A visit to the Haynes Motor Museum in Somerset, home to a large collection of classic and modern vehicles charting the history of the British automotive industry
Having spent a great deal of time in Somerset over the past few years, I’ve come to relish these little ‘adventures’ beyond the town of Glastonbury, seeking out local museums and curiosities tucked into the countryside. They offer something a little different from the smaller, more intimate collections in and around London – less about local history writing and more about discovering places that simply piqued my interest. This transport‑themed series grew out of recent visits to rail museums and a growing appreciation for the automobile and its remarkable transformation over the last century. And truly, you couldn’t ask for a more fitting backdrop: green open fields, wide skies, and the gentle beauty that defines Somerset, with a quiet curiosity hidden away, waiting to be found.
My Somerset transport adventure continued over the summer with a visit to the Haynes Motor Museum in Yeovil. Opened in July 1985 by John Haynes, the museum has grown into one of the country’s leading automotive attractions, housing an impressive collection of classic and modern vehicles that chart the evolution of motoring in Britain. You don’t need to be a dyed‑in‑the‑wool petrol head to appreciate it – though it certainly helps – because even from a purely historical perspective it’s a fascinating journey through the story of the car, from its origins as a luxury curiosity for the wealthy to its role as an everyday companion in modern life. Many visitors will recognise the Haynes name from the iconic technical manuals, but learning about the passion behind those books – and the man who turned that enthusiasm into a museum – adds a charming personal thread to the experience.
Situated just off the A303 near Yeovil, the museum is remarkably easy to reach, with ample parking that immediately sets a welcoming tone. The site itself began life as a disused sawmill, the museum opening in 1985 before its 2014 redevelopment transformed it into a modern, thoughtfully designed space. Its bold red‑and‑white entrance and clean architectural lines create an inviting first impression. Like Beaulieu in the New Forest, the museum sits quietly within a pocket of greenery; you wouldn’t expect a celebration of the automobile in such a pastoral setting. Yet after slipping off the dual carriageway, the landscape softens, and within moments you’re pulling into the car park, ready to step inside and begin your journey through the galleries and their eclectic collection of cars.
The Car is the Star
Arriving, naturally, by car with the sunroof open on a clear summer’s day, the museum presented a majestic sight. Modern, sleek, and inviting, it immediately captured the attention. With its racing-inspired aesthetic and futuristic design, it is a fitting home for this particular collection. Stepping inside, visitors are greeted by a display of beautiful historic cars. While this is not my particular area of expertise, I always enjoy museums that take pride in celebrating the history and legacy of their industry. The museum offers an annual ticket that allows unlimited visits throughout the year, providing a welcome compromise between a full annual pass and a single-entry ticket. The exhibition begins with a brief introduction to the family’s history and the origins of the museum before leading visitors into the main galleries, where the cars take centre stage.
There are a variety of galleries catering to different interests, from veteran and classic cars to American automobiles, racing machines, and futuristic concept vehicles. From my observations, visitors often have their own loyalties and enthusiasm for particular marques or styles of motoring. Some are drawn to the pioneering vehicles of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, while others admire the sleek red sports cars of the modern era. As a visitor with a broad interest in motoring, but without strong allegiance to any particular manufacturer, I found it fascinating to wander through the galleries and witness the evolution of this form of transport. The collection charts a remarkable journey through history, from the almost regal motor carriages that would not look out of place in a period drama, when the motor car was largely the preserve of the wealthy, to the present day, where it serves as an everyday utility for millions of people.
I will admit to admiring one or two of the sportier examples on display. Every man harbours a James Bond fantasy at some point, particularly when standing beside a polished silver Aston Martin. Yet what impressed me most was the breadth of the collection. It felt like a broad church of automotive treasures, presented in a way that remained welcoming and accessible to casual visitors rather than catering exclusively to dedicated enthusiasts. It was also a delight to be able to get up close to the vehicles. With very few barriers or restrictions, visitors are afforded the opportunity to peer inside and admire the craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into their design. Rather than feeling distant exhibits viewed from behind ropes, the cars felt tangible and personal, allowing a greater appreciation of both their engineering and artistry.
The American gallery was a particular highlight. Showcasing a diverse range of vehicles from across the United States, it provided a striking contrast to the European galleries. After spending time amongst the slimmer and more restrained European designs, the larger, wider American automobiles seemed to possess an entirely different character and sense of presence. Having spent time in the southern states, I could not help but smile at the familiar saying, “Everything is bigger in Texas.” Looking at some of these magnificent machines, it was easy to understand where that reputation comes from. Their scale, style, and confidence made them impossible to ignore, and the classic American cars on display were a real joy to behold. On reflection, as I left, my S-Cross felt rather small and understated in comparison to some of the machines housed within the museum.
Racing, Riding and Reinvention
As at Beaulieu in the New Forest, the museum also features a substantial gallery dedicated to the history of motorcycles. Overlooking the American gallery from a second level, it is somewhat tucked away and easy to miss, but it rewards those who take the time to seek it out. I will readily admit that motorcycles are not an area of transport that particularly appeals to me. Nevertheless, I have a great deal of respect for their history and legacy. In many ways, they mirror the evolution of the motor car itself. Some were designed with comfort and practicality in mind, while others possess an almost intimidating presence, looking more at home on a race circuit than a public road. It was fascinating to trace the progression of the motorcycle through the decades, from a largely utilitarian means of transport to the high-performance machines and lifestyle vehicles of the modern era.
The gallery does an excellent job of illustrating how advances in engineering, manufacturing, and design gradually transformed these machines from functional necessities into objects of aspiration and enthusiasm. Although the exhibition did not inspire me to rush out and obtain a rider’s licence, I thoroughly enjoyed exploring it. Walking amongst the displays, I could appreciate the craftsmanship, innovation, and dedication that shaped their development. Much like the automotive galleries below, it offered an engaging glimpse into a different chapter of transport history and the people whose passion drove its evolution. Directly below was another gallery highlighting that same spirit of innovation and competition, this time focusing on the evolution of Formula One racing. It represented a different kind of automotive history, less concerned with personal transport and more with the pursuit of speed, performance, and engineering excellence.
Even for visitors without a detailed knowledge of the sport, the exhibition succeeds in conveying both the glamour and technical achievement that have defined Formula One throughout its history. The progression of the cars on display was particularly fascinating, demonstrating how technology, safety, and aerodynamic design have transformed the sport over successive generations. Looking across the different eras, it was striking to see how machines built for the same purpose could appear so dramatically different. The gallery serves as a reminder that motorsport has often acted as a testing ground for innovation, with the relentless pursuit of competitive advantage driving developments that would later influence the wider automotive industry. Even without being a particular follower of Formula One, standing beside machines designed solely for speed gave an appreciation of the extraordinary engineering involved.
The tour concluded with one final gallery showcasing a collection of more unusual vehicles from around the world. These were the cars that refused to conform to conventional designs, favouring individuality and experimentation over established norms. Some appeared wonderfully eccentric, others surprisingly practical, but all were memorable examples of the creativity that has shaped automotive history. Connected to this gallery was an exhibition exploring electric vehicles and the future of the automotive industry. Whether the petrol engine ultimately becomes a relic of a bygone age within the next few decades remains to be seen, but it provided a fitting opportunity to reflect on the story of the motor car in its entirety. From its origins as an expensive curiosity and plaything for the wealthy and eccentric, through its transformation into an essential tool of everyday life, the automobile has undergone a remarkable journey.
Closing Thoughts
What makes the Haynes Motor Museum so effective is that, despite more than a century of automotive development, it demonstrates that the spirit of experimentation remains alive and well. At its heart, the car is a simple proposition: four wheels, an engine or motor, and a means of travelling from one place to another. Yet generation after generation, designers and engineers have found new ways to reinterpret that formula.
Practical? Sometimes. Questionable? Occasionally. Enjoyable? Undoubtedly.
From elegant early motor carriages and glamorous sports cars to motorcycles, racing machines, American classics, and futuristic concepts, the museum charts the story of humanity’s enduring desire to move faster, travel further, and improve upon what came before. It is a celebration not merely of the automobile, but of the ingenuity, ambition, and creativity behind it.
What lingered with me afterwards was not a particular car, but the experience itself. The bright, welcoming building, thoughtfully designed galleries, and relaxed atmosphere make it easy to spend several hours exploring at your own pace. Whether you arrive as a lifelong enthusiast or simply a curious visitor, there is plenty here to enjoy. It was a pleasure to finally cross the Haynes Motor Museum off my transport-themed bucket list. Tucked away amongst the rolling Somerset countryside, it feels like an unlikely destination, yet all the more rewarding for that. Not quite the attraction you might expect to discover among the green fields and quiet lanes of Somerset, but a hidden treasure all the same.
Thank you for reading.
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