Brooklands Museum is located on the site of the Brooklands race track, which was opened in 1907 as the world’s first purpose-built motor racing circuit. The track was the brainchild of Hugh Locke King, a wealthy landowner and motorsport enthusiast, who sought to create a venue for testing and racing the latest motor vehicles in a safe and controlled environment. Brooklands quickly became the heart of British motorsport, hosting legendary races, record-breaking attempts, and innovative engineering feats that shaped the history of motoring and aviation.
In addition to its motorsport heritage, Brooklands played a pivotal role in the development of British aviation. During World War I, the site was used for aircraft production and testing, and it later became a center for aviation innovation in the interwar and post-war periods. The Brooklands Aerodrome was a key location for the development and testing of aircraft, including iconic models such as the Vickers Vimy, which made the first non-stop transatlantic flight in 1919.
The Brooklands race track was closed in 1939 at the outbreak of World War II, but its legacy lived on through the establishment of Brooklands Museum in 1991. The museum was created to preserve and celebrate the rich history of the site, ensuring that the stories of its people, vehicles, and achievements would not be forgotten. Today, Brooklands Museum is a vibrant and dynamic heritage site that attracts visitors from around the world, offering a unique and immersive experience of British aviation and motorsport history.
