A Weekend of History: Exploring the Birthplace of Aviation and Motorsport in Weybridge

Weybridge Station

For enthusiasts of mechanical history, few locations in the UK carry the same weight as Weybridge, home to Brooklands, the world’s first purpose-built motor racing circuit and a site that effectively pioneered British aviation. This year is a big one for the area, as 2026 marks the centenary of the first-ever British Grand Prix, which was held right here on the Brooklands banking in 1926.

While much of the original track has been reclaimed by the town, the sections that remain – including the towering Members’ Banking and the notorious Test Hill – really are a visceral connection to the early days of high-speed competition.

The Core Experience

The Brooklands Museum occupies the most significant parts of the original circuit and aircraft factory grounds. A central highlight of any visit is the Concorde Experience, where you can step aboard the G-BBDG – the first British production Concorde – and sit in the same cabin where the future of supersonic travel was tested. Unlike many aviation displays, Brooklands prioritizes a hands-on approach. The Aircraft Factory, housed in a restored Second World War hangar, allows you to explore the evolution of flight through interactive assembly lines, reflecting the eighty years of aviation production that took place on this very ground.Also, keep an eye out for upcoming events led by the Royal Aeronautical Society – you may just be lucky with your timings. 

On the motorsport side, the Finishing Straight and the Test Hill remain the primary draws. Walking the steep 1-in-4 gradient of the Test Hill gives you a real sense of the challenge early drivers faced when proving the power of their machines. The museum site also hosts the London Bus Museum, which features an incredible collection of heritage vehicles that once navigated the streets of the capital. In 2026, the calendar is particularly dense with centenary celebrations, such as the Grand Prix special on August 8th and Aviation Day on September 13th, making it essential to time your visit with the roar of vintage engines on the track.

Local Stays

Getting to the heart of the action is straightforward, as Weybridge Station is a primary stop on the line from London Waterloo, with the journey taking roughly thirty minutes. From the station, it is a pleasant 15-to-20-minute walk to the museum entrance. For those visiting during major event days – such as the Brooklands Relived festival in June – the museum often operates a free shuttle bus to bridge the gap from the station.

For those planning a visit to the museum and looking for a convenient place to stay, using cozycozy is the best way to compare local options. Whether you want a luxury hotel near Brooklands or a budget-friendly apartment in Weybridge, the platform helps you find all available stays in one simple search. Staying locally allows you to be at the gates when they open, ensuring you beat the mid-day crowds and have ample time to explore the vast collections before the evening rush.

The Surrounding Area

While the museum provides excellent on-site refreshments at the Sunbeam Café – located in the historic 1907 Clubhouse – the wider Weybridge area offers a more refined dining scene for your evening basecamp. For a modern meal with views of the historic track, the 1907 Restaurant at the Brooklands Hotel provides a nod to the golden age of racing with a contemporary menu. If you prefer a riverside atmosphere, a short walk toward the Thames leads to The Minnow, a popular local spot known for its garden and classic British fare.

Directly adjacent to the museum is Mercedes-Benz World, a modern facility that acts as a functional bridge between Brooklands’ past and the future of automotive technology. You can watch performance cars tackle the handling circuits or explore three floors of displays covering everything from the earliest Benz Patent-Motorwagen to the latest Formula 1 champions. Between the two sites, it is easy to spend a full weekend without ever needing to leave the Brooklands peninsula.

 

 

Weybridge in 2026 is a destination that rewards those who take the time to look past the modern suburbs and find the extraordinary history built into its foundations. Whether you are a pilot, a driver, or a historian, the legacy of Brooklands remains one of the UK’s most enduring achievements.