Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection — Attraction in Cotswold District

This is an impeccably delightful and insightful museum and is one of the best motor museums in the South of England that presents motor cars, toys and other memorabilia fantastically well. Housed in what appears to be an Old Cotswold Stone Mill building, which adds to the character of the place there are 8 rooms to see which is mostly packed full of motor cars and other associated memorabilia and there is one room full of toys from yesteryear all of which are presented in outstanding fashion and easy to understand and as you can go around it is like going through a cave full of motoring treasures. The Motor Cars that are on show include a Fiat Topolino, Morris Minor, Morgan Super Sports with an intriguing set of 3 wheels, a range of MG Motor Vehicles, a range of Austin Motor Vehicles, a range of Riley Motor Vehicles, Volvo P1800 & Triumph Super Seven all of which are in phenomenal condition and there are informative displays about each vehicle where and how they were made and there speeds on the roads. There are a few motorbikes on show and these include an ABC Motorised Scooter, Brough Superior SS80, Indian V-twin 680cc, P&M Panther & Royal Enfield 1939, Suzuki GT 185 & a Vespa Scooter 42L2 and again all of these are in tremendous condition and very well presented. Other items of note is the small display of Caravans which you can view inside and get a taste of what life was like from yesteryear and you can all see signs and posters from yesteryear to take in more great nostalgia. There is also interesting displays on how society evolved from using horses to cars as a means of travel and the processes involved in that and also there is also some interesting information about how car garages were set up and how they provided services to motor car owners. The museum also has the recognition of having sections and memorabilia dedicated to the famous children's TV Series Brum and is only place to do so. On your way around the museum you can also enjoy beautiful views of The River Windrush which runs alongside the museum and makes for a very idyllic setting. The last room you go through is dedicated to toys from yesteryear and the toys that can be seen are aeroplanes, cars, Pedal cycles and Boats all of which are again magnificently presented and give you a taste of the toys you enjoyed from your childhood. Overall this is a spectacular and outstanding place to visit and makes for a very memorable nostalgic day out to take an enjoyable trip down Memory Lane. Well worth if visiting...

Review of the Cotswold Motoring Museum at The Old Mill, Bourton-on-the-Water*

The Cotswold Motoring Museum, housed in The Old Mill in the idyllic village of Bourton-on-the-Water, is a hidden gem for car enthusiasts and history lovers alike. From the moment you step inside, you’re taken on a nostalgic journey through the golden age of motoring, with an impressive collection of vintage cars, motorcycles, and memorabilia.

The museum’s exhibits are beautifully curated, offering a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of British motoring. Classic cars from different eras are meticulously restored, showcasing everything from early 20th-century models to post-war classics. You’ll find yourself marveling at the iconic vehicles on display, such as the timeless Morris Minors, the elegant Austin Sevens, and even the famous "Brum" car from the beloved children's TV series—adding a fun element for younger visitors.

What really sets this museum apart is the attention to detail and the atmosphere it creates. The old-world charm of The Old Mill adds to the experience, with the displays spread across various rooms and levels, each filled with not just vehicles, but also period-specific signage, petrol pumps, and motor-related artifacts. The displays are interactive and informative, making it a learning experience for both motorheads and casual visitors alike.

In addition to the cars, the museum offers a wonderful sense of nostalgia, with sections dedicated to vintage caravans, retro toys, and even old-fashioned shops. It’s a place where memories come flooding back for older generations, while younger visitors are given a window into the past.

The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, always willing to share interesting facts and stories behind the exhibits. The museum’s layout encourages exploration, and you could easily spend a couple of hours soaking in the rich history of motoring.

Located right by the river in one of the Cotswolds’ most picturesque villages, the Cotswold Motoring Museum is a must-visit. Whether you’re passionate about cars or simply looking for a unique way to spend an afternoon, this museum delivers a delightful blend of education, entertainment, and nostalgia in a...

Been visiting for absolutely years, but this time round left us a little disappointed.

Brum has been moved so he isn't parked where he was on TV. The kids were disappointed, and so were the family that was behind us. It makes the whole thing less believable. More annoyingly though, he has been moved to where kids can touch, and is no longer behind a barrier. I note that he already has a damaged light/eye now which is seriously disappointing. The museum should be cherishing this, and not allowing it to be so reachable by young children. Why they had to move it is beyond me and really does ruin the whole Brum experience. Brum is what makes this place special, and i really fell like they are moving away from it.

The shop has been refurbed into a corporate style, bland generic place. Full of generic toys that you could find anywhere. What made this place special was the fact they had some really quite nice custom made products in the stop. Its all tat now that you could find at toys 'r' us or smiths.

Where are all of the Brum merchandise? They used to have t-shirts, various mugs, coasters etc etc. Noticed they were low on stock last year, but this year they have almost non ad dont seem to be stocking. We visited over 10 times last year, and enjoyed every time. It used to be a local treasure but it has certainly lost its appeal and I will be unlikely to come again. If you want a generic car museum - plenty of better ones to chose from.

The staff are great though, it...