OUR youngest loves cars. I mean, he LOVES cars.

Despite neither of his parents being what might be called ‘petrolheads’, his devotion to anything on wheels, is total.

So, when asked what he wanted for his recent sixth birthday, the inevitable reply came: “Something with wheels.”

And as to what he would like to do, we already had a plan.

For on our doorstep here in Somerset is the UK’s largest collection of cars and bikes.

Haynes Motor Museum, at Sparkford, boasts hundreds of vehicles, all on display in a stunning building.

So we took our little one on his big day, the promise of cars, cars, cars ringing in his ears – and ours.

It’s a lovely building designed itself, it would appear, to resemble the dynamic design of a car. It’s a great sight as you pull into the car park that really sets you up for what is inside.

As you walk through the doors, it’s like the designers had us parents in mind as one of the first things you see is Café 750, offering that caffeine boost as you attempt to herd excited young people…

Through the next doors and you are immediately confronted with row after row of cars.

Starting from the earliest, around 1885, your walk around takes you through time on the road, from carriage-like early Rolls Royces, to space-age Formula 1 cars, via 80s sports offerings and luxury limos.

As I say, despite not being a ‘car family’ (well, except the birthday boy, of course), even we found ourselves engrossed in analysing how cars have progressed over time.

You can’t help but find yourself discussing how design, materials, engineering, have all evolved over decades to produce some of the stunning results on show.

From high-end Ferraris to novelty Smart cars, it’s all here – and it’s an amazing spectacle.

For the little one, the dazzling red Mustangs and arrow-like Lancias stood out, while for an aging 80s child like me, seeing an actual DeLorean was the highlight (if you know, you know).

Haynes Motor Museum is a must-visit for car lovers

But it’s not just looking at pretty cars. The young ones – we also took the birthday boy’s big sister, who is nine – also get to enjoy a host of other engine-related activities.

They were captivated by the display showing how an engine actually works (as were we) – an educational boost – and chatting with the knowledgeable staff who explained numerous concepts of design, manufacture and more.

So not only did we feel like the children enjoyed themselves immensely, we also felt they learnt – a lot.

From combustion engines to centripetal forces, all manner of concepts were introduced in a fun and accessible way.

And there is also an entire motorbike section, for those who prefer their journeys on two wheels, which was delight.

A helmet-cam journey through the Dorset countryside kept the birthday boy engrossed, leaning in with the rider as they took corners, while we all chose our favourite helmets of course – the safer the better, children…

And away from the displays, when the attention starts to wain a touch, to the playground you go, or even allow the youngsters to don a helmet themselves for a spot of go-karting!

Just as we thought we were at the end of our road trip around the museum, we came across a treat for fans of Top Gear and The Grand Tour.

Richard Hammond, the Hamster as he’s affectionately known, has an exhibition all of his own, featuring some of his famous cars from the shows – including Oliver the Opel Kadett, beloved since the Top Gear special which saw the trio in Botswana.

I won’t say any more, but if you’re a fan, it’s a real bonus to your visit.

Once we were all thoroughly exhausted through visiting and revisiting our wheeled favourites, it was time to take in the excellent museum shop, which boasts untold stocks of motoring merchandise – perfect for a birthday treat or three for our young car fan.

Then, we grabbed a bite to eat back at Café 750 and sat, with bellies and brains full of motoring, thinking about how much fun we’d had – and how much a second-hand DeLorean might cost…

• • Haynes Motor Museum, at Sparkford, near Yeovil, opens from 10am daily. For more information, call 01963 440804, or visit www.haynesmotormuseum.org.

PAUL JONES