Visit Aycliffe Bus Museum

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Aycliffe and District Bus Preservation Society was founded in 1980 and has grown steadily over the last 45 years. Today, the Society is housed in Aycliffe Bus Museum on Burtree Road, Newton Aycliffe, where a dedicated team continues to preserve and celebrate the region’s transport history.

Visitors are invited to explore a collection that includes some of the most historically significant vehicles from Darlington Corporation and United days. The museum offers a unique opportunity to see beautifully restored buses up close, learn about their stories, and meet the volunteers who work hard to keep these vehicles alive.

“Visit the Aycliffe & District Bus Preservation Society to explore the North-East’s rich public transport history, discover beautifully restored buses, and meet the team keeping these vehicles alive.”

Aycliffe Bus Museum is located at Langton Business Centre, Burtree Road, Newton Aycliffe. Visitors will find a welcoming and easy-to-reach site, with clear access from the main roads around the town. A map embed on the website can help you plan your journey and find the museum with ease.

 

The museum offers around 40 parking spaces on site. These can fill quickly on busy days, and visitors may need to park in nearby streets. If you do, please be considerate—avoid blocking junctions or businesses. The museum is also well-served by public transport. Arriva’s Service 5 passes the bottom of Burtree Road, while Services 7 and 8 stop near the Greggs and Ramsay’s Garage area on St Cuthbert’s Way, just a short walk from the museum.

The museum building itself is wheelchair accessible, although some historic buses understandably cannot offer wheelchair access due to their age. Visitors with accessibility needs are encouraged to get in touch beforehand if they have specific questions.

The Aycliffe Bus Museum operates seasonally and is open during specific times of the year. Visitors should check the museum’s Events page for the most up-to-date information on opening days, special events, and any unexpected closures due to maintenance or holidays.

Inside the museum, visitors can enjoy an impressive lineup of preserved vehicles representing decades of transport heritage. The collection includes notable examples such as the

  • Bristol K Type GHN 198,

  • Bristol L Type LHN 860,

  • Bristol K-Type FHN 923,

  • Daimler CCG5 AHN 451B,

  • Bristol LS6G 304 GHN,

  • Bristol LHS NDL 769G,

  • Leyland National MK2 MHN 131W.

In addition to these core pieces, the museum also hosts special guest vehicles, including

  • Leyland Leopard YSF 87S

  • Optare Vecta M73 WYG.

Visitors may also witness ongoing restoration work, browse displays of memorabilia and historic photos, and experience stepping inside selected buses to get a feel for transport through the decades.

On event days, the museum offers the popular opportunity to “Enjoy free heritage bus rides!”, giving visitors the chance to ride aboard these classic vehicles.

The Aycliffe & District Bus Preservation Society hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including annual running days, special open days, and appearances at local rallies and shows. Each event offers something different—vehicle displays, rides, sales stalls, and family-friendly activities.

Visitors can find full details on the dedicated Events page and are encouraged to check regularly for updates as new dates are added throughout the year.

Entry to the museum is free, making it an affordable and welcoming day out for families, enthusiasts, and anyone interested in local history. While admission is free, donations are warmly welcomed and help support the ongoing preservation of the collection. Donations can also be made online via the museum’s Donate page.

The museum also offers membership options and a “Friend of the Society” scheme, which provide additional benefits and help support the continued work of the Society.

Visitors can contact the museum easily for enquiries or additional information. The team can be reached via email at aycliffe-bus@hotmail.com, or through the museum’s official Facebook page, where updates and announcements are posted regularly.

A visit to the Aycliffe Bus Museum is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace. The team recommends setting aside at least half a day to explore the collection, browse the shop, and take part in a heritage bus ride when available. This allows plenty of time to appreciate the vehicles and enjoy everything the museum has to offer.

While the museum is indoors, it can be cool at certain times of the year, so dressing for outdoor conditions is advised—especially if you plan to ride on one of the buses. Dogs are welcome at the museum, but all under-16 visitors must be accompanied by an adult.

Photography is encouraged, and visitors will find a range of facilities on site, including toilets, a shop, and additional stalls and refreshments during major event days.