Lakeland Motor Museum is in the former Blue Mill at Backbarrow, near the southern end of Lake Windermere. Its collection spans cars, motorcycles, bicycles, pedal cars and motoring memorabilia, alongside displays on local industry and everyday life. Look out for the Bluebird exhibition, which tells the story of Sir Malcolm and Donald Campbell’s speed-record attempts. Recreated shopfronts and a 1920s garage add context beyond the vehicles, and the riverside café is a place to pause after exploring the galleries.
Transport through the decades
The museum occupies the former Blue Mill at Backbarrow, in the Leven Valley near the southern end of Lake Windermere. Its collection brings together more than 30,000 objects related to road transport, from motor vehicles to bicycles, pedal cars and motoring memorabilia. The displays trace changes in transport across the twentieth century and include vehicles from different eras.
Cars and motorcycles are a main draw, but the range gives the visit a broader focus. Recreated shopfronts, period displays and a 1920s garage help place vehicles in everyday settings. There are also exhibits on subjects such as the Women’s Land Army and the area’s industrial past, including the Blue Mill and local gunpowder works.
The Bluebird exhibition
A separate exhibition follows the speed-record efforts of Sir Malcolm Campbell and his son Donald. It brings together material about their record-breaking careers and the Bluebird vehicles associated with those attempts. The Campbells’ story is a distinct part of the museum, so leave time to visit it as well as the main collection.
The displays use photographs and film footage alongside exhibits, giving context to the vehicles and their history. A full-size Bluebird replica is among the items associated with the exhibition. Donald Campbell’s connection to nearby Coniston Water is also part of the story: he died there while attempting to set a water-speed record in Bluebird K7.
Planning your visit
The museum is an indoor option for a day when outdoor plans in the Lake District do not suit the weather. Its galleries move between vehicles, memorabilia and recreated scenes, so visitors who are not especially interested in cars can also explore the local-history displays and everyday objects from the past. Interactive games and quizzes provide activities for children, though the collection may appeal more to older children than very young ones.
Allow around one to two hours for a visit, with extra time if you want to stop at the café or browse the gift shop. The café is beside the river and has outdoor terrace seating. Dogs can accompany visitors through the exhibition areas, but they are not permitted inside the café; the terrace is available for eating with a dog.
The museum is at Old Blue Mill, Backbarrow, Ulverston. It has free parking, accessible parking and an accessible entrance and restroom. An admission fee applies, and the museum recommends booking tickets ahead. If you are also visiting another local attraction, check whether combination tickets are available.
FAQ
How long do you need at Lakeland Motor Museum?
Allow around one to two hours to explore the collection and Bluebird exhibition. Add time if you plan to stop at the café or gift shop.
Is there an admission fee?
Yes, admission is charged. The museum recommends booking tickets in advance; check its website for current ticket details.
Are dogs allowed at Lakeland Motor Museum?
Dogs are welcome in the exhibition areas. They are not allowed inside the café, but you can sit with them on the terrace.
Is Lakeland Motor Museum accessible?
The museum has an accessible entrance, restroom, seating and parking.
