UK's Largest Motorcycle Festival Draws Record Attendance to Ragley Hall
The world's largest adventure motorcycle show remains a highlight of the summer
Once again, motorcycle enthusiasts descended on the Adventure Bike Rider Festival, held at Ragley Hall, in Warwickshire, this time setting a record with 17,392 riders, campers, and adventurers over four sun-soaked days in June (26-29). Honda was once again in attendance, conducting more than 1,000 test rides both on and off road over the now four-day weekend event. Now in its sixth year, the event has grown into the UK’s biggest motorcycle festival and the world’s largest dedicated to adventure bikes.
The ABR Festival was once again blessed with ideal riding conditions, both on and off-road. From dawn, around 7 AM, Honda aficionados flocked to the Honda stand, eager to glimpse the exciting new 2025 models and seize the chance to test ride their preferred bikes on various terrains. Even at an adventure bike festival, bikes such as Honda’s luxurious GL1800 Gold Wing and their British championship-winning CBR600RR garnered immense popularity, not to mention the accessible A2 compliant NX500. Across four days, Honda facilitated an impressive 1029 test rides.
Ticket to Ride: The Honda Adventure Express
One of the standout new features at this year’s ABR Festival was the Honda Adventure Express - a dedicated on-site bus service that made getting around the expansive Ragley Hall grounds easier, more fun, and unmistakably Honda.
With seven clearly marked stops across the festival site - each named after iconic travel destinations like Greece, Italy, and Turkey - the Honda Adventure Express connected key areas of the festival with ease. The red icons and Honda logos made it easy for festival-goers to spot their nearest stop and hop aboard.
Two buses ran continuously throughout the event, including a crowd-favourite: an open-top double-decker that offered unbeatable views of the buzzing festival atmosphere as it cruised between locations. Whether riders were heading to their next test ride, talk, or trail, the Adventure Express provided a relaxed, convenient and completely free way to travel.
Honda was proud to deliver this fun and functional new experience, adding another layer of adventure and accessibility to an already unforgettable weekend.
A significant number of visitors chose to head to the expert Honda Off-Road Centre team (https://www.davethorpehonda.com), who provided access to almost 30 bikes, from the new CRF300L to the latest Africa Twin, available with or without DCT. For many, this presented a unique opportunity to try DCT off-road for the first time, under the careful guidance of seasoned Honda instructors on the 12km manufacturer's dedicated off-road route.
- 10 x 2025 CRF300L – light, agile, and perfect for riders looking to build confidence off-road
- 10 x XL750 Transalp – a versatile mid-weight adventure bike made for mixed terrain
- 10 x CRF1100L Africa Twin – Honda’s flagship adventure machine, built for serious exploration
To witness the Africa Twin pushed to its limits, Kirian Mirabet, supported by Honda's own Jack Challoner, put on an awe-inspiring display of skill and entertainment in the GoPro Display Arena. Kirian brought a level of riding and excitement that will be talked about for years to come.
While motorcycles and saddle time are central, what truly sets this event apart is its incredible community spirit and unique festival atmosphere. The Exhibitor Village underscored this with a vast array of products and services from over 160 trade stands and gear specialists, covering everything from essential riding gear and luggage to adventurous touring companies and outdoor equipment. Adding to the comfort and enjoyment, over 60 food and drink vendors were on hand, alongside excellent amenities including hot showers, luxury toilets, and complimentary morning refreshments.
Once showered and out of their riding gear, attendees savoured a reasonably priced, alcohol-free pint as the main stage burst to life, kicking off three nights of entertainment. If Let There B/CD wasn't quite their style, there were plenty of other options:
Krystal Roxx delivered an Ibiza vibe, the new ZERO Silent Disco offered a unique experience, or they could simply unwind at one of the multiple acoustic sessions.
The ABR is growing year on year, and Honda is proud to be part of that growth with a noncable increase in younger riders, families, international guests, and women attendees.
Alun Davies, Founder of the Adventure Bike Rider Festival, said “This festival has always been about celebrating what we love. The fact that we’re growing isn’t something we take for granted, it’s a sign that the motorcycle industry is alive, evolving, and looking for something it can feel part of.”
The ABR Festival 2026 will take place from June 26 to 28, 2026. For updates, and early access, visit www.abrfestival.com
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