Driving Forward: Building the Future of Aycliffe Bus Museum
The Aycliffe and District Bus Preservation Society is proud to share an exciting update on the continued development of Aycliffe Bus Museum as a growing and vibrant transport heritage destination in the North East.
Over recent years, the museum has steadily evolved from a preservation base into a welcoming public space that celebrates the region’s rich bus and transport history. Our long term vision is to create a small but high quality museum that not only preserves historic vehicles, but also tells the stories of the people, communities, and industries that shaped public transport across County Durham and the wider North East.
A major step forward in this journey has been made possible thanks to funding support from NARTM. This funding has enabled us to begin construction of a new lobby area, which will allow us to properly section off the museum and conference room from the neighbouring factory unit. This improvement is a vital part of our wider development plans, creating a clear, welcoming entrance and a more professional and accessible environment for visitors, volunteers, and event attendees.
We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to NARTM for their support and belief in our project. Their investment is not just in bricks and mortar, but in the future of transport heritage in our region. The new lobby area will significantly enhance the visitor experience and give us the flexibility to operate the museum and conference facilities more independently, safely, and efficiently.
The museum is very much a work in progress, driven by passion, commitment, and a strong sense of community. Over the next year, we hope to make full use of this newly developed space to support a wide range of projects and events. From restoration work and educational activities to talks, displays, and community gatherings, the possibilities this development creates are exciting and inspiring.
Looking ahead to 2026, Aycliffe Bus Museum will continue to build momentum. We plan to bring an even wider range of new events, exhibitions, and special activities to the site, helping to attract new audiences while continuing to serve our loyal supporters. Each development brings us closer to our goal of establishing Aycliffe Bus Museum as a recognised and valued heritage attraction in the North East.
None of this would be possible without the dedication of our volunteers, the support of our members, and the encouragement of organisations like NARTM. Together, we are not just preserving buses. We are preserving memories, skills, and stories for future generations.
The journey is far from over, but the direction is clear. Aycliffe Bus Museum is growing, evolving, and full of ambition, and we look forward to welcoming many more visitors as we continue to develop this unique and passionate project.