
- Having a picnic
- Exploring the wider event area
We found there was plenty to keep us occupied throughout the day.
Is the Tatton Park VW Car Show Family Friendly?
Overall, yes, I would say the Tatton Park VW Show is family friendly, particularly for older children and kids who love cars.
There is lots of space to walk around and plenty to look at. Having the playground and fairground available also means children don't have to spend the entire day looking at cars!
However, I'd say it's more family friendly than baby friendly.
And there's an important difference when you're attending with very young children.
Tatton Park VW Car Show Baby Facilities
This was the biggest downside for me as a mum of two toddlers. Fitting into a portable toilet with two toddlers was a tight squeeze.
The toilets are standard festival-style portable toilets and unfortunately there aren't dedicated baby changing facilities.
For families with babies, this is something I'd definitely prepare for before visiting.
It's not a deal breaker, but it would be great to see proper baby changing facilities available at future shows.
There is tap water available, which is useful for filling up bottles and keeping everyone hydrated.
Taking a Pram to the Tatton Park VW Car Show
We took our pram and found the ground perfectly manageable.
I'd definitely recommend taking a pram, carrier or buggy if you have younger children. It's a long day and even toddlers who normally refuse to sit in a buggy can suddenly decide they're exhausted after several hours of walking!
I also took a baby carrier, which came in really handy when we were in busier areas.
If your toddler is anything like mine and thinks running away is a fun game, I'd also consider taking a toddler harness.
There are lots of people around and with young children I think it's better to have that extra bit of security and peace of mind.
How Much Is Food at the Tatton Park VW Car Show?
As with most events, I'd recommend budgeting for food and drinks because costs can quickly add up.
We paid £15 for three ice creams (2 child & 1 adult ice creams), so if you're trying to keep the cost of your family day out down, I'd definitely take a picnic.
There are also water taps available, so make sure you bring refillable bottles.
If you're staying in a campervan, I'd be tempted to stock up on drinks, snacks and even a few ice creams before you arrive!
Is the Tatton Park VW Car Show Worth It?
Yes, I think it is worth visiting, especially if you have children who love cars.
We had a genuinely lovely day and there was enough going on to keep the whole family entertained. I also liked that we weren't restricted to simply looking at cars all day – the fairground, playground and other activities gave the children a break.
The main thing I'd change is the lack of baby changing facilities.
As a mum of two toddlers, that's something I notice immediately when visiting family events. When you're spending a full day somewhere with little ones, having somewhere clean and practical to change a baby makes such a difference.
For that reason, I'm giving the Tatton Park VW Show 4 out of 5 stars.
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ Our Family Rating: 4/5
Would we go again? Yes.
If your family loves Volkswagens, classic cars or just enjoys a big outdoor event, I'd definitely consider putting the Tatton Park VW Car Show on your family day-out list.
Just remember to bring your picnic, refillable water bottles, pram, baby carrier and anything you'll need for changing little ones – and be prepared for a full day!
Cheshire VAG Society
If you're interested in Volkswagens and want to connect with other enthusiasts, you can also find the Cheshire VAG Society Group on Facebook.
Cheshire, Knutsford,
Cheshire, England, WA16 6QN












