Come Our new and improved service will be offering the following pre-arranged sessions as well as the options of having a tailor-made session or carrying out a self-led visit.
Key Stage 1
‘Journeys through Time’
Come and journey through the history of cars. Experience what it was like to own one of the first cars and to have driven on Victorian roads through exciting costumed role-play. Explore our collection of over 150 vehicles including a 1920s London bus complete with conductor! Learn how cars have changed the way we live our lives over the last 100 years.
‘Motoring Materials and Moving Forces’
Have you ever seen a car with wooden wheels or leather doors? We have! Explore materials, their properties and how they have been used to make cars both old and new. Play Interactive games, test different road surfaces and tour the Museum’s historic collection. Children also experience what it is like to control their own vehicle with a ride on our electric Miniature Roadway.
Key Stage 2
‘Made to Measure to Mass Production’
Why do some cars have large wheels and some small? What is a 4×4 and how do we use it? Learn about the history of the motor car and how they have been made in Britain for more than 100 years. Test the theory of the production line in a race against time. Feel the power of a Landrover Defender with a ride on our 4×4 Experience.
‘Wheels of War’
Discover what life was like on the Home Front during WWII and how the transport industry adapted to cope with the changes. Become a member of the Riley family and watch Dad go off to war while Mum goes out to work. Learn how to interpret primary sources from our archive collection and experience the dangers of the Blackout.
Key Stage 4
’1st Drive’
A real driving experience; Drive a dual-controlled Landrover Freelander under supervision, ride on the 4×4 Experience and have a go on the Centre’s Go-Kart Track. Driving is great fun but can also be very dangerous. Experience the effect of a 20mph collision and appreciate the importance of wearing a seatbelt on our ‘seatbelt sled’. Learn the basics of car maintenance and tour our unique collection of over 150 historic vehicles.
‘Fashion vs. Function’
Follow the process of designing and building a car from start to finish and examine how new ideas and fashions can change the way we perceive our vehicles. Tour our collection of historic vehicles including concept cars and prototypes that never made it in to production. Using original archive footage, see how the Austin Mini was transformed from family car to fashion icon and how that image influenced the future of the brand.