A Day in the Life at the British Motor Museum

Published 22nd January 2026

09:00

A new day at the British Motor Museum, which houses the world’s largest collection of historic British vehicles open to the public. The day begins with the Learning and Engagement Officer, Claire finalising preparations for the activities ahead, carefully reviewing schedules and resources over a quick coffee. Meanwhile, colleague Jim is putting the finishing touches to the Learning Hub - the purpose-built facility, completed in 2024, with a strong focus on accessibility and inclusion. The Hub features contrasting architraves and skirting, dimmable lighting, wide doorways and a fully equipped Changing Places toilet right outside to ensure a welcome environment for everyone.

10:00

As the Learning Team don their high-vis jackets, they’re ready to greet their first group for the day. Year 2 pupils are streaming off their coach ready for their ‘Materials and Movement’ workshop - an engaging, hands-on session, designed to support the National Curriculum and get brains buzzing with ideas about materials, forces and design.

10:30

Following a brief welcome, snack and comfort stop, the children are divided into groups. Claire leads Group 1 through a Lego investigation into the materials used in automotive design, encouraging them to explore weight, tyres and aerodynamics. The students then work collaboratively to design and build their own Lego creations, aiming to produce a car that can travel the furthest down two test surfaces on the ramp: smooth tarmac and bumpy stones.

Meanwhile, over at ‘Bessie’, the Museum’s 1923 London bus, Jim adopts the role of Jim the Bus Driver. In costume and character he guides Group 2 to explore the materials Bessie is made from, the significance of British Ash versus steel and solid rubber tyres (very uncomfortable!). “They don’t make ‘em like they used to!” he cries. The session culminates in dressing up as drivers and bus conductors and the children climb aboard Bessie to experience 1920s transport. After 45 minutes, the groups swap over.

10:45

Back at the Hub, Thomas and Moira are facilitating sessions for secondary school students called Engineering Apprentices. First, Moira explores the dynamics of tyre technology and pit stops in motorsport using the Museum’s 1:12 scale Jaguar D-type RC cars. Students even handle real F1 tyres! Working in teams, they compete to perform the fastest pit stop on their RC cars before testing their driving skills on a custom-built track to hone their control and strategy.

Meanwhile, Thomas leads an interactive tour of the motorsport vehicles and students are introduced to Sir Jackie Stewart’s March Ford 701 Tyrell F1 car from the 1970s and the Monte Carlo Rally winning Mini Coopers from the 1960s. They explore the science and innovation behind motorsport success including lightweight materials and aerodynamic shapes before getting to sit in a 1909 Albion A6 for a photo opportunity.

12:30

A brief lunch break allows everyone to recharge before the afternoon sessions commence. Priorities include helping to safeguard additional comfort breaks and, most importantly, getting the kettle on!

13:00

In the afternoon, the primary children enjoy rides around the Museum’s site in a 1960 Standard Ensign. The secondary students take on a fast paced Wheel Change Challenge and explore the Collections Centre, home to 200 more vehicles and the Museum’s Restoration Workshop.

In the office, Family and Lifelong Learning Officer Emma focuses on developing the Museum’s school holiday programmes. These STEM-themed activities, included free with Museum admission, involve interactive trails, craft or coding workshops, family friendly-tours or even science shows featuring resident boffins Professor Pickle and Dr Pumpkin. Emma also prepares for upcoming community visits, which offer object handling sessions and tailored Touch and Access Tours for those with additional needs of all ages.

14:00

As the final coach departs, the Learning Team turns their attention to planning for the next day. Tasks include resetting spaces and developing bespoke workshops and tours for a wide range of audiences from ages 3 to 93! These could include Lego engineering sessions, complex curriculum-linked activities for GCSE students and flexible sessions for those with SEND. At the British Motor Museum, every day is different!

For further information or to book a visit, please contact:

• Learning and Engagement Officer Claire (school, college and university visits) via learning@britishmotormuseum.co.uk
• Family and Lifelong Learning Officer Emma (families and community visits) via community@britishmotormuseum.co.uk