LUXE Serendipity magazine

A family day out at The British Motor Museum is a hoot

By Donna Richardson

Recently we set off on a family road trip to the British Motor Museum in Gaydon, Warwickshire, and from the moment we arrived, it felt like stepping into another world. The museum is more than just cars on display -it’s a journey through time, showing how British motoring evolved from the first hand-cranked engines to futuristic prototypes.

We started along the museum’s “Time Road”, a long corridor that leads visitors chronologically through over a century of automotive history. Our child’s eyes widened as she examined the earliest vehicles, with their wooden wheels, exposed engines, and brass fittings. It was incredible to see how far technology and design had come over the decades. Each car told a story, and walking past them felt like flipping through a history book come to life.

Soon, we arrived at the pop culture section, and our child could hardly contain her excitement. Harry Potter’s Ford Anglia sat proudly on display, evoking scenes of flying through the Hogwarts skies. Nearby was the Reliant Robin used by Trotters Independent Traders in Only Fools and Horses, a tiny three-wheeler that had us all laughing as we remembered Del Boy and Rodney’s hilarious antics. Shaun the Sheep’s quirky truck added a whimsical touch, making our little one giggle endlessly.

Of course, the Lego Mini display was mesmerising -and our nine year old spent ages examining the tiny, detailed models, imagining adventures for each one. Amid all the fun, the sight of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s beloved car reminded us of Britain’s royal heritage and the role of automobiles in history.

For car enthusiasts, the museum was equally thrilling. The McLaren caught everyone’s attention with its sleek, aerodynamic design, and I couldn’t resist picking up a miniature version for my fiancé John, so he could share in our excitement. Nearby, the Skyfall Range Rover reminded us of James Bond’s daring exploits, while the Racing Greens section celebrated Britain’s legendary motorsport history.

The highlight for me, however, was the Beep Beep exhibition, where history, pop culture, and music intersected. There, on display, was John Lennon’s 1965 Rolls-Royce Phantom – a car that was more than just a vehicle – a white vision of beauty. Lennon had even converted the back seat into a double bed and added a fridge, telephone, and sound system, turning it into a rolling lounge. Standing next to it, we felt like we were witnessing a piece of music history in motion.

We also explored the F1 and racing car collection, from Jackie Stewarts car to Eddie Irvine’s 2000 F1 Jaguar. As we marvelled at legendary British racers and modern high-performance machines – we learned so much. Each car carried stories of speed, triumph, and engineering mastery. Nearby, futuristic prototypes hinted at what the next century of motoring might bring, giving a glimpse into a world yet to come.

After hours of walking, we stopped at the museum café. The portions were huge, and the jacket potatoes were a big hit with our child, giving us all the energy to see the final exhibits.

By the time we left, we had experienced over a century of automotive history in a single day, from quirky three-wheelers and magical movie cars to iconic racing legends and rock ’n’ roll history. Still bubbling with excitement, our daughter pointed out her favourite vehicles as we drove home, and playing with the mini McLaren with a big smile.

The British Motor Museum is more than just a collection of cars. It’s a place where stories, creativity, and culture come together. That day, we didn’t just see cars – we travelled through time, imagination, and history, and we left with memories we’ll treasure forever. A fantastic family day out.

Normal Museum entry is just £46 for a family in advance or £52 on the day, £17 for adults in advance or £20 on the day, £15 for concessions in advance or £18 on the day, £9 for children (5-16 years) in advance or £10 on the day and under 5s are FREE. There is also the option to Gift Aid or donate your entry fee and get an Annual Pass in return at no extra cost.  To find out more information about the activities, please visit the website at https://www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/whats-on/october-half-term