The Lakeland Motor Museum is a museum now located at Backbarrow, Cumbria, England which houses a collection of classic cars, motorcycles, bicycles, pedal cars and motoring related items and memorabilia and an exhibition dedicated to the land and water speed record activities of Sir Malcolm Campbell and his son Donald.
Explore our fascinating collection of over 30,000 exhibits that trace the development of road transport throughout the twentieth century - cycles, motorbikes, motor cars and automobilia.
Housed in a converted mill in the heart of the Lake District, we’re minutes from Lake Windermere and offer joint tickets with Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.
Much more than just a motor museum, our local history and period shopping displays, authentic recreations and picturesque riverside cafe makes it a great day out for the whole family.
Head down memory lane to the Lakeland Motor Museum and feast your eyes on a unique collection of 30,000 exhibits. That includes 140 classic cars and motorbikes, all carefully assembled over 50 years. Nestled in the scenic Leven Valley and open seven days a week, the Museum isn’t just about cars. The entire collection is presented in a social context, with a host of rarities to awaken some special motoring memories.
OPEN 9:30am to 5.30pm
Accessibility
We hope this information helps you plan your accessible visit to our museum and accurately describe the facilities and services which we offer all our visitors. In all areas, we've tried to clearly describe the suitability for those with disabilities but please contact us to discuss any specific access needs.
It is situated close to the southern tip of Lake Windermere at Backbarrow, adjacent to the A590, between Newby Bridge and Haverthwaite. The museum provides a ‘whatever the weather’ venue. A diverse and unique collection of some 30,000 exhibits thoughtfully collected over a period of almost 50 years has been painstakingly presented for public appreciation in fully DDA compliant, state-of-the-art premises with a beautiful riverside setting. The Lakeland Motor Museum is VAQAS accredited.
Car Parking and Arrival
Our large free car park is located immediately opposite the museum. Access to the museum is by means of crossing a small public highway. The tarmacked parking bays reserved for Blue Badge holders are less than 40m from the museum reception. Parking immediately outside the museum reception can be arranged.
Main Entrance and Reception Area
- There is a gentle slope from the main entrance gates leading to a level courtyard.
- The museum reception is at ground level and is from the courtyard with step free, level access.
- The floor surface is carpeted.
- The reception desk is located 4m from the entrance.
- The area is well lit.
- There is a low counter desk suitable for wheelchair users.
- There is a hearing loop system for deaf and hard of hearing.
- A magnifying glass, pencil and pad of paper are available, together with a wheelchair for loan.
Attraction (displays, exhibits)
- We operate a policy of continuous exhibit rotation and therefore do not offer audio tours or have interactive screens. Large print interpretation panels and audio-visual stations are strategically sited around the museum.
- There is seating at intervals around the attraction.
- The floor surface is mainly carpeted with a small area being painted concrete.
- There is good bright lighting and background music is played in a small area.
- There is an automated lift to access the first-floor display area. The lift features tactile large scale buttons and has an emergency call button if assistance is required. The lift has a 400kg maximum weight capacity so can accommodate a visitor in a wheelchair or powered scooter and a single accompanying person.
- All doors throughout the premises allow a normal width wheelchair to pass and have 76cm (30”) clearance as a minimum. Powered mobility scooters are welcome, however, larger examples require careful steering, especially on the upper stairwell/lift approaches. Speed settings should be set to a minimum whilst in the building.
Public Toilets
- The public toilets are situated on the ground floor within the museum, 40m from the reception and incorporate an accessible unisex WC. The toilets have a level entry, are well lit and the floor surface is non-slip laminate. The accessible unisex WC facility measures 230cm x 150cm (7ft 6in x 4ft 11in) and there is a lateral transfer space. As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right. The lateral transfer space is 70cm (2ft 3in). The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 45cm (1ft 5in). There is a toilet roll dispenser which is not higher than 100cm. As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides. Wall mounted and drop down rails are available. The sink is not placed higher than 74cm and the tap type is lever. The emergency call system is via Red Alarm Cord. Paper towels are available as are disposal facilities within the toilet. There is a mirror positioned at a lower level.
Catering
- The floor is wood and there is adequate space between the tables and chairs to allow for a wheelchair or pushchair.
- Service is a combination of counter service and table service.
- The café has its own toilet facilities including an accessible WC, similar to what is found in the museum.
- There is a choice of seating which includes high/low tables, easy chairs and chairs with arms. The clear height underneath the standard tables is 65cm.
- There is a printed menu on each table; a blackboard and staff are available to read, if required.
- The crockery contrasts with the colour (oak) of the tables.
- The café is spacious and well lit offering superb views over the River Leven.
- There is an outside river terrace area.
- Special dietary requirements can be catered for, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten free.
Gift Shop
- The museum reception and ticketing area incorporate a shop with a range of souvenirs. It can be accessed prior to entering the museum and when leaving the exhibition areas.
- The shop floor is level and carpeted.
- A low-level desk and counter are provided.
- The counter has a hearing loop system.
- Staff can provide assistance if required.
- There is ample room for a large wheelchair to manoeuvre
- There are tall display racks and low units accessible from a seated position.
Additional information
- Assistance dogs are welcome and water can be provided.
- Staff receive regular training including disability awareness.
- We have evacuation procedures. Should you require assistance then someone will assist you with evacuation from the building.
