What is it?
The word "Automotive" comes from the Greek and Latin words "autos" and "motivus", meaning "self" and "of motion" respectively - the automotive industry concerns itself with self-powered vehicles. In our definition of Transport we cover all types of transport including horse-drawn, wind-powered, jet-propelled and even wind-up or electric powered.
What does it involve?
Transport can be great to learn about because it involves so many aspects of society - technological advancements, trends in style, financial situations; students can get involved in all this by visiting sites that display examples of vehicles or modes of transport. A tangible example of the point of interest will always capture more attention than book learning as you can get much more physically involved with what is going on.
Why do it and what are the benefits?
Learning about the history of automotive vehicles and transport gives a great look back through the developments technology went through to reach the current day. History is always great to see through a less traditional lens, and by looking at the manner in which people travelled about their lives in the past can be extremely educational, and can make history seem more real.
What equipment do we need?
As most trips to a transport venue will mainly be museum based, you shouldn't need to supply any equipment for the trip - but check ahead just in case, as there could be unexpected aspects of the trip to cater for.
Who is it suitable for?
Students both young and older should enjoy transport-based learning; it can be presented in different ways to engage different age groups, but everyone interacts with automotive transport in some manner within their lives and will therefore have some level of interest!
Costs?
Every venue will have different costs depending on their size and set up, but in general a museum-type visit shouldn't cost too much for general admission, especially with a possible group discount.
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
If visiting a museum, it's important to make sure there is enough going on to sufficiently capture the attention of the group - be aware of the needs of the group!
How do we include?
A transport/automotion learning experience should be a great event to include everybody in - just make sure to check the specific access setup of the venue beforehand.
Doing it abroad?
Foreign countries will have their own fascinating transport histories - forms of automotive vehicles vary all over the world, so those who are interested in the area will take great enjoyment in learning more about how things developed abroad.
Main website:
The National Historic Ships Register is a great starting point for those interested in visiting some of the great ships our nation has produced.
The Grand Union Canal at Stoke Bruerne is an idyllic picture of passing boats and local wildlife. It’s a relaxing and lovely place for a day out.
There are loads of different things to do – boat trips and walks, bird watching and fun for kids at Rookery farm.
The story of Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian life is told by our costumed staff and volunteers in a unique living and working museum which hosts over 300,000 objects.
Nestling in 300 acres of countryside, Beamish boasts a railway station, a farm, a mill, a colliery village and police and fire stations.
In a narrow tree-lined valley just north of Lydney in Gloucestershire lies the Dean Forest Railway. Run almost entirely by volunteers it offers visitors the chance to soak up the sight, sounds and smells of travel on a rural branch railway operated by steam trains – and the occasional heritage diesel.
From the world's first industrial city to 24-hour party capital, MOSI takes you on a journey through Manchester's heritage with sights, sounds and even smells! You can see what it was like to work in a cotton mill during one of our textile demonstrations, see one of the world's largest collections of working steam mill engines or even venture into a Victorian sewer.
Coventry is the birthplace of the British cycle and motor industry. If you’re looking for a fantastic FREE day out for all the family, you can’t beat Coventry Transport Museum.
National Railway Museum Shildon, also known as Locomotion: The National Railway Museum at Shildon or Shildon Locomotion Museum was built during 2004 at a cost of £11.3 million, and is based on the former "Timothy Hackworth Victorian Railway Museum".
The Windermere Steamboat Museum has a nationally important collection of historic vessels demonstrating the continuous development of boatbuilding in the Lake District over 200 years from 1745. The collection, however, dates from 1200 all the way through to the late 20th century and is an important part of the dispersed national boat and maritime collection.
It's our exhilarating stream in the sky. Our horseshoe of waterfalls in North East Wales. Our beautiful canal. Not one but two aqueducts. Our World Heritage Site. Breathtaking!
Amerton Railway is a mile long 2 foot gauge line with spectacular seasonal specials, regular open days great for family trips, a railway museum and tours available of the Locomotive Shed.
It is home to a 115 year old W.G. Bagnall Saddle tank called Isabel, so important to Stafford that she was placed on a plinth outside of Stafford Railway Station until she was restored.
Stephenson Railway Museum is open Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays until 2 November 2014 and all week during school holidays (excluding Christmas holidays). With heritage train rides on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays.
200 years since George Stephenson built his first locomotive Blucher.
A lovely miniature steam railway that runs on Sundays from the beginning of March to September. There is also a lovely 16mm gauge model railway to enjoy. Inexpensive, old fashioned fun.
It is definitely worth a visit if you are already in the area on a Sunday between from the beginning of March to September.
The Yorkshire Air Museum is the largest independent air museum in Britain and is also the location of The Allied Air Forces Memorial. It is a Registered Charity and nationally accredited museum (No.66).
Blenheim Palace is a monumental country house situated in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, England, residence of the dukes of Marlborough - the Churchill family. It is the only non-royal non-episcopal country house in England to hold the title of palace and is a World Heritage Site.
The Palace
A full-size railway service running regular steam-hauled passenger trains between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth, largely along the scenic River Severn. We operate along 16 miles of track from Kidderminster via Bewdley to Bridgnorth.
A unique collection of vehicles from around the world. Over 400 amazing cars and bikes from nostalgic classics of the 50s and 60s, glorious Bentleys and Rolls Royces to exciting super cars of today, like the Jaguar XJ220.
Our Halls include:
The Leighton Buzzard Railway is one of the last survivors of the hundreds of 2 foot (610mm) gauge light railways built in Britain for industrial use. It is believed to be the only remaining line which owed its existence to the ready availability of surplus materials and equipment from the First World War battlefield supply lines.
The Stratford-upon-Avon Canal is a canal in the south Midlands of England. The canal, which was built between 1793 and 1816, runs for 25.5 miles in total, and consists of two sections.
The Stratford-upon-Avon Canal runs from Birmingham's suburbia to Shakespeare's Stratford in 25.5 picturesque miles.
The canal is usually considered as a northern and a southern section.
When in full public service, the railway will operate a circular tour with optional change at picnic station for trains to Far Leys car park.
The Royal Air Force Museum in Cosford offers a fun, entertaining day out for all the entire family. Situated next to an active airfield, this is the only place in the Midlands where you can get close to so many breathtaking aircraft for free.
Well kept parkland with play centre, light railway, splash pool, pitch and putt golf, stunning horticultural displays, a fishing lake and football pitches.
This scenic park has over 207 acres of parkland and is one of Derby's largest parks attracting over one million visitors a year making it one of the most popular parks in the East Midlands.
The Aeropark is both an aviation museum and a viewing area where you can study the preserved planes of yesteryear or watch the modern airliners of today taking-off and landing at a growing international passenger and cargo airport.
Planes on display include Aérospatiale Gazelle, Morane-Saulnier Rallye MS880, Hawker Hunter T.7 and an Avro Vulcan B.2.
Housed in a period farmhouse, established over 25 years a spectacular Model Railway Exhibition and traditional toyshop situated right in the centre of the picturesque Cotswold village of Bourton-on-the-Water.
Fun packed indoor museum covering motoring right through the 20th Century. Brum lives here and this is where he was filmed. He loves having his photo taken so don't forget your camera! Throughout the museum there are quizzes, feely boxes, building games, brass rubbings, old fashioned toys and dressing-up.
Karting experience for kids with new lower age limit, welcoming member drivers from 8 years! A fantastic memorable achievement for kids, and maybe the start of lifelong interest
Under the guidance of one of their experienced instructors, novices learn the basics of motor sport safety and race-craft, and quickly build confidence in the control and handling of a race kart.
Visit the home of the largest collection of British cars in the world, with nearly 300 cars from various eras. A number of great exhibitions that allow you to delve into motoring history! Family activities during school holidays.
Around 160 vehicles are on display, including important British makes like Morris, Mini, MG, Austin, Triumph and many more.
The Bushcraft Company offer residential school trips with a difference, taking students into the wild and giving them real back-to-nature experiences they will never forget.
A 15-year-old boy fell 60ft over the edge of a cliff whilst on a geography school trip, miraculously only suffering minor injuries.