National Speedway Museum
Museum of British speedway with machines, race jackets and memorabilia, housed inside Hertfordshire Zoo at Broxbourne.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The National Speedway Museum was set up as Britain’s first national museum of speedway and opened in 2007 in the grounds of what was then Paradise Wildlife Park, now Hertfordshire Zoo. The park’s owner, Peter Sampson, was himself a speedway rider in the 1960s and offered the project a home. Enthusiasts, led by George and Linda Barclay, raised donations from tracks across the country to make it possible.
The displays follow the sport from the pioneers of the 1920s through the post-war years and the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s to modern laydown machines. They include racing machines, riders’ leathers and race jackets, programmes, photographs and posters. Individual displays honour well-known riders such as Peter Craven, and the machines on show include bikes ridden by world champions.
The museum is run by volunteers from the World Speedway Riders Association and has its own small shop. It is reached through the zoo, and visitors use the zoo’s entrance, car parks and facilities.
Highlights
- Speedway machines from the 1920s to modern laydown bikes
- Riders’ leathers, race jackets, programmes and posters
- Display on the rider Peter Craven
- Run by volunteers of the World Speedway Riders Association
- Located inside Hertfordshire Zoo
Permanent exhibition
- Speedway history displays – Machines, leathers, race jackets, programmes and photographs that trace speedway from the 1920s to the present day.
- Founded
- 2007
- Operated by
- World Speedway Riders Association (volunteers)
Admission & discounts
| Visitors with disabilities | –companion free · The zoo offers one free carer ticket to each eligible guest, with proof of eligibility. |
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The museum has no separate ticket; visitors are directed to buy a Hertfordshire Zoo day ticket. Booking online saves 10 percent, and a £1 booking fee applies. Current ticket prices are shown on the zoo’s booking site.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome: not available
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum’s page gives no access details. The zoo has mostly level paths, accessible toilets in the animal park and the main car park, and wheelchairs for hire at £10 per day (mobility scooters £25). Guide and assistance dogs are not admitted to the zoo for biosecurity reasons. Sensory bags can be borrowed at the Welcome Centre.
Kids & families
- Baby changing facilities
- Playground / play area
Baby changing, a private feeding room and play areas are available at the zoo.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Broxbourne station
Broxbourne and Bayford stations are each about a five-minute taxi ride away; the zoo no longer runs a station pick-up service.
By car
Free parking
Free parking in four car parks; Blue Badges must be displayed, and in peak season unmarked bays are used for Blue Badge holders.
- Accessible parking
The zoo is just off the A10 near junction 25 of the M25; follow the brown tourist signs. Satnav may send drivers along country lanes via the A414.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Restaurant
- Museum shop
The museum shop sells souvenirs. The zoo has food outlets including Restaurant Pangea.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | The museum is staffed by volunteers. It lies inside the zoo, so visitors enter through the zoo’s main entrance. |
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