Haynes Motor Museum Awarded VisitEngland Gold Accolade for Excellence

Haynes Motor Museum has been awarded with a prestigious VisitEngland Gold accolade at a ceremony celebrating excellence in the visitor attraction sector.

The Somerset-based Museum participated in the Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme, with assessors from VisitEngland evaluating various criteria such as arrival experience, cleanliness, retail, and staff service. The Museum achieved an impressive 95% quality score, earning the gold accolade for overall excellence.

The VisitEngland Accolades recognise top visitor attractions across the tourism sector, including historic houses, gardens, museums, and galleries. Haynes Motor Museum was among only a select few to receive the gold accolade this year.

Image: Jon Ducker and Sara Suttie from Haynes Motor Museum collecting the award

Chris Scudds, Chief Executive Officer at Haynes Motor Museum, said: “I’m extremely proud of our dedicated staff and volunteers who work tirelessly year-round. Participating in the VisitEngland assessment scheme helps us maintain our high standards, and this gold accolade showcases our commitment to delivering first class experiences.”

VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes commented: “These accolades highlight the wonderful visitor experiences provided by English attractions, from the warmest of welcomes to amazing food and drink, from great storytelling to outstanding customer service.”

Image: A family in the Red Room at Haynes Motor Museum 

Founded as an independent registered charity by the successful automotive publisher, John Haynes OBE, Haynes Motor Museum has been the custodian of a unique and eclectic collection of vehicles since 1985.

The Museum brings history to life through its collection of cars, motorcycles and small objects. Housed within 15 exhibition spaces, the Museum showcases more than 300 vehicles and automotive memorabilia. Behind the scenes the Museum is also home to an extensive library and archive containing historic artefacts and records.

Image: Haynes Motor Museum exterior

As an Arts Council England accredited museum and charity, preservation, conservation and education are at the heart of its values, ensuring the legacy of the automobile lives on for generations to come.

Tourism is one of England’s largest, most valuable industries, supporting more than 200,000 businesses, employing about 2.6 million people and, in 2023, generating £70.5 billion in domestic visitor spending. 

To find out more about the VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme, visit: https://www.visitbritain.org/business-advice/get-quality-assessed 

• Haynes Motor Museum, Sparkford, Nr. Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 7LH. Open 10am daily. For more information call 01963 440804 or visit www.haynesmotormuseum.org .