The Heritage Motor Centre, home to the world's largest historic collection of British cars, is organising a whole host of exciting activities for families during May Half Term. From James Bond Week and Spy School to the Gaydon Spring Classic and Metro 30th Anniversary, there’s something for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
‘Bond Week’ , which takes place from 29 May – 6 June, will offer visitors the chance to see an exhibit of cars from the James Bond films. Making a special guest appearance will be the Aston Martin DBS from the opening scene of Quantum of Solace, the BAD1 Jaguar XK & the Aston Martin Vanquish from Die Another Day . Each day children can enjoy a free activity and make their own spy de-coder to solve cryptic clues around the museum.
On Thursday 3rd June, children can enjoy ‘ Spy School’ to make their own spy gadgets and learn the art of secret message writing. This free, drop-in activity will take place from 11am – 3pm in the Education Room. Normal museum admission prices apply and children can take home what they make.
Running daily during the half term week, visitors can also enjoy outdoor activities including Go Karts, Mi niature Roadway and the centres very own 4x4 Experience. Sessions run daily, weather permitting, from 11am – 4:00pm and are open to non-museum visitors.
Veteran, Vintage and Classic Cars gather for a fantastic day out at the ‘ Gaydon Spring Classic’ on Sunday 30 May from 10am – 5pm. Those arriving in a vehicle older than 20 years old can benefit from a reduced museum entry fee of just £5 per person - the museum entry fee at the time of opening in 1993. Also taking place that day from 10am - 4pm is the Metro 30th Anniversary, a special event which celebrates 30 years of the Austin Metro, 20 years of the Rover Metro and 15 years of the Rover 100. Visitors can see for free a display of Metro models from 1980 -1998 plus an exhibition of Metros in motorsport and nostalgic 1980's music, quizzes and competitions.
Sunday 30 May also plays host to the‘ Two Stroke Rally’ from 10am – 4pm. The event, which is open to owners of two stroke vehicles, will feature cars, vans, commercial vehicles and motorcycles. Primarily a static display, owners will have the opportunity of testing their vehicles unique abilities and visitors will be able to watch for free.
‘Boot 4 Ben’ , a charity car boot sale, takes place on Monday 31 May and is open to the public and traders. Gates open at 9am and close at approximately 3pm. All proceeds raised from the pitch fees will be split equally between BEN, the automotive industry charity, and BMIHT. Further 'Boot 4 BEN' car boot sales will also takes place at the HMC on Monday 30 August & Sunday 19 September.
Penny Tyler, Marketing Officer for the Heritage Motor Centre stated “With our special Bond Week, Spy School and a host of exciting and nostalgic motoring events, the Heritage Motor Centre has something for everyone to enjoy this May half term”.
Visitors can take advantage of the museums ‘Gift Aid' scheme by choosing to Gift Aid their entry on arrival and receive a 12 months entry ticket at no extra cost. Visitors can then return for a whole year - for free! (terms & conditions apply). Museum entry is: Adult £9, Concession £8, Child (5-16), £7 Family, £28 (2 adults and up to 3 children). Prices per ride for the Go-Karts are £6 for adults, £4 for children and concessions. Rides for the Miniature Roadway cost £3.
