Easter Activities At The Heritage Motor Centre
Published: 19th March 2005
This is the time of year classic car owners will be bringing their treasured possessions out of store for their first weekend leisure drives. What better way than to take a treasure trail through the Warwickshire countryside and visit the Heritage Motor Centre - the motor Mecca of middle England.
The Heritage Motor Centre is a 'golden Easter egg' nestled between Royal Leamington Spa and Banbury, close to junction 12 of the M40. It is home to the world's largest collection of historic British cars including marques such as Austin, Morris, Riley, Rover, Mini and more recently Armstrong Siddeley. This is no ordinary museum, this is a history of Britain on wheels, which not only looks back at the heritage of the British motor industry but also into the future.
The Centre recently opened an exciting new exhibition called Green by Design, which looks at motoring and the environment. It will interest all the family as it explains how cars have developed over the generations and provides many examples of how the motor industry is developing alternative fuelled cars for a greener future. During Easter there is a Green by Design - Children's Competition to win a ride in the world's first Hybrid Rally Car - the Toyota Prius.
Not all the displays are static; the museum has recently introduced public rides in their elegant 1937 Austin Eighteen Chalfont classic car, so visitors can experience what it was like to ride in a period car. The 'Get-Behind-the-Wheel' section also offers visitors the chance to sit in a selection of cars - a grand Edwardian 1907 Austin, an early 1906 Rover 6hp and a new MINI.
There is so much to see and do at the Heritage Motor Centre that you will be spoilt for choice. If the weather is fine there are 65 acres in which visitors can spend time exploring or having a picnic. There is a super Go-Kart track for children aged 8 and over, and adults too. Or be driven around the exhilarating Land Rover 4x4 Off-road Experience by one of the Centre's off-road drivers. Children can play on the new Adventure Trail or drive on the miniature roadway, ideal for ages 3-7 years.
Inside the Centre there is a licensed Café to relax and enjoy a light snack or a three-course meal. Conveniently situated next to the Gift Shop for souvenirs, books, posters and unusual gifts.
The museum is open daily (except 24-26 December) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entrance is £8 for adults, £7 concessions and £6 for children - under Fives are FREE. For more information logon to the website www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk
