Brooklands Museum

Brooklands Museum
Name	Brooklands Museum
Established	1991
Location	Weybridge, Surrey, England
Type	Transport, Aviation, Motorsport

Brooklands Museum is a major transport, aviation and motorsport heritage site located in Weybridge, Surrey, on the historic grounds of the Brooklands motor racing circuit and aerodrome. It preserves and interprets the legacy of one of the world's most significant venues for technological innovation in both land and air speed. The museum's extensive collections and restored buildings tell the story of British engineering prowess from the early 20th century through to the Cold War.

History

The museum was established in 1991 to safeguard the surviving remnants of the iconic Brooklands circuit, which first opened in 1907 as the world's first purpose-built motor racing track. Founded by wealthy landowner and motorsport enthusiast Hugh Fortescue Locke King, the circuit quickly became a hub for British automotive innovation and hosted legendary events like the British Grand Prix and the RAC Tourist Trophy. During the First World War, the site was requisitioned for aircraft manufacturing, leading to the establishment of Vickers and later British Aerospace factories, which produced iconic aircraft such as the Wellington bomber and Concorde. Following the circuit's closure after World War II and the eventual run-down of aircraft manufacturing, a trust was formed to preserve the remaining structures, including the celebrated Clubhouse and sections of the original concrete banking.

Exhibits and attractions

Key exhibits span over a century of engineering history, anchored by the meticulously restored 1907 Clubhouse, which now serves as a visitor centre and period piece. The London Bus Museum, located on-site, houses a significant collection of historic vehicles from the London General Omnibus Company and London Transport. The Concorde Experience allows visitors to board G-BBDG, a pre-production model of the iconic Anglo-French supersonic airliner. Other major displays include a World War I Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2 replica, numerous Grand Prix racing cars, and interactive galleries detailing the social history of the site's workforce. Special events throughout the year include vintage race meetings, air shows, and classic vehicle rallies.

Motorsport heritage

The museum is the guardian of the physical heritage of the Brooklands circuit, preserving the most complete sections of its distinctive concrete banking, which was a pioneering feat of Edwardian engineering. The collection features iconic racing cars from manufacturers associated with the track, such as Napier & Son, Sunbeam, and Aston Martin. Notable vehicles include the 1908 Napier Railton, in which John Cobb set land speed records, and a 1929 Bentley known as "Old Number One". The site actively celebrates the drivers and engineers who competed there, including figures like Malcolm Campbell, Sir Henry Segrave, and Kay Petre, through displays and demonstrations on the remaining track sections.

Aviation collection

The aviation collection underscores Brooklands' dual identity as a major centre for British aircraft design and manufacture for over eight decades. Highlights include a Vickers Vimy replica commemorating the first non-stop transatlantic flight by Alcock and Brown, and a Hawker Hurricane representing the fighters built here during the Battle of Britain. The museum's aircraft are displayed in and around original wartime hangars and the massive Bellman Type T Hangar. The story of Vickers-Armstrongs and its successor companies is told through exhibits on bombers like the Vickers Valiant and civil aircraft such as the Vickers Viscount, illustrating the site's critical role during the Cold War and the jet age.

Site and facilities

The 32-acre site is a scheduled ancient monument, containing numerous listed buildings and structures of national importance. The most prominent are the surviving sections of the pre-First World War motor circuit banking and the 1907 Clubhouse, a Grade II* listed Edwardian structure. Original aircraft factory buildings, including the 1917 Hendy's and the World War II Wellington Hangar, house much of the collection. Facilities for visitors include a café, a museum shop, conference and event spaces, and extensive grounds used for outdoor events. The site also incorporates the Brooklands Motoring Village, a separate business park on adjacent land.

Educational programmes

The museum operates a wide-ranging learning programme aligned with the National Curriculum, offering workshops and tours for school groups focusing on STEM subjects, history, and design technology. Topics range from forces and motion, using the circuit and aircraft as contexts, to local history studies on the impact of the two world wars. The museum also provides apprenticeships and vocational training in heritage engineering and conservation skills, partnering with institutions like the University of Surrey and Brooklands College. Outreach programmes and lifelong learning lectures cater to adult learners and specialist interest groups.

Category:Museums in Surrey Category:Transport museums in England Category:Aviation museums in England Category:Motorsport museums in the United Kingdom Category:Tourist attractions in Surrey