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Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection

Step back in time with vintage vehicles, nostalgic toys, and the beloved Brum in the heart of picturesque Bourton-on-the-Water.

4.6

Located in the charming village of Bourton-on-the-Water, the Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection offers a nostalgic journey through 20th-century motoring history. Housed in The Old Mill, this museum features an extensive collection of vintage cars, motorcycles, bicycles, caravans, and motoring memorabilia, alongside a delightful toy collection including the famous children’s TV character Brum. It provides an engaging experience for families and enthusiasts alike.

A brief summary to Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection

  • The Old Mill, Sherborne St, Cheltenham, Bourton-on-the-Water, GL54 2BY, GB
  • +441451821255
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 10 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-6 pm
  • Friday 10 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Allow 2 to 3 hours to fully explore the museum’s extensive vehicle and toy collections.
  • Visit on a weekday to avoid peak crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience.
  • Don’t miss the Brum exhibit, a highlight for families and fans of the classic children’s TV show.
  • The museum is fully wheelchair accessible and offers SEND bags to support neurodiverse visitors.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll around Bourton-on-the-Water to enjoy the village’s charming scenery.
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Getting There

  • By Car

    Driving to the museum from central Bourton-on-the-Water takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Parking is available nearby in village car parks. Note that parking fees apply, typically around £2-£5 for a few hours.

  • By Bus

    Local bus services connect Bourton-on-the-Water with nearby towns such as Moreton-in-Marsh and Cheltenham. Bus journeys take 20 to 40 minutes depending on the route, but services are infrequent and timetables vary seasonally, so check schedules in advance.

  • By Train

    The nearest train stations are Kingham (5 miles), Shipton (7 miles), and Moreton-in-Marsh (8 miles). From these stations, taxi or local bus connections to Bourton-on-the-Water take 15 to 25 minutes.

  • On Foot

    If staying in Bourton-on-the-Water village center, the museum is a pleasant 10 to 15-minute walk on mostly flat terrain, suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.

Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection location weather suitability

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  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection

A Glimpse into 20th-Century Motoring Heritage

Nestled in the picturesque Cotswold village of Bourton-on-the-Water, the Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection is a treasure trove dedicated to the motoring history of the 20th century. The museum showcases an impressive array of vintage vehicles including cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and caravans, offering visitors a detailed look at the evolution of transportation over the decades. Alongside vehicles, the museum houses a rich collection of motoring memorabilia such as enamel signs, model kits, and original garage artifacts that evoke the spirit of motoring’s golden age.

A Charming Toy Collection and Brum’s Legacy

Complementing the motoring exhibits is an extensive toy collection featuring pedal cars, tricycles, toy buses, and aeroplanes crafted from wood and metal. A highlight for many visitors is the display of Brum, the beloved children’s television character – a small vintage car whose adventures are closely tied to the museum itself. Brum’s presence adds a whimsical and family-friendly dimension to the museum, making it especially appealing to younger visitors and fans of the TV series.

Historic Setting and Founding Story

The museum is housed in The Old Mill, a historic building that enhances the nostalgic atmosphere. Founded in 1978 by car collector Mike Cavanagh, who also appeared in the Brum TV series, the museum has been managed since 1999 by the Civil Service Motoring Association, a not-for-profit organization. This stewardship has helped preserve and expand the collection, maintaining its role as a cultural and educational hub within the Cotswolds.

An Immersive Visitor Experience

Visitors can expect a thoughtfully curated experience with exhibits arranged to evoke period-correct scenes, including vintage garage settings and advertising materials. The museum’s compact size allows for an intimate exploration without overwhelming crowds, though it can become busy during peak seasons. Accessibility is a priority, with wheelchair access throughout and special provisions for neurodiverse visitors. The museum also welcomes dogs, adding to its inclusive atmosphere.

Award-Winning Interpretation and Community Role

The museum’s dedication to engaging storytelling and educational outreach has earned it accolades such as the Heart of England Tourist Board’s Visitor Attraction of the Year in 2003 and the Museums and Heritage Award for its children’s interpretation project in 2004. It continues to serve as a vibrant cultural landmark, connecting visitors with the rich heritage of British motoring and childhood nostalgia.

Location and Surroundings

Situated in the heart of Bourton-on-the-Water, the museum benefits from the village’s quintessential Cotswold charm, surrounded by scenic landscapes and traditional English architecture. Nearby amenities and parking make it a convenient and pleasant stop during a tour of the Cotswolds, enhancing its appeal as a day trip destination for families, enthusiasts, and cultural tourists alike.

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