Brooklands Museum

Brooklands Museum

Brooklands Museum is a treasure trove of British motoring and aviation history. As the birthplace of motorsport and home to the world’s first purpose-built racetrack, it offers an exciting glimpse into the past.

In this article, you'll learn the following:

Brooklands Museum is an iconic motorsport and aviation museum in Surrey, located at the birthplace of British motorsports. The museum occupies part of the former motor racing track’s site - the first of its kind in the world. Built in 1907, Brooklands pioneered engineering throughout the twentieth century, including aircraft design and manufacture.

Today, visitors can explore the history of Brooklands and get up close to various aircraft, cars, motorbikes and more. Whether you’re a self-confessed petrol head or are looking for a unique family-friendly day out, the exhibits at Brooklands will capture the imaginations of adults and children alike.

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Where is Brooklands Museum?

Brooklands Museum is located in Weybridge, Surrey. The address is: Brooklands Road, Weybridge KT13 0SL.

How do I get to Brooklands Museum?

Travelling by train

Getting to Brooklands Museum is easy when travelling on the South Western Railway network. The nearest train station to Brooklands Museum is Weybridge, where regular services depart to and from London. In addition, you can easily reach Weybridge by train from other locations across the south west, including Woking, Basingstoke and Hounslow.

Once you arrive at Weybridge station, Brooklands Museum is a 20-minute walk away. Alternatively, take the number 436 bus outside the station to Mercedes Benz World, then walk six minutes to Brooklands Museum.

Book your train tickets in advance to save money on travel to Brooklands Museum. With a range of ticket types available, including off-peak rates, group tickets and Railcard discounts, you could save even more on your journey.

Travelling from London

You can get a direct train from London Waterloo to Weybridge in 30 to 40 minutes, making this an excellent day out. Hop on a train at London Waterloo, Vauxhall or Clapham Junction, and you’ll get to the museum in no time!

Things to do at Brooklands Museum

Brooklands Museum exhibitions

Brooklands Museum is home to a vast collection of vehicles, aircraft and various artefacts relating to these industries, which have been split into different areas and exhibitions across the site.

Motoring Village

The Motoring Village is housed in sheds and outbuildings around the Paddock, which drivers, engineers and mechanics once used. Discover the history and stories within these buildings, from the founding of the British Grand Prix to the records broken by drivers and engineers at Brooklands.

Club House and Paddock

The Brooklands Club House was built in 1907 to accommodate race track officials. As well as administrative offices, it also had a Ladies’ Reading Room and Art Gallery, where visitors today can marvel at the impressive collection of racing memorabilia. For fans of modern-day motors, discover how the McLaren Senna GTR was designed and developed in a behind-the-scenes exhibition here.

Race Track

The Brooklands race track was one-of-a-kind in its heyday, but only parts survive today. Visitors can walk on the lower section of the track and see tyre marks left by some of motorsports’ greatest drivers.

Aircraft Park and Concorde Experience

For aviation enthusiasts, the Aircraft Park is one of Brookland’s unmissable exhibits. At Factory Square, step inside one of the original Brooklands Aircraft Factory hangars, where you’ll see examples of the aircraft made here. There’s also the original Stratosphere Chamber, used to replicate weather conditions at high altitudes during aircraft testing. Then, visit the Flight Shed exhibition to learn about the stories of the pilots and navigators who flew the aircraft built at Brooklands.

Want to know what it was like to fly in a Concorde? Check out the world’s only Concorde Flight Simulator or take a tour of the real deal outside in the Aircraft Park. Here, you can also go inside planes from the Vickers aircraft collection, which have been restored to their former glory.

Events

In addition to its permanent programme, Brooklands Museum hosts a range of special events all year round. From car clubs where owners display their beloved vintage and luxury motors to Military Vehicles Day and the Transportfest by the London Bus Museum, you’ll find events suitable for all ages and interests.

Hospitality

If you want to hire a meeting room, host a private function, have a Christmas party or get married, Brooklands Museum offers a range of hospitality packages to suit your requirements. Visit the website for more information on venue hire.

Things to do near Brooklands Museum

London Bus Museum

Opposite Brooklands Museum, you’ll find the London Bus Museum, showcasing how the capital’s most iconic mode of transport has developed from the nineteenth century to the present day. Visitors can buy combined tickets for Brooklands Museum and the London Bus Museum for a transport-filled day out.

Mercedez-Benz World

Also located across the road from Brooklands Museum is Mercedez-Benz World, offering visitors the chance to get up close with rare models. If you want to get behind the wheel, book one of their driving experiences for an adrenaline rush.

Restaurants near Brooklands Museum

There are plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat after exploring Brooklands Museum and the surrounding area. For a quick pit-stop, try Café Kix, serving sandwiches, coffee, soft drinks and snacks. In nearby Weybridge, visit Oregano Café for your morning coffee and pastry, grab lunch or dinner at The Queen’s Head for typical pub grub or visit Cantina 41 for authentic Italian food.

Places to stay near Brooklands Museum

Brooklands Hotel is located just minutes from the museum, making this the ideal place to stay. A short drive away, you’ll find a range of options to suit all budgets, including The Hand and Spear Hotel, Oatlands Park Hotels, Hilton Cobham and Premier Inn Addlestone.

Brooklands Museum accessibility

Whilst Brooklands Museum is mostly outdoors, making it largely accessible, some of the period buildings have stepped access. In addition, there is no wheelchair access to board the aircraft exhibits or the Concorde.

Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available to borrow, and assistance dogs are welcome throughout the museum. You’ll also find accessible toilets at various locations around the site and disabled parking near the main visitor entrance. For further information on accessibility at Brooklands Museum, visit their website or contact the Visitor Services team.

Looking to discover more of the South West’s best aviation attractions? Visit Bournemouth Air Festival, and find out how to get there in our handy guide.

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