The British Lawnmower Museum on Shakespeare Street in Southport has welcomed thousands of visitors since opening in 1991. Its collection includes lawnmowers donated by celebrities such as Queen guitarist Brian May, King Charles, and the late Paul O'Grady.
Celebrity donations and royal connections
Brian Radam, the 75-year-old owner, recalled: "Brian May rang up one day and said, 'It's Brian May here, would you want my old lawnmower?'" The Queen legend wanted his mower to "have a happy retirement," Radam added.
The museum's 'Lawnmowers of the Rich & Famous' display features a lawnmower given as a wedding gift to King Charles and Princess Diana, as well as one belonging to comedy icon Eric Morecambe. Paul O'Grady's mower, gifted for his 50th birthday, has a leopard print cutting plate and pink furry handle bars.
Preserving social heritage
Radam noted that actors like Robbie Coltrane and David Jason had engineering backgrounds and showed great interest in garden machinery. "It's a bit of our social heritage that we're preserving at the museum," he said.
Visitors come from around the world, including Americans who combined a trip to Hampton Court Palace with the museum. The King's mower is an ATCO Tractor, received as a wedding present.
Free Heritage Open Days tours
The museum usually charges £3 for adults and £1 for children, but will open for free as part of the Heritage Open Days festival from September 1 to September 20, 2026. Free one-hour tours are scheduled for September 11 at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm, with pre-booking essential via email.
Radam emphasised the museum's role in helping the public with repairs and restoration, calling it "a unique experience that's a cut above the rest." More information is available on the British Lawnmower Museum website.
