Derbyshire: Classic Car Driving & Museum Entry Day

Summary

Drive a classic car then wander through decades of British motoring history

You’ll get to drive a real classic car around Derbyshire’s private roads, wander through decades of British motoring history in the interactive museum, enjoy lunch at the café with your included voucher, and take home a souvenir photo — all wrapped up in that unmistakable scent of old leather and nostalgia.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled up to the Great British Car Journey in Derbyshire just as the clouds were starting to break — you know that weird, silvery light you get after rain? The smell of wet tarmac mixed with something older, maybe engine oil or leather seats. Our guide, Pete (who looked like he’d been around these cars since they were new), handed me the keys to a powder-blue Morris Minor. I was honestly nervous — it’s not every day you drive something your granddad might’ve taken on holiday. The gearstick felt different, almost stubborn at first, but then it clicked and we were off around their private road. I kept expecting someone to shout at me for stalling, but Pete just grinned from the passenger seat and told stories about his first Mini.

After parking up (with only one slightly embarrassing crunch of gears), we wandered into the museum part. It’s packed with cars from every decade — some polished up like they’re waiting for a parade, others with little notes about who drove them or where they ended up. There was this faint smell of old upholstery and polish everywhere. Kids were running between displays pretending to race, while an older couple stood quietly by an old Rover, just holding hands. I didn’t expect to feel so nostalgic about cars I’d never owned.

Lunch at the café was simple but good — hot chips and tea served by a woman who called everyone “love.” We sat by the window looking out at the cars lined up outside, swapping stories about our own family road trips. Before leaving, someone snapped our photo next to “our” Morris Minor. It’s not exactly glamorous but it’s honest fun — I still think about that feeling when the engine finally caught and we rolled forward for the first time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Drive classic cars and visit museum

• Drive classic car on private road
• Visit award winning car museum
• Enjoy food at onsite café
• Take souvenir photo
• Explore woodland walks

Top questions

Can I choose which classic car to drive?

You can pick from 29 classic cars in their collection from the 50s, 60s or 70s.

Is entry to the Great British Car Journey museum included?

Yes, free entry to the interactive museum is included in your experience.

Is food provided during the day?

You’ll receive a food voucher for freshly cooked food or refreshments at the onsite café.

Is parking available on site?

Yes, free parking is available for visitors.

Are there activities besides driving and visiting the museum?

You can also take woodland walks around the site if you like.

Is this experience wheelchair accessible?

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Can children join this activity?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; service animals are allowed too.

What’s included

Your day includes free entry to the Great British Car Journey interactive museum, your choice of driving one of 29 classic cars from their collection around private roads, complimentary parking on site, a food voucher for use at their café during your visit, plus a souvenir photo so you don’t forget your drive home again.