International Autojumble returns to Beaulieu in September

If you live for old metal and a good rummage, the International Autojumble is back on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September at Beaulieu Parkland, sitting roughly halfway between Bournemouth and Southampton. It is one of the biggest gatherings of its kind, and the ticket you buy covers a lot more than just the jumble itself.

The jumble is the main draw, of course, but entry includes the whole estate: the National Motor Museum, Palace House, the 13th-century Beaulieu Abbey, the monorail, the Secret Army exhibition, the Brabazon Restaurant and Little Beaulieu. On the museum front, the latest exhibition is 'Driven: Britain's Motoring Story', with 'In Focus: Transmission' running alongside it, and a collection of around 185 cars and commercial vehicles and about 114 motorcycles to wander through.

Hours are slightly different each day. On the Saturday, the site opens at 9:30 am and closes at 5:00 pm, though the park attractions stay open until 6:00 pm. Sunday is a bit shorter, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, again with the attractions running until 6:00 pm. The National Motor Museum and the Brabazon Restaurant open at 8:30 am both days, and you can get into the Automart and Dealermart areas from 8:30 am if you want to beat the crowds to the best parts.

If you want to bring your own classic, the Classic Car Park is open to the public from 8:00 am to 11:00 am via the Palace House/Church Meadow entrance off the B3054 on Palace Lane. Any make, model or condition goes, as long as it is pre-2000, but it is for display only, so you cannot sell your car there. There is a 'Show Favourite' contest to pick a standout vehicle from the park, and exhibitors compete for the Best Stand Award, which Beaulieu presents each year in memory of Terry Lee.

Prices are worth sorting in advance. A one-day adult ticket is £15.30 if you book by 11:59 pm on 4 September, rising to £18.00 on the day, and a two-day adult ticket is £28.05 advance or £33.00 on the day. Children aged 4 to 16 are £10.84 advance or £12.75 on the day for one day, and £16.15 or £19.00 for two. Under-fours need a ticket too, which can be reserved free online when you book adult tickets. There is a premium weekend ticket at £110 that gives you priority parking at Church Meadow and early entry from 8:30 am on the Saturday and 8:00 am on the Sunday, and a premium Sunday ticket at £80. Friends of the National Motor Museum do not need to book a free entry but must show their membership card at reception.

Beyond the parts, there is plenty to keep you busy. Mark Walker runs classic motorcycles through their paces with roller demonstrations, the Cyclekarts Great Britain Club brings out home-built machines inspired by pre-war racing cars, and there is live piano and a vinyl DJ, Retro Grooves, spinning classic tracks. Dogs on leads are welcome, and there is a free bus between the visitor reception and the grass car parks in Hides Field. It is a long day out, so it helps to have a plan before you arrive.