Top 5 Must-see UK Car Museums
With the UKs long and proud history of automotive design and manufacturing, it’s no wonder we have some of the best Car Museums around!
And it’s true, we are a nation of classic car lovers. Do you feel nostalgic for your old family Ford Cortina, Mum’s Austin Mini or Grandparent’s Morris Minor? Or maybe you always dreamt of owning a sporty Jaguar or a stylish Aston Martin?
All these classics and many more can be seen in motor museums across the country. Below is our pick of the best British car museums, including one where you can even drive some of the cars on show, at a special discounted price with Into The Blue…
- Haynes Motor Museum in Somerset
Recently expanded, the Haynes Museum in Yeovil now has over 400 cars in 17 galleries. Opened in 1985, the collection was started by the late John Haynes, founder of the company which produced the famous Haynes car workshop manuals.
Surely every UK household in the 1970s and 80s had a Haynes manual on hand for when your ‘trusty’ family Austin, Morris, Ford or Vauxhall failed to start on a cold, wet day?
With so many cars on show, there really is something for everyone, from British classics, to American muscle cars and Italian supercars. A particular highlight is the Red Room, which is full of stunning sports cars from across the world and eras, all resplendent in racing red.
PicMattSeymour@Unsplash
- National Motor Museum at Beaulieu
Located in the stunning New Forest National Park on the South Coast, this well-known British car museum is set in the grounds of Beaulieu Abbey country house.
The car collection is themed around technology, starting with veteran Mercedes and vintage Rolls Royces from the dawn of motoring, to land speed world record holding cars, including Donald Campbell’s Bluebird.
There are also TV and film star cars, as well as the World of Top Gear, featuring cars used in various crazy challenges on the show. As anyone who watches the series knows, some are still in quite good condition compared to most… More info on The National Motor Museum Beaulieu website.
PicMakuSpiske@Unsplash
- British Motor Museum
The Midlands has always been the centre of the British motor industry, so it is only natural to find the national museum at Gaydon, between Birmingham and Oxford.
As the name British Motor Museum suggests, this is the world’s largest collection of historic British cars, originally kept by the companies who built them. Many famous brands are represented including Austin, Morris, MG, Jaguar and Land Rover, so this is a must-visit for fans of British marques.
Exhibits include many innovative, revolutionary cars like the very first Mini and Range Rover off the production lines, plus various design concepts and unique prototypes. There are plenty of historic race and rally cars too, alongside a collection of Le Mans winning Jaguar sports cars and even a totally bonkers rear-engined MG Metro 6R4 with 450 horsepower!
PicSamuelGirven@Unsplash
- Coventry Transport Museum
Ok so it’s not just about classic cars, but it’s an amazing collection of bicycles, motorbikes, cars and commercial vehicles.
It’s befitting that this museum is in Coventry, as the city was dubbed Britain’s ‘Motor City’ during the boom years of the automotive industry. Although most have now disappeared, famous names such as Alvis, Daimler, Jaguar, Riley, Rover, Standard and Triumph all had factories around the city.
One of the last Coventry factories to close was the Peugeot plant at Ryton, previously owned by Chrysler and before that the Rootes Group, which included Hillman, Humber, Singer and Sunbeam. Look out for this blogger’s top choice of everyday classic on display at the Coventry Transport Museum – the Hillman Avenger!
- Great British Car Journey
The final of our Top 5 unmissable car museums is the innovative Great British Car Journey at Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site in a beautiful part of Derbyshire.
Opened in 2021, the display of over 130 cars is privately owned predominantly by one enthusiast keen to show off his collection. Most cars are humble ‘everyday’ types and this is exactly what makes this car museum so attractive. It’ll bring back so many motoring memories!
From Austin Sevens and Morris Minors, to Ford Escorts and Vauxhall Cavaliers, all built in their millions. Many cars on display are low-mileage examples in original condition, which makes them extra special.
Other highlights (or should that be 1970s lowlights?) include the Austin Allegro, Morris Marina and Triumph TR7, sitting alongside more sporty British motors ranging from Jaguars to DeLorean and McLaren.
Drive cars from the Great British Car Journey
And even better, the owner of the Great British Car Journey is so keen to share his collection with visitors that you can even drive some of the classic cars yourself!
Over 40 different classics from the actual collection are ready to be driven. Driving experiences take place under staff supervision around the museum site alongside the River Derwent and includes free entry for two people to the Great British Car Journey.
All in all, a great day out on the edge of the delightful Peak District which itself offers plenty of opportunities for scenic drives, rides and walks. Best of all, Into The Blue offers these Drive Dad’s Car Experiences at a special discounted price, including two free museum entry tickets worth over £30.