Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum
Volunteer-run motor museum near Calne with over 100 cars and motorcycles, two Williams Formula 1 cars and a 1930s-style garage.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum grew out of the private collection of Richard and Hasell Atwell, who lived all their lives in Calne. The collection began with a 1937 Buick Albemarle, which is still at the museum, followed by a 1934 Vauxhall 14/6 and a 1931 Singer Junior. A family wedding car bought in 1972 led to a fleet of wedding cars, which is run today by a separate company.
The main hall at Stockley Lane was completed in 1989, and a final extension in 2003 was funded by a Heritage Lottery Fund grant. The site also includes a reconstructed 1930s-style garage. The museum has been a charity since 1997 and is now a registered charity and company limited by guarantee, overseen by trustees and run entirely by volunteers, including members who help with operation, maintenance and fundraising.
The collection includes more than 100 cars and motorcycles, mostly from the 1920s onwards, as well as mopeds, bicycles and motoring memorabilia. A library of catalogued resources can be used by prior arrangement. The museum also holds an annual classic vehicle show and road run.
Highlights
- More than 100 cars and motorcycles
- Two Williams FW Formula 1 cars
- Jack Spittle Model Lorry Collection
- Reconstructed 1930s-style garage
- Jack French Garage with Austin 7-based 750 Formula specials
- 1937 Buick Albemarle from the founding collection
Permanent exhibitions
- Cars and motorcycles collection – More than 100 vehicles, mostly cars from the 1920s onwards, plus motorcycles, mopeds, bicycles and motoring memorabilia.
- Jack Spittle Model Lorry Collection – A collection of model lorries.
- Jack French Garage – A garage setting showing Austin 7-based 750 Formula specials.
- Founded
- 1989
- Operated by
- Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum (registered charity no. 1139969)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £12 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | £5free up to age 4 · Ages 5 to 16; under-5s are free. |
| Families | £302 adults and up to 3 children |
Museum members enter free. No concession rate is listed.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Wheelchair access to the museum and the toilets. Well-behaved dogs are welcome.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 4 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | £30 · 2 adults and up to 3 children |
- Family tours & workshops
The museum offers a range of activities for younger visitors; the family ticket covers 2 adults and up to 3 children.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Plenty of parking for visitors on site.
The museum is just off the A4 at Stockley Lane, east of Calne; satnav postcode SN11 0NF.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
Hot and cold drinks and snacks are sold at reception, where there is a seating area; no separate cafe is described.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
Car club meetings can be held on site, with parking, outdoor space and a meeting room. Wedding car hire is run by a separate company.
