British Commercial Vehicle Museum

About the museum

The British Commercial Vehicle Museum stands in a building from the 1930s that was once part of the South Works of Leyland Motors. For most of its working life it was the customer inspection department, where buyers checked lorries and buses coming off the production line before taking delivery. The town of Leyland grew largely because of the bus and truck manufacturer that took its name.

The building became a museum in 1983. In its early decades it opened only in the summer, because it was cold in winter and the roof often leaked. A major renovation funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund replaced the old cafe and cinema, added a conference suite and a new archive building, installed new heating and lighting, and changed the layout of the exhibition hall. The museum rebranded in 2018 and reopened in 2019.

The museum is run by a registered charity, the British Commercial Vehicle Museum Trust, which aims to preserve vehicles of special significance and related archives from British makers. The displays follow road transport from horse-drawn coaches and steam lorries to diesel trucks and modern electric vehicles, and include fire engines and buses. The museum is Accredited and is part of the VisitEngland Quality Assurance Scheme.

Highlights

• Historic British lorries, buses and fire engines
• Steam lorries and horse-drawn vehicles
• Interactive challenges and a lorry driving experience for children
• Archive of Leyland and other British commercial vehicle makers
• Heritage cafe and shop

Permanent exhibition

• Commercial vehicle collection – Lorries, buses, fire engines and other vehicles that show how British road transport developed from horse-drawn coaches to modern electric trucks.

Founded

1983

Operated by

British Commercial Vehicle Museum Trust (registered charity)

Admission & discounts

Prices exclude special shows, which have separate prices. Choosing Gift Aid on a day ticket (adult 13.20, over 60s 11.55, child 6.60, family 30.80) turns it into a 12-month annual pass.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum reports easy access to all parts for wheelchairs and mobility scooters, including special toilet facilities. Only assistance dogs are allowed, including in the Heritage Cafe. Parking bays for disabled visitors are close to the entrance.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

Children can pick up a Tiger Cub activity pack at reception. The museum lists interactive challenges, a lorry driving experience for children and family workshops such as the balloon powered rocket vehicle.

Getting there & parking

The museum is about three minutes from junction 28 of the M6, with brown tourist signs.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The Leyland Heritage Cafe serves all-day breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. The museum shop sells souvenirs and gifts. Free wifi is listed for the conference suite.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 500 guests.

Conference suite and meeting rooms with free wifi, plus exclusive hire of the exhibition hall (up to 500 people). Conference facilities and hire are available seven days a week.

Plan your visit