Lakeland Motor Museum

Lakeland Motor Museum
Name	Lakeland Motor Museum
Location	Backbarrow, Cumbria, England
Established	1978
Type	Transport museum

Lakeland Motor Museum The Lakeland Motor Museum is a transport museum in Backbarrow, Cumbria, England that houses a large private collection of automobiles, motorcycles and motoring memorabilia. Founded by collector Donald Edwards and later relocated to the former Moccasin Mill site near the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, the museum attracts visitors interested in British Leyland, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Aston Martin and Jaguar heritage. It occupies a heritage industrial complex close to Windermere and the Lake District National Park.

History

The collection began in the 1970s with acquisitions associated with Donald Edwards, inspired by postwar preservation movements linked to institutions such as the British Motor Museum and the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu. The museum originally opened in Grange-over-Sands before moving in 2010 to refurbished mills in Backbarrow, adjacent to the Kendal–Haverthwaite transport corridor and the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway. Its relocation involved partnerships with local authorities including Cumbria County Council and heritage organisations like Historic England and the Heritage Lottery Fund. Over time the museum expanded with loans and donations from private collectors linked to marques such as MG, Triumph, Morris Minor, Vauxhall, Austin and Mini. Exhibition development has referenced museological standards from the Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester and curatorial practices at the Science Museum, London.

Collection

The museum's holdings comprise veteran, vintage and classic cars, an extensive array of motorcycles and assorted motoring ephemera including petroliana, advertising signage and motoring culture artefacts. Notable marques represented include Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Lotus, Bristol, Singer and Alvis. The motorcycle selection contains examples from Triumph, Norton, BSA, Royal Enfield, and Velocette. The archive also holds rally and race-related items referencing events such as the RAC Rally, the Rallye Monte Carlo, the Isle of Man TT, and drivers associated with Sir Stirling Moss, Mike Hawthorn, Jackie Stewart and Jim Clark. Documentation and technical manuals link the collection to engineering firms like Leyland Motors, Aston Martin Lagonda Limited and Jaguar Cars.

Exhibits and Galleries

Display galleries are arranged thematically to showcase industrial heritage alongside leisure motoring culture. Period street scenes feature advertising from brands such as Esso, Shell and BP while motorsport displays reference teams like Team Lotus and Cooper Car Company. Special galleries recount British automotive design movements exemplified by Pininfarina, Ghia and coachbuilders including Park Ward and H.J. Mulliner & Co. Temporary exhibitions have highlighted topics tied to the Second World War, postwar austerity and the 1950s boom, drawing parallels with national collections at Imperial War Museums and thematic loans from private archives linked to E-type Jaguar restorations. Interactive exhibits relate to engineering concepts from firms such as Rolls-Royce Holdings and Leyland Trucks.

Visitor Information

The museum is located near Windermere accessible from the A590 road and public transport connections via the Windermere railway station and the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway. Amenities include on-site parking, a museum shop stocking books from publishers like Haynes Publishing and souvenirs linked to marques such as MG Car Club and Jaguar Enthusiasts' Club. Opening hours vary seasonally; visitors often combine visits with attractions including the Beatrix Potter Gallery, Tarn Hows and the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction. Accessibility information is provided in line with guidance from accessibility frameworks and local visitor services coordinated by VisitEngland.

Events and Education

The museum runs temporary exhibitions, themed displays and special events tied to anniversaries of manufacturers such as Aston Martin and Rolls-Royce, and commemorations associated with the RAC and historic rallies. Educational outreach includes school programs aligned with curricula referenced by Department for Education topics in science and design and technology, youth workshops linked to STEM initiatives, and talks hosted with experts from University of Warwick automotive history researchers and conservators from institutions like the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu. Community events collaborate with groups such as the Veteran Car Club and local history societies in Cumbria.

Conservation and Restoration

Conservation follows protocols influenced by standards set by The National Archives (UK) and practical restoration techniques employed by specialists who have worked with marques including Bentley Motors Limited and Aston Martin Lagonda. The museum undertakes preventive conservation of metalwork, leather, paint and papers, using materials and methods comparable to those at the Science Museum Group and workshops collaborating with independent restoration firms and volunteers from clubs such as the Historic Motoring Forum. Restoration projects have involved mechanical overhaul referencing period manuals from Lucas Industries and bodywork conservation aligned with practices at the British Motor Museum.

Category:Museums in Cumbria Category:Automobile museums in England