Museum named as Britain’s Best Classic Car Destination

The Lakeland Motor Museum is celebrating after being named as Britain’s BEST classic car destination.

Readers of the country’s biggest-selling classic car magazine, Practical Classics, originally nominated the popular attraction as one of their 30 favourite places to take classic cars earlier this year. A public vote then confirmed the top ten, with the team from Practical Classics making an epic 2000-mile road trip around Britain earlier this month to visit each location and decide the ultimate winner.

It’s a double celebration for the Lakeland Motor Museum, which is marking its 40th anniversary this year. In the last four decades, the attraction has welcomed 1.5 million visitors and is now one of the North’s leading heritage attractions, with a unique collection of 30,000 exhibits, including well over 150 classic cars and motorbikes.

The Practical Classics roadshow earlier in the year

Pictured: Some of the vehicles and customers who welcomed the Practical Classics tour earlier in the year

Director of the Lakeland Motor Museum, Les Micklethwaite, says, “This is a fantastic accolade and is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of a team who are committed to telling the story of a diverse motoring heritage in an interactive and accessible way. The Museum has beaten a variety of other iconic classic car destinations and it is particularly fitting to receive this honour in our Ruby Anniversary year.”

Danny Hopkins, David Bond and Les Micklethwaite at the presentation of the award

Pictured: left-right: Danny Hopkins (Practical Classics Editor), David Bond (Managing Director, Footman James), Les Micklethwaite (Director, Lakeland Motor Museum)

Practical Classics Editor, Danny Hopkins, adds, “The Lakeland Motor Museum was voted the best by everyone within our team and sponsors, beating some top-class competition. The thing that really struck me during our recent visit was not just the rich motoring heritage on display, but also the friendly, informal atmosphere in this special riverside location. The enthusiasm and warm welcome from both visitors and staff has made the Museum our ultimate winner!”

“It’s also surrounded by beautiful countryside, meaning the drive to the Museum is part of the fun and to top it all, the Museum is next-door to the most wonderful café – the best we experienced on our tour.”

David Bond, Managing Director at Footman James who sponsored the award commented, “We had a fantastic time on tour with the Practical Classics team and are honoured to present the award for Britain’s Best Classic Destination to Lakeland Motor Museum. The museum fought off some tough competition throughout the tour, but was the perfect winner for the award; bringing nostalgia back with its stunning classics on display and knowledgeable staff! They are truly a well-deserved winner.”

Pictured: The award at the museum