Planning your Easter holiday activities can feel like navigating a winding country road, but for families looking to combine education with entertainment, the British Motor Museum in Warwickshire has mapped out an engaging three-week program designed to captivate young automotive enthusiasts.
Running from April 5-27, the museum’s Easter offerings extend well beyond the traditional chocolate egg hunt (though they’ll have that too during the Easter weekend itself). Instead, they’ve crafted a series of interactive experiences that turn Britain’s motoring heritage into a playground for curious minds.
What’s On for Families?
The museum has created three core activities that run throughout the holiday period:
Crack the Code – Family Trail
This daily puzzle-solving adventure transforms the museum into a giant escape room of sorts. Children follow clues hidden among the classic cars, learning about how codes power everything from our GPS systems to home appliances. Museum educators have designed the trail to build both problem-solving skills and technological awareness, with reward stickers for those who successfully crack the code.
Hatch Your Own Car – Craft Activity
Starting with a simple egg-shaped structure made from card strips, children can transform basic materials into their own miniature automobile. The hands-on activity encourages both creativity and an understanding of basic car design principles. Perfect for children who enjoy making and creating, this activity offers a tangible souvenir to take home.
Egg-straordinary Tour
For children fascinated by the world of car sales (and parents who want to prepare them for future car-buying negotiations), these special guided tours with “car experts” Maggie Dwyer and Barry Wheeler provide a unique perspective on the museum’s collection. Children will assess vehicles from a buyer’s or seller’s perspective, learning what makes certain models more valuable than others.
“We’re taking a playful approach to automotive education this Easter,” explains Emma Rawlinson, Lifelong Learning Officer at the museum. “Children are naturally drawn to cars, and these activities harness that interest to develop practical skills – from problem-solving and creativity to evaluation and communication.”
Inclusive New Initiatives
Parents of children with sensory sensitivities should note two significant additions to the museum’s calendar. April 7 marks the debut of “Mellow Mondays,” featuring dedicated “Relaxed Hours” from 3-5pm with reduced noise, crowds, and stimulation – ideal for those who find busy museums overwhelming.
Similarly, the museum’s Access Day on April 24 showcases their commitment to inclusive experiences with touch tours, adapted activities, and sensory resources. According to local parent Samantha Davies, whose 9-year-old son has autism, such initiatives make a significant difference: “Having designated quieter times means we can enjoy museums as a family without the anxiety that often comes with busy public spaces.”
Making It Budget-Friendly
With many families feeling the economic squeeze, the museum’s ticket-to-annual-pass conversion offers particularly good value. All standard admission tickets can be upgraded to annual passes at no extra cost, allowing unlimited returns throughout the year.
A family ticket purchased in advance costs £46 (£52 on the day), while individual tickets range from £9 for children to £17 for adults when booked ahead. Children under five enter free.
“With families looking for cost-effective ways to keep children entertained across multiple school holidays, the annual pass conversion represents exceptional value,” notes family finance expert Helen Wright. “If you visit during Easter, you’ve essentially prepaid for October half-term and any summer holiday visits too.”
Planning Your Visit
The British Motor Museum houses over 400 British vehicles spanning classic, vintage, and veteran eras, making it the world’s largest collection of historic British cars. Located in Gaydon, Warwickshire (CV35 0BJ), the museum is easily accessible from the M40.
For families planning an automotive adventure this Easter, advance booking is recommended via the museum’s website, especially for the Easter weekend when traditional egg hunts will complement the regular activities.
Whether your children dream of designing cars, solving puzzles, or simply exploring an impressive collection of British motoring history, this museum offers a refreshing alternative to the typical Easter fare – with not a chocolate-stained finger in sight (except perhaps during that Easter weekend hunt).
