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Places of Interest to Motoring Enthusiasts
Just click on the highlighted links below, or the quick-link logos on the right, to connect to the relevant web site
Racing Circuits
Castle Combe : Conveniently situated near the M4 motor way this track is host to a variety of activities such as single seater, saloon car and motorcycle racing. A venue for club meetings and with its own racing school you can get behind the wheel yourself to experience the thrill of driving a variety of cars such as Formula Ford and follow in the wheel tracks of Mansell, Hill, Irvine and Coulthard
Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb : Founded by the Midland Automobile Club in 1905 this 1000 yard hill climb is the oldest motor sport venue still held on its original course. The first record set, by Ernest Instone in a 35 horsepower Daimler was 77.6 seconds. The latest record is 24.56 seconds set on 8th. June 2003. With the lease soon to expire this venue is looking for support to secure its future. Please visit the site and follow the link to see further details.
Prescott Speed Hill Climb : See some of the country’s fastest racing and sports cars at speeds of up to 110 mph on this 1127 yard course. Also visit the Bugatti Trust (open Sundays on event weekends, and Monday to Friday 10.30-3.30 - admission free)
Museums
Museum of British Road Transport : In the heart of Coventry, the birthplace of British motoring history, this museum is undergoing a major reconstruction. Free to enter you will find a large collection of historic to modern vehicles including the star attractions of THRUST II and THRUST SSC with a simulated ride and visual presentations of the record breaking land speed attempt. The collection includes a De Lorean (Back to the future fame) and a comprehensive display of the history of cycles. Also experience how it felt to be in Coventry during the Blitz with a walkthrough reconstruction complete with sound and smoke effects. The modern city of Coventry, with the famous cathedral and statue of Lady Godiva, is on the doorstep. Well worth a visit.
National Motor Museum : A purpose built museum in Beaulieu,Hampshire in the heart of the New Forest with a whole range of activities for the whole family, including monorail, open top bus ride, extensive collection of around 250 historic vehicles and a host of attractions including the Palace House itself. This is a must-see attraction for everyone interested in motoring history. See record-braking cars such as The Golden Arrow and Bluebird, visit ‘Jack Tuckers 1930’s Garage’ and sit back and take a ride on the futuristic pod through 100 years of motoring history. If you haven’t been yet then your missing out on a great experience. Beaulieu is also host to the famous Autojumble and Automart with other special events held during the year.
Haynes Motor Museum : Of Haynes Car Manual fame this museum, situated in Sparkford near Yeovil in Somerset, boasts a collection of vehicles from the tiny ill-fated Sinclair C5 to the massive million dollar Model J Duesenberg to super cars such as the awesome Lamborghini Countach. You will see the ‘Hall of Motorsport’ containing such cars as Graham Hills (Damons dad) Lola Cosworth F1 car to the karts used by Princes Harry and William. There is a 70 seater Video Cinema and the ‘Guinevere Restaurant’ for light refreshments or home made meals or if you prefer a picnic area. Experience 100 smiles per hour.
Heritage Motor Centre : Set in the heart of Warwickshire, you can see the largest collection of classic, vintage and veteran British cars in the world. Rides for children (weekends and school holidays) include a Children’s Roadway for 3-7 year-olds and go-karts for older ones. There is also a 4x4 Experience and a nature reserve. The centre is located in 65 acres at Gaydon, Banbury and also include the usual cafe and gift shop.
Brooklands : The Birthplace of British Motorsport and Aviation. The world’s first purpose-built Motor Racing Circuit constructed in 1907 at Weybridge, Surrey by local landowner Hugh Locke King. With exhibitions ranging from Brooklands racing cars to aviation greats like the Wellington bomber ‘R’ rescued in 1985 from Loch Ness, a BAC 1-11 airliner and Vickers VC 10 and much more. A number of buildings, with exhibitions, have been restored to their former glory.
If you are interested on joining us on a visit to any of the above, perhaps you could get together with some friends to try a taste of motor racing tuition for instance, why not contact us at bob@southwaleschauffeur.com
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