Parents, the children are out of school for the summer holidays, and I know, I know, they literally need to open the schools back up! Because what are you to do with little humans in need of food, drinks and supervision to avoid starting WWIII, all day? Well on one of those days, you are going to walk them down a unique lane of British history. On the days where a road trip is in the cards to see some of Britain’s’ finest moments immortalised, Brooklands Museum in Weybridge is absolute perfection.
The site of the first British Grand Prix, the place where the first ever British Grand Prix car was built, and you can still see it there, in the workshop. and several other race cars, walk the tracks of history and oh as an added bonus get the Concorde experience; hop aboard the world’s first supersonic airliner, learn its history and trajectory and get to marvel at aerodynamics at its height of creation. It has everything for children and adults too.
In 2012, Lorraine Dietrich Vieux Charles III was shipped to France the site of the first race where the car took its maiden voyage, for its anniversary, to drive along the same route; it was at the Dieppe Grand Prix 1912 and it was the only survivor of the French Team from the race. In Brooklands, Victor Hémery set three Class ‘A’ records and they remain unbroken. After WWI, Malcolm Campbell the racing legend, as part of his team at Blue Bird Racing brought the car back from France and in 1920, raced in and won the first race held at Brooklands post WWI. Lorraine Dietrich Vieux Charles III competed at Brooklands until the 1930s.
If you are a fan of Downton Abbey, and who isn’t, this is also where the motor race was filmed. History and a good day out all in one lovely space. And for those restless littles there is a simulator to keep them entertained. It is extra for the concorde experience but its so worth it, as if the gift shop on the way out too. Across the way you will see the Mercede Petronas head quarters… and who know maybe one Sir Lewis Hamilton.