Bertie the Bedford Joins Brum at Cotswold Motoring Museum
Visitors to the Cotswold Motoring Museum in Bourton-on-the-Water can now enjoy double the motoring nostalgia as Bertie, a beautifully restored 1962 Bedford ice cream van, joins children's television favourite Brum as the museum's latest star attraction.
The arrival of Bertie adds another unique chapter to one of Gloucestershire's most popular family attractions, bringing together two much-loved pieces of British motoring history that have both entertained generations of visitors on screen and in real life.
A Remarkable Restoration Brings Bertie Back to Life
Affectionately known as Bertie, the vintage Bedford ice cream van has undergone an extensive restoration after being rescued from a poor state of repair. Purchased by the museum in late 2023 for £4,500, the vehicle required significant structural work, extensive rust repairs, upgraded electrics, a complete respray and a fully redesigned interior to meet modern food service standards.
The ambitious restoration project transformed Bertie from a forgotten classic into a fully operational ice cream van, ready to welcome visitors outside the museum.
Before arriving in Bourton-on-the-Water, Bertie made his debut serving ice creams at Whitemead Forest Park while awaiting a trading licence, quickly proving a hit with families and reminding many visitors of the traditional ice cream vans they remembered from childhood.
Two Television Stars Together at Last
While Brum has delighted generations of children through the much-loved television series that aired between 1991 and 2002, Bertie has also enjoyed his own time in the spotlight.
The Bedford featured on Find It, Fix It, Flog It with Henry Cole in 2024 before later reuniting with the presenter during filming for Junk and Disorderly, where both Henry Cole and co-host Sam "Skid" Read praised the incredible transformation.
Now, for the first time, visitors can see both television favourites together at the Cotswold Motoring Museum.
Brum Continues to Delight New Generations
Brum remains one of the museum's most treasured exhibits. Based on an Austin 7 Chummy, the lovable little car became a household name thanks to the award-winning children's television series created by Ragdoll Productions.
Each episode saw Brum leave his home at the Cotswold Motoring Museum to enjoy adventures before returning safely at the end of the day, helping make the museum a must-visit destination for families and television fans alike.
"Bertie the Bedford has such a special story and we're delighted to welcome him to the museum. His restoration has been a real labour of love, bringing a much-loved piece of motoring history back to life.
"Having Bertie and Brum together is especially exciting. They both spark happy memories for visitors of all ages and celebrate a wonderful part of Britain's motoring heritage."
– Oliver Reece, Manager, Cotswold Motoring Museum
A Great Family Day Out in Bourton-on-the-Water
The addition of Bertie gives visitors yet another reason to visit the award-winning Cotswold Motoring Museum, where fascinating exhibits, classic vehicles, motoring memorabilia and interactive displays tell the story of Britain's motoring past.
Located in the heart of Bourton-on-the-Water, the museum remains one of the Cotswolds' most popular family attractions, with Brum and Bertie now welcoming visitors together for the very first time.
Visitors staying at nearby Cotswold Cottages can also enjoy complimentary entry to the museum, making it an ideal addition to a family break in one of the Cotswolds' most picturesque villages.
> Discover more about the Cotswold Motoring Museum and plan your visit today.
> Book a stay at Cotswold Cottages in Bourton-on-the-Water and enjoy free entry to the Cotswold Motoring Museum.
Explore Gloucestershire
27 July 2026
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