There is a lot to take in here. If you have children (currently Children 5-16 £8-£9, Under 4 s free - but cheaper with GO CV 2025) then it is filled with activities for them to do. I think it is always like this - not just during school holidays when I visited.
There is a good range of locally built cars, bikes and motor cycles. The Jaguar 'section' brings a modernity to the historical units here, as does the Land Speed Record Thrusts 1 and 2. I was hoping to see a Jaguar C or D type but sadly not here.
There are a few tractors, light military vehicles, trucks and buses, but the vast majority of the displays are cars and (motor) bikes and cycles'. The Triumph / 1970's / 80s sections were good - the range is fairly narrow as they are Coventry or locally built models. I couldn't quite get why there were some examples from Birmingham and surrounding areas - there were a lot missing if that's the rationale. Still, better to see them than not.
It isn't as big as I thought from the outside. I like to see inside the vehicles but there were a lot where I couldn't do this, partly because of the way they were displayed - maybe not enough room? I think it was the unpainted monocoque shell of a Jaguar XJ220 hanging vertically - but I couldn't see any info on that.
Signage was generally OK. The basic floor plan map (attached) could do with a bit more detail I thought, as could some of the displays.
The 4D simulator wasn't working on my visit (30th Oct 2025)
However, apart from the small bits of nit-picking above, there were so many interesting things to see. There were several unexpected delights too. Cars using fabric instead of metal, cut-aways of cars and car parts, some really unique cars, the 85th anniversary Blitz section, a huge collection of model die-casts (e.g. Matchbox) and much more.
Definitely worth the entrance price - which is cheaper if booked online. The ticket is valid for readmission for a year. So, maybe when I come back (and I will) I will get to try the 4D simulator.
I had intended to adopt a vehicle(!), but for £100 a year, that didn't seem good value on inspection.
I also had a coffee at Baxter Baristas (enclosed in the museum. It was pretty good. The home-made cakes looked tempting too.
The toilet facilities only seemed accessible if you used the cafe?
I parked very close-by at Bishop Street Car Park CV1 1JN. Cash - i.e. change, or app only. A reasonable price for a heavily pot-holed lot. Not sure if there are any security cameras here - certainly not visible. No directions to the museum from here though and about a 4...
Read moreCoventry Transport Museum offered an unexpectedly delightful journey through the history of transportation, making it an excellent destination for families, school groups, car enthusiasts, and even those who aren't typically interested in automobiles.
From the moment you step into the museum, the extensive collection of vehicles, ranging from vintage cars to futuristic concepts, is both impressive and educational. The exhibits are well-curated, offering a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of transportation. Children, in particular, will find themselves captivated by the colorful displays and interactive elements. It's a brilliant way to spark their interest in history, engineering, and innovation.
Car enthusiasts will be in their element, surrounded by rare and iconic models. The museum showcases a diverse range of vehicles, each with its own story, offering a comprehensive overview of the automotive industry's development. It's a place where one can spend hours admiring the craftsmanship and design of different eras.
Surprisingly, even visitors who don't typically show much interest in cars or transportation history will find themselves engaged. The museum has a way of presenting information that is accessible and intriguing, turning a casual visit into an enriching experience. The layout and storytelling aspect of the exhibits make the journey through the museum both enjoyable and informative.
The museum is also an ideal place for school trips. It offers educational resources that can complement various aspects of the curriculum, from history to science and technology. The interactive and hands-on exhibits ensure that students remain engaged and interested throughout their visit.
However, the one aspect that didn't live up to expectations was the Fastest Car Simulator. Unfortunately, this feature, which promises an adrenaline-pumping experience, fell short. It lacked the excitement and realism one would hope for and did not justify the additional ticket.
The Coventry Transport Museum is a fantastic place for a family outing or an educational trip. It offers something for everyone, from enthusiastic car lovers to curious minds. The only caveat is the underwhelming Fastest Car Simulator, which, in my opinion, isn't worth the extra expense. Despite this, the museum remains a must-visit destination for an engaging and...
Read moreCoventry Transport Museum is a fantastic destination for anyone interested in the history of transport, especially the city’s deep-rooted connection to the British automotive industry. The museum houses one of the largest collections of British-made road transport in the world, featuring everything from bicycles and motorcycles to classic cars, buses, and record-breaking speed machines.
One of the biggest highlights of the museum is the Land Speed Simulator, which provides an exhilarating experience of what it feels like to break the sound barrier. It’s an exciting and immersive attraction that brings to life the speed and power of record-breaking vehicles like ThrustSSC and Thrust2, both of which are proudly displayed at the museum.
The exhibits are well-curated, with a great mix of historical information, interactive displays, and stunning vehicle restorations. The museum does an excellent job of telling the story of Coventry’s crucial role in the evolution of transport, from its early days as a hub for bicycle production to its impact on the global automotive industry.
One of the standout aspects of the museum is its staff. They are incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and always willing to share fascinating insights about the exhibits. Their enthusiasm for transport history is evident, making the visit even more engaging and informative.
The museum is also very family-friendly, with plenty of interactive elements to keep children entertained. Whether you're a car enthusiast, a history buff, or just looking for an interesting day out, Coventry Transport Museum offers something for everyone.
Overall, Coventry Transport Museum is a must-visit attraction in the Midlands. With its impressive collection, engaging displays, exciting simulator, and fantastic staff, it’s an unforgettable experience that showcases the best of British transport history. Highly...
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