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Set in the historical home of the British car industry, the Heritage Motor Centre Motor Museum has a splendid collection of classic British cars and car brands: from Wolseley pre-1900 models to state-of-the-art Aston Martins, via Rover, Austin, MG, Jaguar and MINI.
These interesting vehicles and accompanying interactive displays – some with audio – provide entertainment for the whole family, not just car enthusiasts. You can learn how cars work; find out about the MG models that helped push the boundaries of speed and endurance and marvel at a collection of weird and wonderful Land Rovers. The centre is home to several stars from films including Judge Dredd and Thunderbirds – although you may have to settle for a wheel-rubbing, instead of an autograph! You can book on arrival a 20 minute 4×4 off-road drive – the Land Rover Experience. Trained drivers expertly negotiate the gradients and rocks of the on-site off-road testing track in a Land Rover Defender or Sport (the Sport may be slightly easier for those finding transfers to high vehicles difficult).
To mark the Olympic year the centre will be celebrating British motoring record breakers, with some of the fastest, smallest, and most economical British cars on display, alongside some more outlandish vehicles. While many older children and teenagers will be entertained by a room full of gleaming cars, significant efforts have been made to amuse younger children. There is a well-thought-out museum trail, free Land Rover models to build and colour in, car-related games to play and push-around cars for toddlers to use.
Disabled parking bays are located to the left of the main entrance, immediately next to the building. At reception, three wheelchairs are available for rent and induction loops are available – including a portable one. This is also the place to pick up a push-along-car if you have a toddler in tow. The centre is completely flat, and there is enough space between cars for wheelchair users to navigate easily. Rest seats are available but may not be required, as the area to cover is not vast. A lift in the middle of the venue provides access to the mezzanine level, where temporary exhibits are often housed, and from where you can get a different perspective on all the cars below. As well as an audio tour, there are free guided tours every day at 11.15am and 2.15pm.
Food & drink: A small selection of hot and cold food is available in the Junction Twelve café on the first floor, accessible via a glass lift (to find it, exit the display room opposite the main entrance). There are a few choices of tasty hot food plus good quality sandwiches and cakes, as well as moveable tables and chairs and plenty of space.
