Overview

The great staff and volunteers really make this place special, always someone there to give more explanation and tell lively interesting stories about the exhibits. Superb lunch in the (very well themed atmospheric) cafe really added to the pleasure of the day - can highly recommend the roast pork! A good variety of different types of exhibit so we didn’t get bored, though we were pretty tired by end of day…

Transport & Parking

There are 2 lots of disabled parking, some spaces right by main buildings accessed from back entrance, and others in main car park, only a little further to walk. Our sat-nav took us to the back entrance so we used that parking on this visit, the only snag was I then had to walk back some distance to the Shop by the other entrance, to pay our admission fee - would have been a bit tricky if solo disabled person arrived without able-bodied carer - think the helpful staff would have found a solution though.

Access

Nearly all the main exhibition halls and the motoring stuff is very accessible, the aviation part is more difficult for obvious reasons, Martin was lucky to be able to manage the steps to see inside the Vickers Varsity, and even got into the cockpit - absolutely fascinating, with loads of extra info from the volunteer guide Pretty good signage and they also give you a map, the site layout is pretty easy to understand. Lots of separate buildings and areas, best not to attempt to see everything in one day, just do some parts more thoroughly and leisurely, and save some for second visit, Our personal favourites this time were the Barnes Wallis Stratosphere Chamber and all the historic buildings etc from when this place was the birthplace of motor racing and early aviation… other visits we’ve loved the chance to be driven on the historic racing circuit banking in heritage car (weekends/high season)

Toilets

Martin doesn’t really need accessible loo, can usually manage ordinary gents if step free, but he did use a couple during the day and they seemed fine

Staff

Without exception, friendly kind and helpful. Volunteers enthusiastic and well informed

Anything else you wish to tell us?

We will definitely go back… always more to see! A good way to let the rush hour traffic clear before your onward journey, after museum closes, is to drop in at the nearby Brooklands Hotel (opposite Mercedes-Benz World) for a (soft!) drink or snack. Prices are high but it’s comfortable and rather glamorous.

Photos