For automotive enthusiasts, pilgrimage sites tend to be race circuits, museums and historic factories. Bentley is now adding another stop to that list.
The British luxury manufacturer has opened its visitor experience center, CW1 House, to members of the public, creating a new way to explore more than a century of Bentley history at the company’s headquarters in Crewe, England.
Previously accessible primarily to customers and invited guests, CW1 House now offers bookable guided tours that provide access to displays of modern Bentleys, motorsport memorabilia and some of the most significant vehicles from Bentley’s heritage collection.
The experience begins in CW1 House, where visitors can explore a rotating display of current production models alongside recent heritage vehicles. Historic trophies and artifacts help illustrate Bentley’s journey from W.O. Bentley’s original company in 1919 to today’s luxury manufacturer.
A highlight of the visit is access to Lineage, Bentley’s heritage exhibition space. Here guests can view rare pre-war automobiles, including examples seldom seen outside the company’s archives. Depending on the schedule of vehicle rotations, visitors may also encounter coachbuilt Mulliner creations and special-edition models from Bentley’s modern era.
While the main production facility is not yet part of the public tour, Bentley has indicated that broader factory access remains part of its long-term visitor plans.
For travelers with an interest in automotive history, British manufacturing or luxury design, the new experience offers one of the most direct connections to Bentley’s past and present.
VISITOR INFORMATION
Location:Â CW1 House, Bentley Motors Campus, Crewe, Cheshire, EnglandNearest Airport:Â Manchester Airport (MAN), approximately 30 miles (48 km) from Crewe
Nearest Rail Station: Crewe Railway Station, one of the UK’s major rail hubs with direct connections to London, Manchester, Birmingham and Liverpool
Tour Availability: Selected weekdays throughout the year
Tour Duration: Guided experiences vary by schedule
Admission: Guided tours from £20 per person
Booking: Advance reservations required
Highlights:
- Access to Bentley’s CW1 House visitor center
- Guided visit hosted by Bentley customer ambassadors
- Entry to Lineage heritage exhibition
- Historic race trophies and memorabilia
- Rare pre-war Bentley automobiles
- Rotating displays of modern and heritage vehicles
- Bentley Boutique merchandise store
Nearby Attractions:
- Crewe Heritage Centre
- Chester and its historic city center
- Jodrell Bank Observatory
- Peak District National Park
- Manchester city center
Best For: Automotive enthusiasts, luxury travelers, motorsport fans and visitors interested in British manufacturing heritage
Travel Tip: Combine a visit to Crewe with time in nearby Chester or Manchester. Both are within easy reach by rail and provide excellent bases for exploring northwest England while adding Bentley’s headquarters to a broader automotive-focused itinerary.
Photo Gallery
