The Oxford Bus Museum and Morris Motor Centre guide you through 130 years of Oxfordshire’s transport history.
The museum contains around 40 vintage buses and coaches, the earliest dating to 1913.
It features two large exhibition halls alongside two bus-running sheds and a restoration workshop.
Not only are you going to see lots of buses through the ages, but you’ll also see historic cycles and Morris cars. You can even take a free heritage bus ride on select dates.
What can I expect to see in the Oxford Bus Museum?
Inside the Oxford Bus Museum exhibition hall, you can see around 25 historical buses and coaches, some of which you can even board!
You can see a Governess cart, single-deck horse tram, CommerWP3, DaimlerY, AEC Regent and FordTransit190D vehicles, to name a few.
You’ll be provided with a thorough history of each and can even board some vehicles as you make your way around the exhibition hall.
In addition to transport history, there is also a play area for younger guests.
This features colouring, soft play, various bus toys and the adorable ERN1E playbus.
ERN1E is a scaled-down replica of a 1960 AEC Reliance that can be found within the museum.
Restoration projects are ongoing at the museum.
As part of the experience, you can get a sneak peek of the restoration workshop and vehicles being restored via the viewing gallery.
What can I expect to see in the Morris Motor Centre?
Within the Morris Motor Centre, you can discover the history of William Morris and his work.
Starting from humble beginnings, William Morris changed the face of transport in Oxford, alongside boosting the local economy.
There are lots of prolific vehicles on offer. These include the Morris Oxford ‘Bullnose’, Morris Minor and Morris Minor 1000 ‘Panda’, to name a few.
In addition, you can see cycles through the ages via The Faulkner Cycle Collection.
You can compare the erratic designs of the past in comparison to the modern-day bicycle.
View the full Oxford Bus Museum fleet list including buses, cars and cycles.
Is the Oxford Bus Museum toddler-friendly?
If supervised throughout, yes! This is a museum brimming with heritage, so you have to be mindful as you explore the exhibition halls.
However, there are plenty of toddler-friendly activities within. You can enjoy:
- Seeing 130 years of transport history
- Going aboard a selection of vintage buses
- Playing in the toddler play area
- A 20-minute heritage bus ride (on select dates)
Onsite, there are baby changing facilities within the female toilets, a cafe and shop.
Please note, that buggies and wheelchairs cannot be taken aboard the heritage bus rides due to the nature of the vehicles.
Oxford Bus Museum events in 2023
The museum runs events throughout the year, here’s what’s left in 2023:
- Wednesday 25 October – Halloween and half-term bus rides at 12.15pm and 2.15pm
- Sunday 29 October – Halloween and half-term bus rides at 12.15pm and 2.15pm
- Sunday 10 December – Father Christmas and bus rides at 12.15pm and 2.15pm
- Sunday 17 December – Father Christmas and bus rides at 12.15pm and 2.15pm
Admission costs
- Adult (over 16 years) – £8
- Child (5 to 15 years) – £5
- Family (2 adults and 2 children) – £17
- Concessions – £7
- Under 5’s – free
Opening times and location
The museum is open on:
- Wednesday – 10am–4pm
- Saturday – 10am–4pm ( July and August only)
- Sunday – 10am–4pm
- Most bank holidays (ring ahead)
Location: Oxford Bus Museum, Hanborough Rail Station Yard, Main Road, Long Hanborough, Oxfordshire, OX29 8LA
Discover how people in Oxfordshire would travel in the past in this insightful and interesting day out. It’s perfect for enthusiasts and families alike.
