And he we go… The summer season in the UK is on, but the weather clearly has another plan. There is a chance that your kids finished school and you are desperately looking for an engaging outing for the whole family. But look no further than the Haynes International Motor Museum! Located in Sparkford, Somerset, it is a haven for anyone passionate about cars, offering a unique journey through the history of motoring. And the youngest generation will be thrilled to know there are a few pedal cars to scoot around. Too big for a pedal car? No worries, the museum offers engaging activities for all ages.
Seeing the whole generation strolling together and looking at this unique car collection is heartwarming. A retired grandad with a wee girl pointing the best cars? The family of seven playing on the outside playground? A group of teenagers laughing off the tiny bubble cars? Everyone will receive a warm welcome from the museum crew. Honestly, you can see all the staff is deeply passionate about the whole exhibition! And it’s quite common they can share with you a few amazing stories behind particular models or answer your tricky technical questions.
Are you still unsure that you want to spend your hard-earned cash for a few hours of entertainment? So here’s the best part! You buy tickets once and you can come back as often as you want for the next 12 months! Plus anyone under four years old got a free admission.
A Vast and Diverse Collection
The Haynes Motor Museum boasts an impressive collection of over 400 cars and motorcycles, ranging from vintage classics to modern supercars. You will be amazed at how simple the first models of the automobiles were! The 1886, 3-wheeler Benz Patent Motorwagen looked more like a modified simple carriage, than anything we associate nowadays with the word ‘car’. During one of its first outings the press reported that the journey of 104 km (approximately 65 miles) took 17 hours and five stops to repair it! You can see restored by Edd China 1903 Darracq by your own eyes too.
It is certainly an interesting experience to see all the cars you have ever watched on the silver screen in period dramas or American sitcoms in real life. Who would know how long and massive were the 1930s cars or that in the 1960s the first retractable hardtop Ford’s model (Fairline Skyliner) roof took up ALL the space in a huge boot!
The exhibition changes during the year too, so there’s always something exciting to discover.
Highlights of the Collection
Red Room: One of the museum’s standout exhibits, the Red Room, features an array of stunning red sports cars. You never thought there were so many shades of red closely connected to the motor industry. There is also a brief description of what the red signifies in different regions of the world. It’s a visual feast for any car lover, showcasing marques such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Maserati.
American Dream: dedicated to the golden age of American motoring. From classic muscle cars like the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro to iconic cruisers like the Cadillac Eldorado, this display captures the spirit of American automotive culture.
Hall of Motorsport: Dive into the world of motorsport with a display of legendary racing cars. Learn about the heroes of the track and the machines that took them to victory.
Great British Marques: Celebrate the best of British engineering with exhibits featuring brands like Aston Martin, Rolls-Royce, and Lotus. Discover the craftsmanship and innovation that put British cars on the map. Take your chance to learn about some unique brands and cars like 1953 Bristol.
The vintage workshop:
There’s even a small section recreating a vintage workshop! With shelves littered with tools, cans, and car memorabilia. You have a unique opportunity to see some serious machinery like a super old-school air compressor. How cool is that?!
The recent Drivetribe exhibition:
Drivetribe is a social networking platform for automotive enthusiasts, launched in 2016 by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May, the former hosts of the TV show “Top Gear.” It provides a space for car lovers to create and share content, join tribes (communities) focused on specific interests, and engage with other users through posts, articles, videos, and discussions.
Drivetribe aims to connect all petrolheads allowing to explore various automotive topics, from classic cars and racing to DIY maintenance and car culture.
There is a famous Aston Martin DB9 driven by Richard Hammond through the desert and a few other models.
Interactive and Educational Exhibits
The Haynes Motor Museum isn’t just about admiring beautiful cars; it’s also an educational experience. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to learn about the inner workings of engines, the history of automotive design, and the technological advancements that have shaped the industry. The museum’s educational programs and workshops are perfect for both children and adults, making it a great destination for a family outing.
Events and Activities
The museum hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including car meets, classic car shows, and themed exhibitions. The regular Haynes Breakfast Club meetings on the first Sunday of the month, some once-a-year events like a recent Drivetribe gathering, and there is even a Car Boot sale
These events provide a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow car enthusiasts, share stories, and see some incredible vehicles up close. Keep an eye on the museum’s event calendar to plan your visit to one of these exciting gatherings.
Visitor Information
Location: Sparkford, Somerset, just off the A303, making it easily accessible from various parts of the country.
Facilities: The museum offers excellent facilities, including a café serving delicious meals and refreshments, a gift shop with a range of automotive merchandise, and ample parking.
Accessibility: This place is fully accessible, ensuring that all visitors can enjoy the exhibits comfortably.
Plan Your Visit
As it’s local to us, we visit it regularly joining Haynes Breakfast Club (the first Sunday of the month), unusual events like a Drivetribe tour or simply strolling through its grounds looking at all the amazing cars. We share a special connection with the museum. As years back it acted as a venue for our after-wedding party. And it was fantastic!
So, why wait? Plan your visit to the Haynes Motor Museum today and embark on an unforgettable journey through the world of automotive excellence. Whether you go solo, with friends, or bring the whole family, you’re guaranteed to have a fantastic time exploring one of the finest car museums in the country.
