Would you like to learn about the history of the automotive industry? Here are the main British museums dedicated to it

Every automotive enthusiast can get up close to the evolution of the car thanks to the many museums scattered across the world. The countries with the strongest automotive industrial tradition are those that have the most spaces dedicated to it. If you are going to travel to the United Kingdom, these are the museums dedicated to cars that you can visit.

Haynes Motor Museum, in Sparkford, Somerset

It is located in the English countryside, in Somerset, and was founded by press magnate John Haynes. Its collection is made up of some 400 cars and motorcycles. Its halls display cars from the 19th century to the present day. The collection of muscle cars from the United States stands out, although luxury models such as the Lamborghini Countach can also be seen. In the Red Room you can find racing vehicles that were driven by Michael Schumacher, all a tribute to the men and machines that have raced around circuits around the world. Admission for adults is £13.95 and £8.95 for children under 15.

Beaulieu National Motor Museum, in Brockenhurst, Hampshire

This museum shows the history of the British industry, through a display of 250 vehicles that trace the country’s tradition. It features both road vehicles and competition cars from Formula 1 as well as various competition motorcycles. But it does not dwell only on the past: it also shows part of the future of the automobile with several exhibitions of technologies yet to come. Admission is somewhat above average, reaching £24, but it includes a visit to the Victorian mansion where the museum is housed and its gardens.

British Motor Museum, in Gaydon

It was previously known as the Heritage Centre and has reopened after a refurbishment that involved an investment of around £5 million. It is very close to the main production centres of Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin, as it proudly showcases British tradition, and its exhibitions, both permanent and temporary, are centred on it. Admission is £14 for adults and £9 for children.

Brooklands Museum, in Weybridge, Surrey

The sporting tradition of the United Kingdom began right here. It is the first place where a circuit specifically built for competition was constructed, and the museum pays tribute to that. There are displays of British vehicles from across the 20th century, and you can also see other exhibits, such as the one dedicated to the famous Concorde. Special days devoted to sporting events are held on its premises. Admission costs £11 and it is certainly one of the places to visit.

Coventry Transport Museum, in Coventry, West Midlands

Here you can see the fastest experimental vehicles in the world. There are even some simulators that let visitors feel that extreme speed. There is also a good explanation of the evolution of road transport in the United Kingdom. Admission is free, so it can be a good option during a trip to the country.

Lakeland Motor Museum, in Lakeland Motor Museum

This museum also combines the automobile with aeronautics, so you can see units of Aston Martin, Jaguar and DeLorean as well as aircraft from every era. Admission is cheaper, £8 for adults and £5 for children.

Any of these museums could be a good choice for learning a little more about the history of cars and the industry in the country. Would you like to visit one of them?