TRANSPORT MUSEUMS

You'll discover fabulous automotive history at these top touring destinations, says David Motton

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BRITAIN’S TRANSPORT HERITAGE is second to none. Some of the finest cars, buses, shipping and aircraft have been designed and made in this country.

It’s a history of which we are rightly proud, and celebrated in many specialist transport museums up and down the land. These are some of our favourites.

We've put the emphasis on four-wheeled travel, but other forms of transport are also represented in our list.

These museums are in regions worthy of more attention than a day trip, so we’ve also suggested some nearby campsites as bases for exploration.

National Motor Museum, Beaulieu

For car fanatics, there are few museums to compare with the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu.

There are more than 400 cars on display here, charting the industry’s development from the earliest days of motoring up to significant modern models.

Land-speed record machines such as Donald Campbell’s Bluebird CN7 rub shoulders with F1 racers, vehicles from famous films, and classic family saloons.

Caravanning hasn’t been forgotten! Look out for the Caravan and Motorhome Club Collection, said to be the most significant exhibition of material relating to the leisure industry in the country.

Set in the New Forest, there’s so much to see once your visit to the museum is over. Head to Exbury Gardens, visit Paultons Park, or tour by open-top bus.

There are many places to stay nearby: Roundhill is three miles from Beaulieu.

> nationalmotormuseum.org.uk

Stay at... Roundhill Campsite

> campinginthenewforest.com/ campsites/roundhill

National Railway Museum, York