Name: Lakeland Motor Museum
Rating: 5.0

Lakeland Motor Museum

Lakeland Motor Museum, Old Blue Mill, Backbarrow, Ulverston, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

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Description

The Lakeland Motor Museum is a vast and engaging attraction that brings over 100 years of motoring history to life. Located in Backbarrow, near the southern tip of Lake Windermere, it houses a collection of more than 30,000 exhibits, ranging from classic cars and motorbikes to unique memorabilia. It is widely considered one of the best things to do with kids in the Lake District if you are looking for an educational day out that appeals to all generations.

Prices for standard entry start from £7.90 for children and £13.25 for adults, while children under the age of 5 can enter for free. For families, a dedicated ticket is available for £36.00, covering two adults and up to three children, offering great value for a full day of exploration.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines nostalgia, engineering, and local heritage, this museum is a top-tier choice. The spacious indoor galleries make it a reliable option for all-weather fun, featuring everything from a 1920s garage recreation to world-record-breaking speed machines.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Interactive Learning: Children can participate in a museum quiz trail, searching for clues among the exhibits to earn a souvenir medallion.
Educational Day Out: The collection is presented in a social context, teaching kids about how people lived, worked, and travelled throughout the 20th century.
Sensory Exhibits: Walk through reconstructed period shops and a garage, complete with authentic signs and smells from a bygone era.
Inclusive Access: The museum is all on one level, making it easily accessible for buggies and visitors with limited mobility.

Top 5 Highlights

Campbell Bluebird Exhibition: This dedicated gallery celebrates the record-breaking achievements of Sir Malcolm and Donald Campbell. Children will be awed by the full-sized replicas of the Bluebird K7 jet hydroplane and the 1935 Blue Bird car.
The 1920s Garage: A meticulously recreated vintage garage that makes you feel like you've stepped back in time. It’s a great spot to show kids how cars were repaired before computers took over.
Isle of Man TT Tribute: This section features a stunning collection of motorbikes, including record-breaking electric superbikes. It's a high-octane display that fascinates young fans of two-wheeled racing.
The Amphicar: A quirky vehicle that can both drive on roads and swim in water. Kids find the idea of a "car that swims" hilarious and fascinating.
Pedal Car Collection: A huge variety of vintage pedal cars are on display, showing what "driving" was like for children in the past.

Facilities

Food & Drink: The award-winning Café Ambio is located on-site, serving hot meals, cakes, and riverside views.
Toilets: Modern toilet facilities are available, including accessible options.
Buggy Parking: The museum is spacious and buggy-friendly throughout.
Gift Shop: A well-stocked shop sells models, games, and nostalgic motoring gifts.

Pro-Tips for Parents

Beat the Crowds: Arrive before 11:00 am on weekends to enjoy the galleries while they are quieter.
Combined Tickets: If you plan to visit the aquarium or take a boat trip, buy a combined ticket at the museum reception to save significant money.
The Quiz: Don't forget to ask for the children's quiz at the entrance; it's the best way to keep kids focused as you walk through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lakeland Motor Museum worth it for toddlers? Yes, it is very accessible for toddlers as it is all on one level for buggies. While the history might be for older kids, toddlers love looking at the bright, shiny cars and the pedal car collection.
How long does a visit to Lakeland Motor Museum take?Most families spend between 2 and 3 hours exploring the main galleries and the Campbell exhibition. If you stop for lunch at the cafe, allow for a half-day visit.
Where is the best place to park for Lakeland Motor Museum? The museum has its own large, free on-site car park at the entrance in Backbarrow. There is no need to look for off-site parking.
Are there cheap indoor activities in the Lake District for kids? The Lakeland Motor Museum is one of the more affordable indoor options, especially with a family ticket. It offers hours of entertainment and education for a flat fee, making it great value for a "near me" activity.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

Nostalgic Atmosphere: Parents and grandparents love sharing stories about the cars they remember from their own childhoods.
Indoor Reliability: It is frequently cited as the perfect rainy-day activity because the entire exhibition is under cover.
Cleanliness & Layout: The museum is praised for being well-organised, very clean, and easy to navigate with children.

What Visitors Don't Like

Limited Outdoor Space: Apart from the riverside cafe seating, most of the attraction is indoors, which might not suit high-energy kids on a sunny day.
Busy Peak Times: The cafe can get very busy during the school holidays, with longer wait times for food.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adult (16+): £13.25
Child (5–15): £7.90
Under 5: FREE
Family(2 Adults + up to 3 Children): £36.00

Pricing URL: https://www.lakelandmotormuseum.co.uk/visiting/pricing

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Regarding specific hosted birthday packages. However, the museum offers private evening hire for groups of 20 to 100 people, which could be used for unique birthday celebrations. Contact [email protected] for event enquiries.

Open daily until 5:30pm.

Address: Lakeland Motor Museum, Old Blue Mill, Backbarrow, Ulverston, UK

Post Code: LA12 8TA

Council: Westmorland & Furnes

County: Cumbria

By Car: Located on the A590 at Backbarrow. Use postcode LA12 8TA. Parking is free and plentiful on-site.
By Train: The nearest main station is Ulverston. You can also reach the museum via theLakeside and Haverthwaite RailwayClick to open side panel for more information steam train.
By Bus: The X6 and 6 bus services stop at Newby Bridge, which is a short taxi ride or a longer walk away.