Hawkins British Motorcycle Museum & Memories Café

57 Gwindra Rd, St Stephen, Saint Austell PL26 7LB, United Kingdom
+44 1726 828100
$$$ Cafe
(31 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Welcome to the Hawkins British Motorcycle Museum & Memories Café, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of St Stephen, Saint Austell. This unique café and museum combination is not only a delightful stop for motorcycle enthusiasts but also a charming place for anyone who appreciates the rich heritage of British engineering. With free entry, the museum showcases an impressive collection of classic British motorcycles—many of which are tied to local history and charm.

From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by the warm and inviting atmosphere crafted by passionate staff. Visitors, like Andy Smith, highlight the friendly nature of the staff and the well-preserved condition of the exhibits, making it a welcoming destination for families and motorcycle fans alike. Imagine exploring an array of vintage bikes that once ruled the roads, each with its own story. You can almost hear the roar of their engines as you admire the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail.

The café offers a range of reasonably priced lunch options, perfect for recharging before or after your museum visit. While specific menu details weren't provided, you can expect comforting and tasty fare that complements your experience. Ewan Baxter fondly recounts a visit where he marveled at the displays, often encouraging others to visit this remarkable space where Mr. Hawkins himself might regale you with stories of the motorcycles that once cruised through the streets. If you’re lucky, you might even receive an insightful guided tour!

Customers like Joanna Krukowska emphasize the passion behind this tiny museum, and Tony Wilson encourages those interested in both classic motorcycles and local history to stop by. The collection, though not the largest, is captivating, featuring rare examples of motorcycles from the earliest days to more modern engineering marvels. For enthusiasts, learning about Hawkins Motors—a significant motorcycle dealer from the '50s and '60s—adds an enriching context to the experience. The stories behind each bike provide a fascinating glimpse into the past, lovingly curated over the years.

In a world where big attractions often overshadow the quaint and the unique, the Hawkins British Motorcycle Museum & Memories Café stands out as a must-visit destination. Whether you're an avid biker or simply seeking a delightful café experience enriched with nostalgia, this local treasure promises a memorable outing. Come for the motorcycles, stay for the warm atmosphere, and leave with a heart full of stories and memories.

So gather your loved ones, hit the road, and discover why so many have left the Hawkins British Motorcycle Museum with smiles on their faces and tales to share.

Service options
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Great coffee
Popular for
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Offerings
Coffee
Dining options
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
Payments
Credit cards
NFC mobile payments
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free parking lot
Parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

09:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Tuesday

09:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Wednesday

09:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Thursday

09:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Friday

09:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Saturday

09:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

31 Reviews
Andy Smith

10 Sep 2025

Excellent small motorcycle museum with cafe. Free entry, friendly staff. Really enjoyed the visit, the bikes are in very good condition and are well presented. If only the NMM could do as well! Good, reasonably priced lunch in the nearby Queens Head.

Max Watson

31 Aug 2025

Went with my daughter, amazing collection of motorbikes.

Andrew Richards

12 Jul 2025

What a fantastic little collection, wouldn't have known about it but some friends who live locally took us.

Joanna Krukowska

12 Jul 2025

Lovely tiny museum created with passion It was open on Sunday

Tony Wilson

09 Jul 2025

If you like classic British Motorcycles and have an interest in local history, this museum is a great place to visit. Not the biggest collection by any means, but I found every bike interesting in some way. Hawkins was a multi franchise motorcycle dealer back in the 50/60s so they have a good spread of marques on show. I particularly liked the speedway bike and associated St Austell Gulls team memorabilia. Very nice to see. I'd definitely recommend this museum. It's located adjacent to the cafe in the main showroom. Entry is free.

Ewan Baxter

27 Jun 2025

A gem of a motorcycle museum owned and run by Mr Hawkins himself. Most motorbikes, I counted 56, were accepted as part exchange when cars became more popular, a lot on display were originally sold by Hawkins Motors. Some very rare examples from the earliest motorcycles to the last of the production run. Some were competition winners. If you are lucky you will meet Mr Hawkins for a guided tour. Add to this a cafe and this makes a great half day out. A bonus is the museum is FREE ENTRY.

Anthony Fox

19 Jun 2025

This museum offers an amazing experience especially if you are interested in the best of British engineered motorcycles. I was on holidays in Cornwall and had motorcycle withdrawal and I did a Google search - This museum came up. I drove over there and it blew my mind. Most of the motorcycles are displayed how they should always be displayed - close to eye level . - so that you can examine the welding detail. - the astonishing casing moulds and engine detail - Stunning iconic motorcycles - a real treat. Even got to meet a family member by pure chance. Don’t miss the opportunity to pop by if you’re in Cornwall.

Mark Lea

05 Jun 2025

Visited the museum on a ride out with some friends, a very interesting place with fascinating stories from Mr Hawkins.

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