Cotswold Motoring Museum - an antique car on display in a museum
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Cotswold Motoring Museum

4.6
·4k reviews·Bourton-on-the-Water, United Kingdom

Discover vintage cars, historic toys, and the real BRUM car in this charming Cotswolds museum.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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Cotswold Motoring Museum - an antique car on display in a museum

Cotswold Motoring Museum

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover vintage cars, historic toys, and the real BRUM car in this charming Cotswolds museum.

4.6
(4k reviews)

"A lovely nostalgic, informative and historical collection of automotive and toy history."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Meet the Real BRUM! :tv:

Don't miss seeing the actual BRUM car from the TV series – a highlight for many visitors!

🚗 Classic Car Charm :car:

Admire a fantastic collection of vintage vehicles, perfect for any motoring enthusiast.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Real BRUM Car

The Real BRUM Car

Bourton-on-the-Water

See the actual BRUM car from the beloved children's TV show, a major draw for many visitors.

Instagram
Vintage Car Collection

Vintage Car Collection

Bourton-on-the-Water

Explore a charming array of classic vehicles, from early 1900s models to 1950s beauties.

Reddit
Historic Toy Displays

Historic Toy Displays

Bourton-on-the-Water

Discover a nostalgic collection of vintage toys and memorabilia, adding another layer of charm.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Bourton-on-the-Water

Bourton-on-the-Water can get very busy, especially during peak season. Consider visiting the Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection on a weekday or during off-peak hours to avoid the largest crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience. TikTok

Embrace the Nostalgia

This museum is a treasure trove of classic cars and vintage toys, offering a delightful trip down memory lane. It's particularly special for fans of the iconic BRUM car. Instagram

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon (off-season)
Why
Quieter atmosphere
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Add these spots to your next London trip! 🇬🇧 #canterbury #londontrip #bibury #cotswolds #cotswoldslife #castlecombe #londondaytrip
@brittandmitchworldwide
97.4K likes • 813.3K views

🎯 Meet the Real BRUM! :tv:

Don't miss seeing the actual BRUM car from the TV series – a highlight for many visitors! InstagramReddit

🚗 Classic Car Charm :car:

Admire a fantastic collection of vintage vehicles, perfect for any motoring enthusiast. Instagram

Stepping back in time in the fairytale village of Castle Combe at The Manor House. #visitthecotswolds #PlacesToVisit #postcardperfect #englishcountryside #hotelsoftiktok Press stay
@julestaylorinlondon
49.9K likes • 247.6K views
• 𝑺𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒚 𝒑𝒖𝒕, 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂 𝒅𝒐𝒈 • 🚙🐾🚘 📍Cotswolds Motoring Museum & Toy Collection . . . . . #doglife #lifeisbetterwithadog #doglover #dogsuk #ukdogs #cotswolds #motoringmuseumandtoycollection #thecotswolds #cotswold_culture #dogstargram #dogswhotravel #dogswhoexplore #dogswhoadventure #museum #history #bourtononthewater #bourton #dogfriendly #dogfriendlyplaces #cockapoo #dogs #doodlesof...
rambleswithralph
73 likes • 0 views

🧸 Nostalgic Toy Treasures :teddy_bear:

Enjoy a delightful display of historic toys and memorabilia that evoke fond memories. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun :dog:

Bring your furry friend along; the museum is welcoming to dogs! Instagram+1

After the MMOC national rally we visited The Cotswold Motoring Museum in Bourton on the Water. We had a very warm welcome and got to park in front of the Museum. A great display and well worth a visit! #cotswoldmotoringmuseum #mmoc #morrisminorlowlight #morrismm #morrisminorownersclub
davidmccullough1932
58 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Meet the Real BRUM! :tv:

Don't miss seeing the actual BRUM car from the TV series – a highlight for many visitors! InstagramReddit

🚗 Classic Car Charm :car:

Admire a fantastic collection of vintage vehicles, perfect for any motoring enthusiast. Instagram

🧸 Nostalgic Toy Treasures :teddy_bear:

Enjoy a delightful display of historic toys and memorabilia that evoke fond memories. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun :dog:

Bring your furry friend along; the museum is welcoming to dogs! Instagram+1

🎟️ Value for Money :ticket:

Admission is reasonably priced, offering a good experience for the cost. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Cotswold Motoring Museum for its nostalgic charm, particularly the iconic BRUM car and its collection of vintage vehicles and toys. The friendly staff and dog-friendly policy are frequently highlighted as positives, making it a delightful experience for families and enthusiasts alike. While some find the museum small, most agree it offers good value and a memorable visit within the picturesque Bourton-on-the-Water.

"Fantastic place to visiting. They have a very nice collection of vehicles to see and some wonderful decor. It’s got a very nice vibe and feel to it for any motor fans. The staff were also very friendly and the rest of the village is great so make for a wonderful experience on the weekend. I would recommend the visit."

Alexandru Gheorghiescu

"A lovely nostalgic, informative and historical collection of automotive and toy history. It's well presented, well laid out, and staffed by very friendly and enthusiastic people. What a joy 😊.
Members of boundless (formally CSMA) get free access, but prices are reasonable for those who are not."

Chris Best

"We have been to the area a few times and finally managed to come and visit! Our son is obsessed with Brum and this was amazing to see. There were so many other interesting cars, exhibits and a play area as well. A huge thank you to the kind and caring staff at Cotswold Motoring Museum, this trip was made even more memorable because of them."

Samantha G

What People Like

Iconic BRUM car
Vintage car collection
Nostalgic toy displays

What People Dislike

Can be small
Parking can be expensive

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located in the heart of Bourton-on-the-Water. If driving, be aware that parking in the village can be expensive and busy, so allow time to find a spot. Reddit Public transport options to Bourton-on-the-Water are available, with bus services connecting to nearby towns. TikTok

Yes, there is parking available in Bourton-on-the-Water, but it can be expensive and fill up quickly, especially during peak times. It's advisable to arrive early or consider parking slightly further out and walking. Reddit

Yes, Bourton-on-the-Water is accessible by public transport. Regular bus services operate to and from the village, making it a viable destination for those without a car. TikTok

If coming from London, major routes include the M40 or M4 motorways, followed by A-roads leading into the Cotswolds. Sat-nav is recommended as rural roads can be winding. TikTok

Yes, Bourton-on-the-Water is a popular day trip destination from London, offering a taste of the English countryside. It's about a 2-hour drive, making it feasible for a full day out. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's always best to check the official website or contact the museum directly for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Instagram

Admission prices are reasonable. Adults typically pay around £9.50, with concessions for children. Members of Boundless (formerly CSMA) may get free access. InstagramReddit

While advance booking is not always mandatory, it can be a good idea during peak seasons or for group visits to ensure entry and potentially save time. Instagram

The museum is generally accessible, with some tight angles to navigate. It's well-suited for mobility scooters, allowing visitors to explore most areas comfortably. Reddit

Members of Boundless (formerly CSMA) often receive free entry. It's worth checking for any other local offers or family packages that might be available. Reddit

🎫 🚗 Onsite Experience

The museum boasts a collection of vintage cars, historic toys, and memorabilia. The star attraction is the actual BRUM car from the TV series. InstagramReddit

Yes, children often love the BRUM car and the collection of vintage toys. There's also a play area mentioned in some reviews, making it family-friendly. Reddit

Absolutely! The museum is dog-friendly, so you can bring your canine companion along for the visit. Instagram+1

Most visitors spend about an hour exploring the museum, though enthusiasts might linger longer. Reddit

Yes, there is a museum shop where you can purchase souvenirs and motoring-related items. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Bourton-on-the-Water offers numerous pubs, cafes, and tearooms. Pubs typically stop serving food around 8 pm, so plan accordingly if dining late. TikTok

The museum itself doesn't typically have a full restaurant, but it does have a gift shop. You'll find plenty of dining options in the surrounding village. Instagram

You can find traditional pub fare, light lunches, cream teas, and various international options in Bourton-on-the-Water. TikTok

Bourton-on-the-Water has lovely green spaces and riverside areas that are perfect for picnics, especially on a nice day. TikTok

Popular choices include The Old Stables for breakfast and various pubs offering classic British cuisine. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The BRUM car is a must-capture! Also, the vintage cars and the charming displays of toys offer great photographic subjects. Instagram

Generally, personal photography is allowed inside the museum, but it's always good practice to check for any specific restrictions, especially regarding flash photography. Instagram

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light and fewer crowds, making for more picturesque shots of the village and its attractions. TikTok

The village of Bourton-on-the-Water itself, with its low bridges and charming architecture, offers many beautiful photo opportunities. TikTok

Since the museum is dog-friendly, you should be able to take photos of your pet enjoying the exhibits, provided you are respectful of other visitors and the displays. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection is a fantastic spot for families. The star attraction, the BRUM car, is a huge hit with children, bringing the beloved TV character to life. InstagramReddit Beyond BRUM, the collection of vintage toys provides endless fascination, and some reviews mention a play area, making it an engaging experience for younger visitors.

It's a dog-friendly museum, so you can bring your furry family members along too! Instagram+1 The manageable size of the museum means kids won't get overwhelmed, and the mix of cars and toys keeps their attention. Bourton-on-the-Water itself is also very family-friendly, with plenty of places to eat and explore. TikTok

🚗 Car Enthusiasts

For motoring enthusiasts, this museum is a must-visit. It showcases a well-presented collection of classic cars from various eras, offering a glimpse into automotive history. InstagramReddit The presence of the actual BRUM car adds a unique, pop-culture element that appeals to a broad range of car fans.

The museum provides a good hour of exploration, with detailed exhibits that are appreciated by those with a passion for vehicles. The friendly staff and the charming village setting further enhance the experience for dedicated car lovers. Instagram

🐶 Dog Owners

If you're traveling with your canine companion, the Cotswold Motoring Museum is a great choice as it's dog-friendly. Instagram+1 Your dog can accompany you as you explore the vintage cars and toy collections.

This makes it incredibly convenient for dog owners who don't want to leave their pets behind. It's a thoughtful inclusion that enhances the visitor experience for many. Remember to keep your dog on a lead and be mindful of other visitors. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Iconic BRUM Car

For many, the highlight of the Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection is the chance to see the actual BRUM car from the beloved children's television series. This charming, quirky vehicle, known for its adventures in Bourton-on-the-Water, holds a special place in the hearts of many who grew up watching the show. InstagramReddit

Seeing BRUM in person offers a tangible connection to childhood memories and the magic of the show. The museum often features information about the car's creation and its role in the series, adding an educational element to the nostalgic experience. It's a unique photo opportunity that brings a smile to visitors of all ages. Reddit

A Journey Through Motoring History

Beyond BRUM, the museum presents a fascinating collection of vintage cars that span several decades. From early 20th-century automobiles to classic models from the 1950s, the exhibits showcase the evolution of automotive design and technology. Reddit Visitors can appreciate the craftsmanship and distinct styles of different eras, making it a treat for any car enthusiast.

The displays are thoughtfully curated, offering insights into the history of motoring. The museum's location in Bourton-on-the-Water, a picturesque Cotswolds village, adds to the overall charm of the visit. It’s a place where you can step back in time and appreciate the heritage of the automobile. Instagram

Nostalgic Toy Collection

Complementing the automotive exhibits is an extensive collection of vintage toys. This nostalgic display features a variety of playthings from different periods, evoking fond memories for many visitors. Reddit It's a delightful addition that appeals to both adults reminiscing about their childhood and children discovering classic toys.

The toy collection adds a unique dimension to the museum, offering a broader look at pastimes and popular culture. It’s a charming contrast to the larger vehicles, providing a more intimate glimpse into the past. The combination of cars and toys creates a well-rounded and engaging experience for everyone. Instagram

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