Motor museums reopen as restrictions ease

The British Motor Museum and National Motor Museum have both reopened as England’s lockdown measures were relaxed on 4 July, and have implemented new procedures to reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19.

Tickets for admission are not only available by booking online, but both museums offer free access to Guild of Motoring Writers if members call in advance of their visit.

The British Motor Museum and National Motor Museum opened their doors from Saturday, 4 July.

The British Motor Museum is currently open from Friday to Monday and is limiting visitor numbers, hence the need to book in advance. Gift Aid Annual Pass holders will still need to book a ticket, but will not be charged.

The National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, is open every day, but still requires visitors to follow government safety advice for social distancing.

Beaulieu has reopened with a new exhibition – the Toys of Your Childhood – showcasing more than 800 toy cars and pedal cars to celebrate miniature motoring memories.

Brooklands Museum, in Weybridge, remains closed for the time being, but is preparing to reopen during August.

Meanwhile, Haynes International Motor Museum, in Yeovil, is expected to reopen in the autumn, with the lockdown presenting an opportunity to bring forward refurbishment activities.

Two significant projects began in April: the construction of a new 500-space car park at the rear of the building and the re-roofing and renovation of two large exhibition halls within the museum.

The re-roofing and subsequent development of the museum halls will result in several new exhibitions, including an exhibition on Museum founder John Haynes OBE as well as the two already planned new exhibitions of Williams F1 and Ferrari.

The museum says the new car park facilities are essential to accommodate increasing visitor numbers and to host the popular Haynes Breakfast Clubs, as well as boost its capacity to accommodate parking for conference visitors.