Museum of Land Speed

About the museum

Pendine Sands, a long flat beach in Carmarthenshire, hosted world land speed record attempts from the 1920s onwards, with drivers such as Malcolm Campbell and J. G. Parry-Thomas. The earlier Pendine Museum of Speed opened in the village in 1996 and was run by Carmarthenshire County Council. In 2018 the council decided to replace the 1990s building, which closed in 2021 and was demolished.

The new museum was built on the same seafront site as a highly energy-efficient building, in line with the council’s aim to become carbon neutral by 2030. It opened to the public in spring 2023 under the name Museum of Land Speed and is run by the council’s museum service, CofGâr.

The displays cover motor sport on the sands, the science and engineering of speed, and the use of the dunes for wartime weapons testing. Objects are on loan from Amgueddfa Cymru and the National Motor Museum, including part of Malcolm Campbell’s Bluebird. The racing car Babs, in which Parry-Thomas died in 1927, is shown for only a few weeks each year.

Highlights

• The story of land speed records on Pendine Sands
• Babs video experience that simulates the forces of driving along the beach
• Interactive exhibits on the science and engineering of speed
• Part of Malcolm Campbell’s Bluebird on loan
• Display on wartime weapons testing in the dunes

Permanent exhibitions

• Pendine Sands and land speed records – Motor sport on the sands told through audiovisual displays and loaned objects, including part of Malcolm Campbell’s Bluebird.
• The science of speed – Interactive displays on the engineering and design of fast vehicles, plus a video experience that simulates driving the car Babs along the beach.
• Pendine in wartime – A display about the Ministry of Defence presence and weapons testing in the dunes.

Founded

2023

Operated by

Carmarthenshire County Council (CofGâr)

Admission & discounts

Prices are for a day ticket.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• 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 main entrance is step-free with an automatic inner door, and all exhibition areas are on the ground floor. A lift at the rear serves the first-floor function room. There are two Changing Places toilets just off reception. Five accessible parking spaces are next to the payment kiosks, and an accessible path with a slope leads to the entrance. A portable induction loop is available at reception without booking, and all films have subtitles. Seating is provided around the galleries. Audiovisual displays can be loud; the special exhibition gallery is usually the quietest area. Child-sized ear defenders can be reserved by email at least three clear days ahead, and large print guides are being prepared. Trained assistance dogs are welcome.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

Interactive exhibits encourage teamwork and friendly competition, and the museum holds family events and activities in the school holidays. Baby changing is in one of the Changing Places toilets. Most pushchairs can be used, and there is an outdoor play area and picnic tables by the car park.

Getting there & parking

The museum is just off National Cycle Route 4 and the Wales Coast Path passes through Pendine. From the car park follow the Caban building past the children’s play area.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Lockers

The museum shop sells motoring-themed gifts. There is no cafe inside; the Caban restaurant next door is open daily from 08:00 to 22:00. Food and drink may not be consumed in the museum, but picnic tables overlook the beach. Free storage lockers are available from reception. Free Wi-Fi is mentioned only for the first-floor function room.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Up to 60 guests.

The first-floor function room (64 square metres) has a large window overlooking the beach, free Wi-Fi and AV equipment. It holds 20 people boardroom style, 50 theatre style, and catering for 45 seated or 60 standing. A lift gives access.

Plan your visit