British Motor Museum

Type:Museum

Banbury Road, Gaydon, Warwick, Warwickshire, CV35 0BJ

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Tel01926 895295

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About

The British Motor Museum hosts the world's largest collection of historic British motor cars, as well as an internationally renowned Archive. Situated on a large site in rural Warwickshire and housed in a modern 'Art Deco' style building the Museum tells the story of the people, places and products that made the British motor industry famous.

From the popular “Time Road”, to the “Small car. Big history” exhibit, through to “Designs and Concepts” featuring unique prototypes, you are sure to find interesting displays and exhibits to surprise and enlighten. The British Motor Industry has been a vital part of the economy and the lives of people residing in the Midlands and it remains a hub for automotive creativity today. The British Motor Industry Heritage Trust was established as a...Read More

About

The British Motor Museum hosts the world's largest collection of historic British motor cars, as well as an internationally renowned Archive. Situated on a large site in rural Warwickshire and housed in a modern 'Art Deco' style building the Museum tells the story of the people, places and products that made the British motor industry famous.

From the popular “Time Road”, to the “Small car. Big history” exhibit, through to “Designs and Concepts” featuring unique prototypes, you are sure to find interesting displays and exhibits to surprise and enlighten. The British Motor Industry has been a vital part of the economy and the lives of people residing in the Midlands and it remains a hub for automotive creativity today. The British Motor Industry Heritage Trust was established as a charitable organisation, not only to share the story of the birth, decline and rebirth of the British motor industry, but celebrate the skills, creativity and stories of the people who designed and built them.

More than 400 cars are displayed, along with video presentations, reconstructions and interactive exhibits. The main displays are located on one floor, with lift access to a smaller mezzanine gallery. In addition to the Museum there is a separate building, the Collections Centre, which is an accessible store containing cars from the reserve collection of the Museum and the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust. Admission to the Collections Centre is included in the standard Museum admission and accessible from 11am to 5pm each day. Visitors should allow 3-4 hours for a visit.

The Museum has a café serving snacks and meals including a range of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options. Alternatively, visitors can enjoy a picnic outside while children can let off steam in the outdoor play area.

The Museum runs a regular programme of holiday activities for families and children as well as a very busy calendar of larger events and activities held in the arenas outside the Museum. Full details of these events and activities can be found on the museum website: www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/whats-on

Accessibility 

We are proud to constantly embrace and improve accessibility for everyone at the British Motor Museum, allowing for an inclusive experience without barriers.

Access around the building - The museum is on one main level, (no steps or inclines) with automatic doors, wide walkways and doorways suitable for wheelchairs /Motability scooters. There is a reduced height pay desk, plenty of seating around the building and lift access to the Cafe. Interpretation is a mix of audio and visual with hands on interactive points.

There is a disabled toilet and baby changing facilities on the Museum level with wide doors, grab rails, a raised toilet seat, easy turn taps, and an emergency pull cord. There are 2 further disabled toilets outside the Café, one left handed and one right, with the same spec.  

All Museum staff have completed the Disability Awareness & Etiquette training run by Wideaware and Dignity at Work training.  

Essential Carer/Companion

Essential Carers or Companions are welcome to the Museum free of charge (FOC). 

Assistance Dogs

Guide, Assistance and Hearing Dogs are welcome in the Museum and Collections Centre. Please ensure the dog is identifiable (using a harness, jacket or bright collar for example).

Quieter times

Quieter times - we are often quieter from 3pm–5pm on weekdays, if you would like to visit when there are fewer people around.

Ear defenders are free and can be collected from the Family activity station.

Access Days

During our Access Days we showcase a whole host of exciting accessible activities and initiatives; later opening hours, specially adapted shows and crafts, and SEND and sensory bags are just some of the ways we aim to create the best museum experience for those with additional needs. 

Winter Access Day - Friday 20 December

Toilet facilities

Accessible toilets can be found on all levels of the main building and downstairs in the Collections Centre.

Changing Places Toilet can be found in the Museum Rotunda, equipped with a hoist, an adult-sized changing table, and plenty of space for carers. The toilet can be accessed with a Radar Key, please ask at the Museum Pay Desk if you need to borrow one.

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Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Adult on the day ticket£20.00 adult
Advanced Adult£17.00 adult
Advanced child£9.00 child
Advanced concession£15.00 concession
Advanced family of 4£46.00 family
Advanced family of 5£52.00 family
CarerFree
Child on the day ticket£10.00 child
Concession on the day£18.00 concession
Family of 4 on the day£18.00 family
Family of 5 on the day£58.00 family
Under 5Free

Enjoy a great value day out. Book in advance and SAVE. Gift Aid Annual Pass - Buy 1 day get 12 months FREE! Donate your entry fee and convert your ticket to an Annual Pass at no extra cost.

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Accessible Lift - to most areas. One lift to the mezzanine level is small- may be difficult for a full size mobility scooter
  • Accessible to Wheelchair Users
  • All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors - mezzanine level may be difficult for full size mobility scooters. Not all walkways accessible in the collection centre
  • Disabled Accessibility
  • Facilities for Hearing
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Facilities

Accessibility

  • Accessible Lift - to most areas. One lift to the mezzanine level is small- may be difficult for a full size mobility scooter
  • Accessible to Wheelchair Users
  • All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors - mezzanine level may be difficult for full size mobility scooters. Not all walkways accessible in the collection centre
  • Disabled Accessibility
  • Facilities for Hearing Impaired Visitors - Museum area only- not including conference facilities
  • Facilities for Visually Impaired Visitors - touch tours
  • Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
  • Ramp / Level Access
  • Toilets for Disabled Visitors
  • Wheelchairs available

Catering

  • On-Site cafe/restaurant/catering
  • Picnic area

Children & Infants

  • Baby changing facilities

Establishment Features

  • Electric Car Charging
  • Public toilets
  • Shop
  • Toilets

Key Features

  • Indoor Attraction
  • No Smoking Attraction

Parking & Transport

  • Car parking
  • Coach Parking
  • On site parking
  • Parking (free)

Payment Methods

  • Cash Accepted
  • Credit cards accepted (no fee)
  • Groups Accepted

Target Markets

  • Cyclists Welcome
  • Family Fun

Tours and Demonstrations

  • Educational Visits Accepted

Travel & Trade

  • Group Discount
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Map & Directions

Road Directions

Travelling by car

Exit the M40 at Junction 12 and turn left, following the brown Motor Museum signs. Continue for approximately 1 mile and the entrance to the British Motor Museum is on your left.

If using a Sat Nav for directions we recommend you enter the British Motor Museum as a point of interest rather than using the postcode. 

The Museum has free and ample parking for its Museum visitors.

If you're planning to cycle from nearby, plan your route using the Cycle Streets website here.

The British Motor Museum has a bike park on the gravel parking area around the back of the main Museum building. 

Electric Vehicle Charging Points

There are six charging points to the rear of the Museum visitor car park, two of which have a 22kw charging socket and the rest have 7kw charging sockets. There are four charging points at the Conference Entrance located at the back of the Museum building, each with 7kw charging sockets. You can charge your electric vehicle using the Shell Recharge Solutions app or ad-hoc using a QR code on each of the EV stations.

Charging Costs

For best value use the Shell Recharge app. For ad-hoc charging, there may be a small surcharge in addition to the regular charging tariff.  Always check that you are happy with the charging tariff before you begin.

Public Transport Directions

If you're travelling from out of the area, the nearest rail stations are Leamington Spa & Banbury.

The regular bus service which visits the British Motor Museum operates between Kenilworth and Kineton - (No. X77). For an up-to-date timetable visit the Stagecoach website.  

Opening Times

Season 2 Jan 2024 - 23 Dec 2024
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday10:00 - 17:00
Season 2 Jan 2025 - 23 Dec 2025
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday10:00 - 17:00

* - Museum: 10am - 5pm
- Collections Centre: 11am - 5pm

Last admission to the Museum and Collections Centre is 4pm.

Access to the Collections Centre is included in your entry fee, you will just need to show your Museum admission ticket at the door to gain entry.

The Museum is open 7 days a week, with the exception of 24 - 27 December and 31 December - 1 January inclusive.