Kids go FREE every school holiday.
There’s plenty to do at Great British Car Journey during the school holidays, making it the perfect day out for families looking to keep younger visitors entertained. From interactive exhibits to hands-on experiences designed especially for children, there’s something to spark curiosity and imagination at every turn. Whether they’re uncovering fascinating stories, getting up close to iconic cars, or enjoying space to explore and play, kids can dive into a fun-filled adventure while grown-ups enjoy the journey too.
Even better, children aged 15 and under go FREE throughout every school holiday – giving you even more reason to plan an unforgettable family day out. Simply purchase your adult admission as usual and bring the kids along for free!
Scroll through the tabs below to discover everything waiting for you at the museum.
No need to book children’s tickets in advance – simply purchase your adult admission as usual (or pay on the door) and bring the kids along for free.
Your admission also includes our interactive audio guide, designed to take you through each chapter of the museum and bring the stories behind our incredible cars to life. From rare and unusual models to famous, celebrity-owned vehicles, there’s plenty you won’t want to miss. Plus, younger visitors can enjoy a dedicated children’s version, packed with fun quizzes and games to keep them engaged as they explore.
As finalists in the Muddy Awards 2024 for Best Family Attraction, we’ve gone above and beyond to make sure there’s something for everyone at Great British Car Journey. Whether you’re revelling in the nostalgia, discovering cars with fascinating backstories, or simply stopping by for a great coffee and homemade cake, we’re confident you’ll have a fantastic time with us.
There’s loads for children to see and do, including plenty of cars they’ll recognise from TV and film – from a Back to the Future DeLorean to a Formula One car, and even an incredible amphibious boat-car.
And when you’re all adventured out, be sure to head to our Filling Station Café, where you’ll find a range of hot breakfast and lunch options (including children’s meals), along with hot and cold drinks and delicious cakes. Then, why not round off your day with a Bluebells Dairy ice cream in our picnic area?
A fun, hands-on driving adventure for children aged 4–11, where they can take the wheel of their very own Mini Land Rover on our specially designed off-road course.
Our Mini Land Rover Adventure gives younger children the exciting chance to get behind the wheel of one of our very cool electric Mini Land Rovers. Licensed by Jaguar Land Rover, these scaled-down versions of the iconic British 4×4 are suitable for children aged 4 to 11, offering a unique driving experience they’ll absolutely love.
Set on our specially constructed track course next to our picnic area, little drivers will take on hills, bumps, twists and turns as they complete multiple laps of the easy-to-steer route. The experience lasts 15 minutes and begins with a full driver instruction and safety briefing before the adventure gets underway. For complete peace of mind, a responsible adult is also provided with a remote stop switch, allowing the vehicle to be brought to an instant stop if needed.
The Mini Land Rover Adventure costs £15 per child and can be booked online or paid for on arrival, subject to availability. While it’s a standalone experience, families are very welcome to make a full day of it, with access to our Filling Station Café, toilets and outdoor picnic area available on site – and the option to upgrade and explore the Great British Car Journey museum too. It’s a brilliant opportunity for kids to take the wheel of a true British icon and enjoy a driving experience they won’t forget.
A fun, clue-based scavenger hunt where kids explore the museum, track down hidden number plates, and win a prize at the end!
During the school holidays, we also run our Number Plate Hunt – a fun scavenger hunt-style activity where children are given clues to help them track down specific number plates hidden around the museum. As they explore, they’ll need to keep their eyes peeled, solve each clue, and write down the correct number plates along the way.
It’s a great way to make discovering the museum even more interactive, turning the visit into a hands-on challenge full of excitement and adventure.
Once they’ve completed the hunt, every participant gets a prize at the end of the tour. As this activity is only available during school holidays, we do recommend checking in advance before your visit to make sure it’s running on the day.
Hot Wheels like you’ve never seen it before! Welcome to the Riverside Raceway at Great British Car Journey – your chance to race Hot Wheels cars down an incredible 100-foot banked track!
In a world of ever more complex technology, there’s something brilliantly simple about it: 1/64th scale cars powered purely by gravity, racing side-by-side at thrilling scale speeds of over 200mph!
Almost certainly the longest Hot Wheels track in the Midlands, the Riverside Raceway delivers fast-paced, head-to-head racing as two cars compete down a downhill course designed for maximum speed and excitement. Located next to our picnic area and Mini Land Rover Experience, it sits right on the banks of the River Derwent, making it the perfect spot for a bit of friendly competition and a lot of fun.
Access to the Raceway costs just £10 and includes two free standard 1/64 Hot Wheels cars, which you can choose from our range in the café and gift shop. Once you’re ready, you can enjoy unlimited races on the track’s fast and furious descent. The experience is outdoors, so do keep the weather in mind when planning your visit!
A thrilling driving experience for older kids, giving them the chance to get behind the wheel and take control for real.
Our Junior Drives are a truly unique experience for older children who are eager to get behind the wheel of a real car before they’re old enough for a driving licence. It’s the perfect introduction to driving, giving them the chance to take control and enjoy their very first taste of life on the road in a safe and supportive environment.
Children will drive a classic Mini on a private, fully fenced-off course, accompanied by a fully qualified, DBS-checked instructor. The car is fitted with dual controls, meaning the instructor can step in at any time if needed, giving parents complete peace of mind. The experience lasts around 20 minutes and is suitable for children who are at least 4ft 8in tall (typically aged 10+), making it an exciting and confidence-boosting milestone for young drivers.
There’s nothing quite like the original Mini – small, responsive, and great fun to drive – and it’s the ideal car for youngsters to have their first go in. After their drive, children can enjoy free entry to our award-winning museum, with the option to purchase professional photos to remember the moment. Whether they’re already car-mad or just keen to try something new, it’s an unforgettable experience they’ll be talking about long after the day is over.