Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum

Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum is a small, volunteer-run motoring museum in Calne, Wiltshire, in south-west England. It sits on Stockley Lane and suits anyone who enjoys vintage cars, motorcycles and the everyday history of motoring.

How did the museum begin?

It started in 1962. Richard and Hasel Atwell, lifelong Wiltshire residents, began collecting vehicles with a local connection and keeping them roadworthy. That private passion grew into a museum now run by volunteers, and the community spirit shows throughout the place. It feels personal rather than corporate.

What can you see?

The collection holds more than 100 exhibits, most of them cars from the 1920s onwards. Alongside them you will find:

• motorcycles, mopeds and bicycles,
• the Jack Spittle Model Lorry Collection,
• motoring memorabilia,
• a reconstructed 1930s-style garage complete with vehicles,
• vehicle manuals and other archive material.

Loaned vehicles

The museum has a close relationship with the British Motor Museum in Gaydon, which has entrusted it with several rare cars. Recent additions on display include a 1910 Austin 7hp, described as the oldest car on show, and a 1936 MG NB Magnette.

Who is it for?

Motoring enthusiasts, families with children who like vehicles, and visitors looking for a relaxed attraction in Calne. A visit does not take long, and the museum's modest scale lets you look at the exhibits up close. The reconstructed garage gives a feel for what a workshop looked like decades ago.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the museum? In Calne, Wiltshire, on Stockley Lane.

Who runs it? Volunteers. The museum grew out of the collection started by Richard and Hasel Atwell.

What vehicles are in the collection? Mostly cars from the 1920s onwards, plus motorcycles, mopeds, bicycles and model lorries.

Is it open all year? Opening hours depend on the season. The busiest period runs from April to October, and the museum may be closed in winter, so check current details before you go.

Does the museum hold events? Yes, Wiltshire event listings include an annual show organised by the museum.