Cravens Motocycle Museum
A passionate private collection of classic British motorcycles and motoring memorabilia, hidden in a quiet York suburb.
Tucked away in a quiet York suburb, Cravens Motocycle Museum is a personal treasure trove of classic British motorcycles, lovingly curated by Dick Craven. The collection spans from the 1920s to the 2000s, featuring iconic brands like BSA, Norton, Vincent, and Matchless, many of which appeared in the long-running ITV series Heartbeat. Open on select Sundays from spring to autumn, this small, cash-only museum offers an intimate, nostalgic dive into motorcycling history, surrounded by a mountain of motoring memorabilia.
A brief summary to Cravens Motocycle Museum
- Brockfield Villa, Stockton Ln, York, Stockton on the Forest, YO32 9UE, GB
- +441904400493
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Budget
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Bring cash only – the museum does not accept card payments.
- Check the official website or call ahead for current opening times, as the museum is only open on select Sundays.
- Children under 12 usually enter free, making it a budget-friendly outing for families with older kids.
- Allow time to explore the motoring memorabilia – the collection of signs, tools, and vintage items is as fascinating as the bikes.
- Combine your visit with a ride or drive through the surrounding countryside to fully appreciate the bikes’ heritage.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car
From central York, drive northeast along the A1036 towards Haxby, then follow local roads into Stockton on the Forest. The museum is located in a residential area off Stockton Lane; on-street parking is available nearby. Journey time is around 15–20 minutes depending on traffic.
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Taxi / Ride‑hailing
A taxi or ride‑hailing service from central York to the museum takes approximately 15–20 minutes. The drop‑off point is on Stockton Lane, close to the residential entrance where the museum is located.
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Bus
Take a local bus from York city centre towards Haxby or Stockton on the Forest; alight at a stop near Stockton Lane and walk about 10–15 minutes to the museum. Check local timetables as services are infrequent, especially on Sundays when the museum is open.
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Bicycle
From York city centre, cycle northeast along the A1036 or quieter back roads towards Haxby and Stockton on the Forest. The route is mostly flat and takes about 30–40 minutes; secure bike parking is available near the museum entrance.
Cravens Motocycle Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Cravens Motocycle Museum
A Personal Passion on Two Wheels
Cravens Motocycle Museum is not a grand institution but a heartfelt, private collection brought to life by Dick Craven, a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast. Housed in a modest setting near York, the museum feels more like stepping into a passionate collector’s garage than a formal exhibition space. Every bike on display tells a story, from pre-war machines to late 20th-century classics, reflecting decades of British engineering, design, and road culture. The atmosphere is unpolished and authentic, with bikes arranged in a way that invites close inspection and conversation rather than sterile observation.Icons of British Motorcycling
The heart of the collection lies in its classic British marques: BSA, Norton, Vincent, Matchless, and others that once dominated British roads and racing circuits. Many of these machines are not just static displays; they are well-maintained, often roadworthy examples that have been carefully restored. A particular highlight for fans of British television is the presence of bikes used in the long-running ITV series Heartbeat, which adds a layer of pop-culture nostalgia to the mechanical history. Whether you’re drawn to the raw power of a Vincent or the elegant lines of a Norton, the collection offers a tangible connection to an era when motorcycles were central to everyday life and adventure.More Than Just Bikes
Beyond the motorcycles, the museum is packed with a mountain of motoring memorabilia – from vintage signs and petrol pumps to old tools, helmets, and ephemera that evoke the golden age of motorcycling. This cluttered, treasure-hunt feel is part of its charm, encouraging visitors to linger and discover small details in every corner. The space is intimate, allowing for a relaxed pace, and the owner’s evident passion is often shared through informal chats with visitors, making each visit feel personal and unique.Visiting the Collection
The museum operates on a seasonal, limited schedule, typically opening on the first Sunday of each month from April to October, plus occasional special events. Entry is a modest fee, payable in cash, and children under 12 usually enter free, making it a family-friendly outing for older children and teens with an interest in machines. Because opening times can change and the museum is small and privately run, it’s wise to check the official website or contact the museum directly before making the trip. The location is residential, so parking is on-site or nearby in the quiet streets of Stockton on the Forest, and the experience is best suited to those who appreciate niche, enthusiast-driven attractions over polished, large-scale museums.A Niche Gem for Enthusiasts
Cravens Motocycle Museum stands out not for its size or grandeur, but for its authenticity and depth of character. It’s a place where the love of motorcycles is palpable in every detail, from the gleaming chrome of a restored BSA to the faded paint of a decades-old sidecar. For motorcycling fans, historians, or anyone curious about 20th-century British transport, it offers a rare, unfiltered glimpse into a world that’s often romanticized but rarely experienced so intimately. It’s less a destination for casual tourists and more a pilgrimage site for those who feel the rumble of a classic engine in their bones.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Walmgate Bar
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Roman Column
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York Gifts and Souvenirs
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Petergate House
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Murton Park
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Piglets Adventure Farm
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Foss Fairy Trail
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York
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Peasholme Grn
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St Cuthbert's House of Prayer
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Red Tower
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St Anthonys Garden
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York City Walls
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Monk Bar
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City Wall Walk
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The Golden Slipper
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Essential places to dine
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Forest
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Fat Hippo York
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Il Paradiso Del Cibo
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Village Shop
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Uniquely Local Experiences
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The Knutti Store, a Viking Trading Post
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York Minster Shop
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SOCTOPUS
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PRYZM
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Quirky
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Retro Vibes
- Vintage Styles
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Business Friendly
