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Bentley Wildfowl And Motor Museum, East Sussex

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The name of Bentley Park seems to evoke intimate historical connections with the motor industry. My brother assumed this when I took him there:

"Has this place got anything to do with Bentley cars?"

"Nothing whatsoever," I answered. "It's just been the home of the well-to-do Gage family, and Bentley means blade of rough grass, of which there is plenty around here."

So, making it clear that Bentley Park has nothing specific to do with automotive history, Bentley nevertheless has a nice motor museum. The museum shows cars loaned by owners who wish their cars to be seen by the public, so the collection can change. When I visted there were a wide range of cars, from a Ford Prefect, my father's first car, to Johnny Herbert's Benetton Formula 1 car. A regular programme of motoring events also takes place.

In the parkland surrounding Bentley there is a large wildfowl park with many different kind of waterbirds in pleasant surroundings. The park was set up in 1962 when Gerald Askew bought twenty pairs of wildfowl on a whim, took them home and asked his wife what he should do with them. A pond was hurriedly dug for the birds, and the discovery of a natural sping ensured plenty of water for the park that ensued.

Group visits can be arranged outside normal opening hours. Please use contact details below.

 

 

Address: Bentley Wildfowl and Motor Museum, Halland, Lewes, East Sussex, BN8 5NF

Directions: Bentley is seven miles east of Lewes, just off the A22. Click here for an interactive map centred on Bentley Wildfowl and Motor Museum.

Opening Times:

Winter 2011 - weekends only 10.30am - 4pm and during East Sussex school holidays.

21st March to 31st October 10.30am - 5.30pm, open daily.

Bentley House is open only during the period 1st April to 31st October, from midday.

Closed 24th and 25th December

Access: the site is flat and accessible for wheelchair users. Electric wheelchairs are provided.

Contact:

telephone 01825 840573

fax: 01825 841322

for group visits e-mail: barrysutherland@pavilion.co.uk

web site: http://www.bentley.org.uk/#/welcome/4525140631

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