BROOKLANDS MUSEUM
Car Racing and Aviation History in Surrey
The Brooklands Museum is located at the site of the historic Brookland Raceway in Weybridge, Surrey, England, dedicated to the preservation and display of artifacts and information related to the history of Brooklands race track, the world's first purpose-built motor racing circuit. Today, people may be most familiar with Brooklands from an episode of the popular tv series “Downton Abbey” where Mary’s new beau was racing his Bentley at the raceway.
The history of the Brooklands Race Track dates back to 1907, when it was built by Hugh F. Locke King, a wealthy financier and racing enthusiast. The track was designed to host motor racing events, as well as other forms of motorsport such as motorcycle racing and aviation events. The track was 2.75 miles long and featured steeply banked corners, which made it a challenging and exciting venue for racing.
The track was a major center of innovation in the early days of motor racing, and many important milestones in automotive history were achieved at Brooklands. For example, the first ever motor race in the UK was held at Brooklands in 1907, and the first ever 24-hour race was held there in 1926.
During World War II, the track was requisitioned by the government and used as a training ground for pilots, and it was not until the late 1970s that efforts were made to preserve the remaining parts of the track and turn it into a museum.
The Brooklands Museum was officially opened in 1987, and today it is home to a wide variety of exhibits that tell the story of the track and the people who competed on it. Some of the highlights of the museum include:
- The Concorde Experience: Visitors can explore the inside of the supersonic jet and learn about the history of Concorde and its connection to Brooklands. Take a recorded simulated trip to supersonic speeds in the famous aircraft.
- The Brooklands Aircraft Factory: This exhibit recreates the atmosphere of an aircraft factory during World War II, and visitors can see the planes that were built at Brooklands during this time. On two levels allow a view close up the construction and advance of a variety of historic planes, and demonstration of design and manufacture.
- The Brooklands Cars: Drawing on its motor racing history, the museum has an extensive collection of cars that were built or raced at Brooklands, including some of the most famous and significant vehicles from the track's history. The layout of the museum is through the various original sheds that made up the track’s garages.
- London Bus Museum: Displays of historic transport and busses packed into a warehouse, following the history of bus lines which served London, including an experience of London Blitz Bombing.
- McClaren Driven By Design: This behind-the-scenes exhibition explores how the team at McLaren Automotive designed and developed one of the ultimate supercars, the McLaren Senna GTR, including a version of the car made entirely of Legos.
In addition to these exhibits, the museum also hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year, such as car shows, vintage vehicle rallies, and aviation events. The museum also offers guided tours and educational programs for schools and other groups.
Brooklands Museum is a fascinating and unique destination that offers visitors an in-depth look at the rich history of Brooklands race track and the people and technologies that shaped it. With its extensive collection of artifacts, exhibits, and interactive displays, the museum is sure to appeal to anyone with an interest in motorsports, aviation, or the history of technology.
Visiting Brooklands Museum
Opening Times for the museum complex: Summer Monday – Sunday 10am to 5pm, and Winter Monday to Sunday 10am to 4 pm. Last entry into the museum is 2 hours before closing. The Brooklands Museum is located opposite the Mercedes Experience Museum. Weybridge is southwest of London and south of Windsor. © Bargain Travel Europe
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Brooklands Museum
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SEE ALSO:
BEAULIEU NATIONAL MOTOR MUSEUM
LAKELAND
MOTOR MUSEUM - CUMBRIA ENGLAND
