Dover Transport Museum delivers far more than it says on the tin. Of course, it has a fascinating collection of vehicles, some extremely rare and unusual, but it also displays many non transport items, many in re-created shop fronts bearing the names of old Dover businesses.
Shoe repairers, tobacconist, sweetshop, toyshops, hardware and Post Office are represented, and the new East Kent Road Car Company Booking Office holds a good collection of bus related items. There are also three model railways, a model tramway and hundreds of models, including rare Dinky Toys.
The vehicles on display, which are not roped off, include a WW1 Pierce-Arrow lorry, used on the Western front, a 1958 Southend sea front open top bus, 1960 Duple coach, fire engines, and cars from Austin, Delage, Rover and Wolseley, as well as many other cars and small commercials. Over fifty motor-cycles and scooters are on display, with bicycles including a penny farthing and a boneshaker. Outside a full size steam locomotive, several quarry locomotives, an old fashioned belt driven workshop and even a wartime Anderson shelter are to be explored. The museums two large buildings are set in two acres of attractive grounds with a picnic area.
The museums café serves hot drinks, light meals and snacks, and fabulous home- made cakes and bread pudding, all at very reasonable prices.
The museum is entirely volunteer run and is open to the public on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays from March to October, and on Sundays throughout the year, but coach and group bookings are welcome on any day by prior arrangement. With the average visit lasting two hours it makes an ideal part day filler or a longer coffee or lunch stop.
The museum is situated just off the A2, Whitfield ( McDonalds ) roundabout, on the outskirts of Dover, with very easy access and plenty of free car and coach parking.
Website: www.dovertransportmuseum.org.uk
E-mail: info@dovertransportmuseum.org.uk
Direct contact for coach and group bookings: 01303 248999 or 07810186641
