British Motor Museum Gaydon
The British Motor Museum - the world's largest collection of historic British cars. Celebrating the past, present and future of British motoring.
There are over 300 British classic cars for our visitors to explore from the collections of the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust and the Jaguar Heritage Trust. Learn about the people behind the cars, the places they were built and hear the stories from our guides. Plus our free tours and interactive family activities will inspire and bring the stories to life - there is plenty to keep everyone entertained.
Visit the website to see details of many events held throughout the year.
Building up STEAM: Discovering Innovation - 21st July to 1st September 2023, 10am to 5pm
Join us on a STEAM-inspired (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths) mission to discover innovations in cars past, present and future!
Come and meet Dotty or Dougie, the dashing and debonair car designers, and let them guide you around the Museum, checking out the innovations made in car design throughout the years.
Their tour concludes with a visit to our brand-new exhibition, ‘Transitions: The Impact of Innovation’, which takes a closer look at the innovations that might be made in the future of car design and engineering.
Having seen all the ways that cars might change in the future, your child can also design and colour a futuristic car of their own in our Learning Space. Maybe you’ll gain some vibrant inspiration from our ever-popular ‘Colour Creator’ trail around the Museum.
But, how will we power our cars in the future? Maybe we could charge our vehicles using a wind turbine? Kids will love getting hands-on creating their own wind turbine out of card, which they can decorate however they want.
What's more, all our summer holiday activities are included in your standard Museum admission.
Celebrating 30 years of the British Motor Museum - 14th to 20th August 2023, 10am to 5pm
The British Motor Museum is celebrating 30 years at Gaydon! To mark the occasion, they will be running a 30th Anniversary Celebration week from 14-20 August, jam-packed with fun activities and events, from old favourites to rare experiences. There really is something for everyone! For example:
- A Raffle, which offers a rare opportunity to take a ride in one of five legendary vehicles from the collection.
- A 30th Anniversary Quiz Night and BBQ will take place on the evening of Friday, 18 August
- Cars on the Move, offers visitors the chance to glimpse some of our famous cars in action.
- “Our Story – 30 Years of the British Motor Museum”, will be on display, featuring photos and materials from across its 30-year history.
- Bonnets Up, Doors Open will also take place every day, from 10:30 to 11:30 and from 14:30 to 15:30, when visitors can see inside a selection of cars.
- The Volunteers will also be giving a selection of History Talks from Monday to Friday.
- Family activities with a focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths)
- An opportunity to ride in a selection of the Museums famous cars;
- 1952 Riley RMA
- 1960 Standard Ensign
- 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mark III
Access Day at the British Motor Museum - 16th August 2023, 9am to 6pm
The British Motor Museum welcomes everyone to its 30th Anniversary celebrations and is committed to being accessible to all. Join us on Access Day on 16 August to enjoy a welcoming visitor experience for the widest possible audience! We will be showcasing a range of accessible activities and initiatives.
We will be enabling those who need a quieter environment to enjoy our fantastic collection with Quiet Hours between 9am to 10am and 5pm to 6pm. During these times, our audiovisuals and hand dryers will be switched off (paper towels will be provided in the toilets), and we will be lowering the lighting levels across the Museum. A mobile changing places toilet and changing facility will be on site for the duration of the day.
All visitors are welcome to sign up and join the Learning Team on one of our hands-on sensory Touch and Access Tours. These sensory guided tours allow visitors to get up close to a number of cars in the collection. We will also be hosting object handling sessions, and the opportunity to get creative with air-drying clay. In addition, Young Driver will be holding 15-minute accessible driving sessions for visitors aged 10 and above (pre booking required. Fees apply).
You can also join our summer holiday activities, including the ever-popular colour creator trail, or join a family friendly tour with our costumed explainers, make a windmill, or design a car of your own!
30th Anniversary Quiz night and BBQ - 18th August 2023, 5:30pm to 9:00pm
The British Motor Museum welcomes everyone to its 30th Anniversary celebrations and is committed to being accessible to all. Join us on Access Day on 16 August to enjoy a welcoming visitor experience for the widest possible audience! We will be showcasing a range of accessible activities and initiatives.
Join us for a special summer British Motor Museum Quiz Night, celebrating our 30th Anniversary! Assemble your team, test your knowledge, explore the Museum and enjoy a beautiful summer evening.
Quizmaster extraordinaire, Danny Hopkins of Practical Classics, will be here to host and we’re firing up the BBQ too, followed by a selection of desserts! All of this is included in the ticket price of just £16 per person.
Arrive at the Museum any time between 5.30pm and 6.30pm. Enjoy some free time in the Museum as you follow the trail to find the answers to round one amongst the collection.
But don't hang around, you must be finished by 7pm when the Museum closes and the Quiz moves upstairs for the BBQ and remaining rounds. The bar will be open from 6.30pm and the BBQ will be serving from 7pm.
All proceeds of the event go towards the vital work of the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust.
Retro Truck Show - 9th to 10th September 2023, 10:00am to 4:00pm
An unmissable weekend show for modern classic truck fans!
With hundreds of trucks coming to the Museum each year, this is one of the largest truck shows in the calendar. The show is mainly dedicated to trucks produced between 1972 and 2002 and hails the legendary names of the industry, from the UK and across Europe.
For the truck owners, this annual weekend makes for the perfect trucking holiday and the chance to enjoy a catch up with friends and like-minded people.
Tickets to this event include entry to the Museum and Collections Centre- where Truck fans will be able to find the very first Morris One-Ton truck, produced in 1924. Don't forget to take a stroll through the Indoor Model Show and trade area. Those who plan on camping will have access to a bar in the evening too.
Contact information and location
Opening Times
Friday - Monday, 10am - 5pmPlease check website for updates
Admission
See the website for details
Events at this venue
British Motor Museum - Festive Lunches in the Sky Suite
From Sun 10th Dec
Enjoy a seasonal lunch with all the trimmings and admission to the Museum.
Find out more
British Motor Museum - Driving Home For Christmas
From Sun 10th Dec
Tis the season to be jolly at the British Motor Museum with a selection box of activities for all the family to enjoy from 8 to 23 December! Find out more
British Motor Museum - Mini Motorists Mondays - December
From Mon 11th Dec
Where on earth are those naughty Christmas elves? We need the Mini Motorists to work together and round them all up in time for Christmas. Then we'll celebrate with some Christmas story time and by colouring in some car-themed Christmas cards to take home. This month's stories are 'Little Blue Truck's Christmas' by Alice Shertle and 'The Sheep that Saved Christmas' by Jason Page. Find out more
Building New Year Fun at the Museum
From Tue 2nd Jan
Not back at school yet? Why not come and have some New Year family fun with LEGO® at the Museum. Drop into our Learning Space between 10am - 3pm and get creative with LEGO bricks. Find out more