car museums

The best UK car museums

  • A new study by temporary car insurance of the UK’s top motoring museums, identified the best to visit this summer based on popularity, value for money and visitor ratings.
  • Jim Clark Museum ranks as the top destination for motoring enthusiasts based on affordability and visitor reviews.
  • Whitewebbs Museum of Transport in Enfield and the British Motor Museum in Warwick also feature among the top five destinations for car lovers.

Whether you’re into classic cars or legendary race machines, motoring museums across the UK offer something for every car lover. And with the summer holidays just around the corner, which ones deliver the best experience without breaking the bank for families?

To find out, temporary car insurance experts Tempcover have analysed some of Britain’s top motoring museums looking at popularity, visitor reviews, and ticket prices, to reveal the must-visit spots.

The Top Five Motoring Museums For Car Enthusiasts

Topping the list of the best motoring museums to visit this summer is the Jim Clark Museum in Duns, Scotland. This interactive experience[1] combines glowing reviews (4.8 stars on Google) with wallet-friendly prices (£9.50 for adults and just £4.50 for kids).

Also earning top marks with a 4.8-star rating are the Whitewebbs Museum of Transport, the British Motor Museum, and the Dover Transport Museum. The British Motor Museum stands out not just for its collection but for its popularity, with more than 18,000 reviews from happy visitors. Rounding off the top five is the Dundee Museum of Transport, which offers great value tickets and family-friendly fun with some of the cheapest entry prices around.

Location Monthly Search Volume Google Review Rating Adult Ticket Cost Child Ticket Cost Parking Costs Overall Score
Jim Clark Museum 1,000 4.8 £9.50 £4.50 £0.00 7.41
Whitewebbs Museum of Transport 1,900 4.8 £11.50 £5.50 £0.00 7.18
Dundee Museum of Transport 1,900 4.6 £8.50 £4.50 £0.00 6.71
British Motor Museum 18,100 4.8 £17.00 £9.00 £0.00 6.71
Dover Transport Museum 1,600 4.8 £12.00 £6.00 £0.00 6.59

What to Expect From the Top Five car museums

  1. Jim Clark Museum, Duns, Scotland

Dive into the life and legacy of legendary racing driver Jim Clark through interactive displays and rare memorabilia[1].

  1. Whitewebbs Museum of Transport, Enfield Town, England

The museum offers an exciting and diverse collection of classic vehicles, motorcycles, and transport memorabilia spread across four floors. Ideal for both enthusiasts and visitors of all ages[2].

  1. Dundee Museum of Transport, Dundee, Scotland

Uncover Dundee’s transport past through the stories of local innovators and explore a broad collection of vehicles, from classic cars to trams, trains, and maritime displays, drawn from both regional and national collections[3].

  1. British Motor Museum, Warwickshire, England

Home to over 400 historic British cars, the British Motor Museum offers a family-friendly journey through the rise, fall, and revival of the UK’s motor industry, with hands-on exhibits and stories that bring its rich heritage to life[4].

  1. Dover Transport Museum, Whitfield, England

The Dover Transport Museum invites visitors of all ages to explore a collection of vintage vehicles. Step back in time with authentic old-fashioned shop displays, and enjoy a hands-on model railway for a fun family outing[5].

The Cheapest Motoring Museums For Families

If you’re looking for a great day out without breaking the bank, the Dundee Museum of Transport is the place to go. Tickets for one adult and one child cost just £13. Right behind it is the Museum of Landspeed in Carmarthen, Wales, at just £13.55. On the flip side, the priciest spots include the National Motor Museum (£48.50), Silverstone Museum (£48), and Haynes Motor Museum (£37.25), perfect if you’re after a premium experience.

Location Adult Ticket Cost Child Ticket Cost Total Adult + Child
Dundee Museum of Transport £8.50 £4.50 £13.00
Museum of Landspeed £7.30 £6.25 £13.55
Jim Clark Museum £9.50 £4.50 £14.00
Cotswold Motoring Museum £9.50 £6.50 £16.00
Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum £12.00 £5.00 £17.00

By Fergus McCarthy

Fergus McCarthy is a seasoned publishing professional with over three decades of experience in the media industry. In 1993, he co-founded Parents News, a pioneering publication aimed at providing busy parents in Southwest London with essential information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly activities. Under his leadership, Parents News quickly expanded its reach from 60,000 to 192,000 monthly printed copies, establishing additional branches in Kent, South London, Northern Ireland, and Cornwall. In 1997, recognizing the potential of digital media, Fergus helped launch Parents News UK Online, which carried digital editions of the printed publication and offered a broader range of national information. The website's popularity soared, attracting up to 700 daily hits at its peak. Although Parents News transitioned to an online-only platform in 2017, Fergus continues to play a vital role as Publisher and Advertising Manager, focusing on providing value to businesses through effective advertorials.