Great British Car Journey
Great British Car Journey in Ambergate is a lively celebration of Britain’s motoring heritage, tracing more than a century of innovation through over 130 carefully curated vehicles. Set inside a former wire‑works factory, the attraction blends nostalgia, engineering history and personal stories, creating an immersive timeline of how British cars shaped everyday life. Inside, visitors follow a self‑guided audio tour that brings each era to life—from early motoring pioneers to post‑war family favourites and the bold designs of the 1970s and 80s. Highlights include the Austin Seven, the Morris Minor, the Mini, the Ford Capri and the Reliant Regal, alongside rarities such as the Jensen Interceptor and the futuristic Bond Bug. Many cars are displayed with period accessories, adverts and anecdotes that reveal how they were used, marketed and loved. One of the most engaging features is the Drive Dad’s Car experience, where visitors can take the wheel of classic British models on a private road, choosing from icons like the Triumph Spitfire, Rover SD1 or Hillman Imp. The museum also showcases engines, dashboards, design sketches and memorabilia that chart the rise and fall of Britain’s car industry.
Ambergate United Kingdom
Great British Car Journey is at Derwent Works in Ambergate, Derbyshire DE56 2HE, just off the A6 between Belper and Matlock. It’s an interactive museum packed with classic British cars that takes you on a nostalgic trip through a century of motoring history. A short drive away is Crich Tramway Village, home to the National Tramway Museum with its working vintage trams. Nearby you’ll also find Cromford Mills and Masson Mills, both key sites in the Derwent Valley’s industrial story. Heage Windmill offers a glimpse of older rural technology, while the National Stone Centre explores local geology. A little further brings Peak Rail for steam and diesel rides through the countryside, and the Heights of Abraham with its cable cars and caverns above Matlock Bath. It’s a straightforward, family-friendly stop that pairs nicely with the mills, tram museums and scenic spots dotted around this stretch of the Derwent Valley.