
British Commercial Vehicle Museum Leyland
Explore a vast collection of historic lorries, buses, and steam engines, with interactive fun like a lorry simulator.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction

British Commercial Vehicle Museum Leyland
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a vast collection of historic lorries, buses, and steam engines, with interactive fun like a lorry simulator.
"A real treasure, and absolutely worth a visit for all the family!"

🎯 Try the Lorry Simulator!
Book your slot for the lorry simulator early, it's a popular and fun experience for everyone!
🗣️ Chat with Volunteers
Volunteers share amazing stories; their insights make the exhibits come alive.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Lorries & Buses
Main Exhibition Hall
Explore a vast collection of beautifully preserved commercial vehicles, from steam engines to modern trucks.

Lorry Simulator Experience
Interactive Zone
Get behind the wheel and experience the thrill of driving a virtual lorry. A must-try for all ages!

Unique Artifacts & Models
Display Cases
Discover fascinating models and rare artifacts that tell the story of commercial transport history.

The Pope-Mobile
Special Exhibit Area
See the surprisingly large and unique Pope-mobile, a memorable and unexpected exhibit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Don't Miss the Lorry Simulator!
Engage with Passionate Volunteers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Try the Lorry Simulator!
Book your slot for the lorry simulator early, it's a popular and fun experience for everyone!
🗣️ Chat with Volunteers
Volunteers share amazing stories; their insights make the exhibits come alive.
☕ Enjoy the Cafe
Friendly staff serve tasty snacks, meals, and cakes in a relaxed atmosphere.
🚗 Free Parking Available
There's a good-sized free car park, but municipal parking is nearby if it's full.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Try the Lorry Simulator!
Book your slot for the lorry simulator early, it's a popular and fun experience for everyone!
🗣️ Chat with Volunteers
Volunteers share amazing stories; their insights make the exhibits come alive.
☕ Enjoy the Cafe
Friendly staff serve tasty snacks, meals, and cakes in a relaxed atmosphere.
🚗 Free Parking Available
There's a good-sized free car park, but municipal parking is nearby if it's full.
📸 Capture the History
Plenty of photo opportunities with unique vehicles and displays.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the British Commercial Vehicle Museum for its well-maintained and diverse collection of historic vehicles, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and engaging interactive elements like the lorry simulator. The cafe is also a highlight, offering good food in a relaxed atmosphere. It's considered a hidden gem and a worthwhile visit for families and transport enthusiasts alike.
"What a superb place to visit! The collection features beautifully preserved vehicles spanning every era — from horse-drawn lorries and majestic steam engines to classic diesel and specialist models. Each vehicle is maintained to the highest possible standard, reflecting true dedication to heritage.
During our visit, we had the pleasure of meeting Rick, one of the trustees, who generously shared both heartwarming and poignant stories behind some of the vehicles. His insights added a deeply personal and memorable touch to our experience.
The staff and volunteers were truly lovely — helpful, passionate, and deeply knowledgeable. Their enthusiasm for the vehicles and their history is infectious.
We can't believe we had never been here before. It's a real treasure, and absolutely worth a visit."
Paul Duxbury
"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The British Commercial Vehicle Museum is a fascinating place to visit and a real celebration of Britain’s transport history. 🚚
The displays cover everything from vintage lorries and buses to fire engines and military vehicles, all beautifully restored and well presented.
There’s a great mix of information, interactive exhibits, and films that make it interesting for both adults and children.
The staff and volunteers are friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about what they do, which really adds to the experience.
The museum is well laid out, easy to get around, and offers excellent value for money.
A brilliant day out for anyone interested in engineering, history, or classic vehicles, and a real gem for Leyland!"
Michael Bailey Estate Agent Powered By Keller Williams
"This is an interesting and engaging museum showing the history of commercial vehicles, the staff are friendly, helpful and full of interesting information. The exhibits are well kept and most are in working order, you can get on many of the vehicles and in my case remember family trips on the buses and some types of the lorries trundling around the shipyards in my home town.
There are many unique little exhibits with an interesting history.
There is a nicely decorated cafe with a relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff serving tasty well snacks, meals and cakes.
There is a good sized free carpark
The toilets are clean, fresh and well maintained.
If you are in the area this is a reasonably priced, interesting place to spend a few hours learning about commercial vehicles in the UK"
Alan Holt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located on King Street in Leyland, Lancashire, PR25 2LE. It's easily accessible by car with a free car park available. For public transport, check local bus routes that serve Leyland town center.
Yes, there is a good-sized free car park on-site. If it's full, there are plenty of municipal parking options nearby in Leyland.
While driving is convenient, you can reach Leyland by train to Leyland station, followed by a short bus or taxi ride to the museum. Check local bus timetables for routes serving King Street.
The museum aims to be accessible. Many exhibits are on the ground floor, and volunteers are usually on hand to assist. It's advisable to contact the museum directly for specific accessibility queries.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official museum website or their social media pages for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is reasonably priced, offering great value for the experience. Check the museum's official website for current ticket prices and any potential discounts.
While you can often purchase tickets on the day of your visit, buying in advance might be possible through their website, especially for special events. This can sometimes save time.
The museum occasionally hosts special events, talks, and even Driver CPC days. Keep an eye on their social media and website for announcements.
Absolutely! It's a great place for families, with interactive displays like the lorry simulator and a wide range of vehicles that appeal to all ages.
It's highly recommended to book the lorry simulator in advance, especially during peak times, as slots can fill up quickly.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find an incredible variety, including horse-drawn carriages, steam engines, classic diesel lorries, buses, fire engines, and specialist vehicles.
Many of the exhibits are accessible, allowing you to climb aboard and get a feel for these historic machines. It's a fantastic way to connect with the past.
Yes, the lorry simulator is a major hit! There are also many visually engaging vehicles and displays that can spark a child's imagination about transport.
Some local lore suggests paranormal activity, particularly related to Leyland's industrial past. While not a primary focus, it adds a layer of intrigue for some visitors.
Most visitors find 2-3 hours is a good amount of time to explore the exhibits thoroughly and enjoy the cafe.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a nicely decorated cafe with a relaxed atmosphere. They serve tasty snacks, meals, and cakes.
The cafe offers a variety of well-prepared snacks, meals, and cakes, making it a great spot for refreshments during your visit.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally best to consume outside food in designated picnic areas if available, or to support the on-site cafe. Check with the museum for their policy.
Cafes in such museums often have a range of options. It's advisable to check the menu on arrival or contact the museum beforehand if you have specific dietary needs.
Absolutely! The cafe is described as having friendly staff and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a break between exploring the exhibits.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography for personal use is generally allowed. However, always be mindful of other visitors and any specific 'no photography' signs on certain exhibits.
For personal social media sharing, it's usually fine. If you plan to use photos for commercial purposes, you'll need to seek permission from the museum.
The diverse collection of vehicles, from grand steam engines to quirky delivery trucks, offers endless photographic opportunities. The lorry simulator area is also popular.
It's best to avoid flash photography, as it can damage delicate artifacts and disturb other visitors. Check for any specific museum guidelines on flash use.
Always ask for permission before taking photos of individuals, including staff and volunteers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Car Enthusiasts & History Buffs
✈️ Day-Trippers from Nearby Cities
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Leyland Trucks
Visitors can explore the evolution of commercial vehicle design and technology through the museum's extensive collection. From early steam-powered lorries to the iconic diesel engines that powered a generation of haulage, the exhibits tell a compelling story of innovation and resilience. The presence of the last ever DAF LF lorry, signed by Leyland Trucks staff, is a poignant reminder of this enduring legacy.
Understanding the significance of Leyland Trucks adds another layer of appreciation to the museum visit. It's not just about looking at old vehicles; it's about recognizing the engineering prowess and industrial might that once defined this region and contributed so much to the nation's economy and infrastructure.
Interactive Fun: The Lorry Simulator
Many visitors, young and old, find the simulator to be an incredibly fun and memorable part of their visit. It provides a unique perspective on the vehicles displayed, transforming passive observation into active participation. Due to its popularity, it's advisable to book your session in advance, especially during busy periods, to ensure you don't miss out on this exciting opportunity.
The lorry simulator is more than just a game; it's an educational tool that highlights the mechanics and operational aspects of commercial vehicles, complementing the historical context provided by the static displays. It’s a testament to the museum’s commitment to making history engaging and accessible for everyone.
Community and Heritage: The Volunteers
Engaging with the volunteers is highly recommended. They are not just there to answer questions; they are eager to share heartwarming and poignant anecdotes about the vehicles, their origins, and their impact. This personal touch transforms a visit from a simple viewing of exhibits into a deeply engaging historical journey.
The enthusiasm of the staff and volunteers is infectious, reflecting a genuine commitment to preserving and sharing the heritage of commercial transport. Their knowledge and friendly demeanor make the museum a welcoming and memorable place for all visitors.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit