The Best Motor Museums in the UK

Visiting a motor museum on a road trip adds depth and enrichment to your journey by offering insight into the evolution of automotive history and culture. These museums provide an immersive experience, allowing you to explore vintage and modern vehicles, learn about technological advancements, and appreciate the craftsmanship behind iconic automobiles. Additionally, motor museums often feature interactive exhibits, educational displays, and historical artefacts that appeal to enthusiasts and casual visitors alike, making them worthwhile destinations that complement the adventure of a road trip.

12 of the best motoring museums in the UK

These great motoring museums offer a fascinating insight into the history and evolution of motoring in the UK, making them must-visit destinations for enthusiasts and history buffs alike on a road trip.

1. British Motor Museum (Warwickshire):

The British Motor Museum (Warwickshire) is home to the world's largest collection of historic British cars, including the Land Rover Defender and the iconic Mini Cooper.

2. Beaulieu National Motor Museum (Hampshire):

The National Motor Museum is located in the historic Beaulieu estate, this museum showcases over 250 vehicles, including vintage cars, motorcycles, and Formula 1 cars.

3. Coventry Transport Museum (West Midlands):

The Coventry Transport Museum features the largest collection of British road transport in the world, with exhibits ranging from bicycles and cars to aircraft and motorcycles.

4. Brooklands Museum (Surrey):

Brooklands Museum is situated on the world's first purpose-built motor racing circuit, this museum celebrates British engineering and motoring history, including vintage aircraft and race cars.

5. Lakeland Motor Museum (Cumbria):

Lakeland Motor Museum is nestled in the picturesque Lake District, this museum showcases a diverse collection of classic cars, motorcycles, and bicycles, as well as memorabilia and automobilia.

6. Haynes International Motor Museum (Somerset):

Haynes International Motor Museum features over 400 vehicles, this museum offers a comprehensive look at the history of motoring, from classic cars to modern supercars.

7. National Motorcycle Museum (West Midlands):

The National Motorcycle Museum houses one of the largest collections of British motorcycles in the world, with over 1000 models on display, including rare and historic bikes.

8. Museum of Transport, Greater Manchester (Greater Manchester)

The Museum of Transport, Greater Manchester, highlights the region's transport history. It showcases vintage buses, trams, and vehicles, offering an immersive experience.

9. Transport Museum Wythall (West Midlands)

Transport Museum Wythall in the West Midlands offers a captivating glimpse into the region's transport heritage.

10. Grampian Transport Museum (Aberdeenshire)

Grampian Transport Museum in Aberdeenshire provides a fascinating journey through the evolution of transportation, showcasing a diverse collection of vehicles and exhibits.

11. South Yorkshire Motor Museum (South Yorkshire)

The South Yorkshire Transport Museum provides visitors with a captivating glimpse into the region's transport history, featuring an extensive collection of vintage vehicles and exhibits showcasing the evolution of transportation in South Yorkshire.

12. The Shuttleworth Collection (Bedfordshire)

The Shuttleworth Collection in Bedfordshire offers a remarkable display of vintage cars and aircraft, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the rich history of automotive and aviation engineering.