Bluebird to return to record site 70 years on

Donald Campbell achieved his first world water speed record in 1955

Donald Campbell's Bluebird is to return to the site where he broke his first world speed record 70 years ago.

The pilot reached 202.32 mph (325.6 km/h) setting his first world water speed record aboard the hydroplane at Ullswater, Cumbria, in 1955.

On 23 July, the craft will be on display at the lake's Glenridding Pier to mark the anniversary of Mr Campbell's achievement.

Tracy Hodgson, director of the Ruskin Museum, which normally houses Bluebird, said it was an opportunity to see a "very special piece of British high-speed motoring history".

Mr Campbell beat the previous speed record of 178.49 mph (287.25 km/h) set by Stanley Sayres.

He went on to achieve a further seven records before he died in 1967, aged 46, on Coniston Water, while trying to break his previous speed of 276mph (444km/h).

Bluebird K7, which was recovered from Coniston Water and restored, is normally on display at the Ruskin Museum

The event to mark the 70th anniversary of Mr Campbell's first successful attempt, is held in partnership with Ullswater Steamers, which has provided cruises on the lake for over 160 years.

Peter Martin, operations manager at the firm, said Bluebird's return would be a special day for the community.

"We feel a deep connection to this incredible piece of history and are honoured to play a part in commemorating his achievement," he said.

Bluebird was recovered from the bottom of Coniston Water in 2001 and rebuilt by a team of engineers on Tyneside.

After a long-running ownership row, it was handed over to the Ruskin Museum in March 2024.