Epic summer holiday experiences at Silverstone

Silverstone has plenty of ways to make the most of the summer, be it getting behind the wheel of real or virtual cars, unwinding with a drink, escaping for a weekend or simply trying something a little different. 

If you’re searching for summer activities, planning a day out with friends or looking for a summer staycation in Northamptonshire, here are some ideas to get you started.

Karting at Silverstone

Kart Silverstone offers high-speed karting experiences, whether you’re a complete beginner or already have your sights set on the top step of the podium.

For first-timers, Adult Beginner Open Laps are designed to get you comfortable behind the wheel. Once you’ve found your rhythm, Adult Open Laps give you 20 minutes on the International Circuit to work on your lines, improve your lap times and see how you compare on the leaderboard.

Want something more competitive? The Silverstone 30 combines qualifying with a race and podium presentation, while the Silverstone 60 takes things up another gear with a longer format designed for experienced racers. Both are available to drivers aged 14 and over.

Which adult karting experience should you choose?

There are even Adult Heats, a dedicated weight-classed championship for serious karting enthusiasts, with multiple rounds, heat races and the chance to compete for the overall title.

Find out more and book Kart Silverstone

Watch the sun go down at Summer Sundowners

Head to The Gallery Roof Deck at Escapade Silverstone for Summer Sundowners, where you can swap the roar of the racetrack for a drink, a DJ and views across the circuit.

Running on selected Fridays throughout the summer, the events offer an easy-going way to meet friends, enjoy the evening and make the most of the longer days.

Summer Sundowners dates

• Friday 14 August
• Friday 25 September

Events run from 5pm to 9pm at the Moët & Chandon Roof Deck at The Gallery, Escapade Silverstone.
Entry is £5, with every ticket including one free beer, cider or non-alcoholic alternative. Booking is essential as capacity is limited.

Book Summer Sundowners at Escapade Silverstone

Wake up trackside at Escapade Silverstone

Turn your visit into a summer staycation at Escapade Silverstone, with trackside and countryside residences ranging from one-bedroom escapes to four-bedroom private residences.

The Trackside residences put you just metres from the circuit, with balconies overlooking the action. The one-bedroom Trackside Residence offers 45sqm of open-plan living area, ensuite bathroom, kitchenette and trackside balcony with views of nine corners and two high-speed straights.

For larger groups, private three- and four-bedroom Trackside residences offer significantly more space, with private balconies, open-plan living areas, ensuite bedrooms and garages. The four-bedroom Trackside Residence is 185sqm and sits just 11 metres from the circuit.

Explore Escapade Silverstone residences and check availability

Refuel your body and mind at Escapade

The wellness facilities at Escapade Silverstone offer a different way to experience the circuit, with a 15-metre indoor swimming pool, Finnish sauna and track-facing gym all just metres from the Grand Prix circuit.

The pool sits behind floor-to-ceiling windows just 11 metres from the track, meaning you can take a dip while remaining firmly within Silverstone territory.

The gym features cardio and resistance equipment from Matrix Fitness, while the sauna provides a place to unwind after a workout or simply relax.

Explore Silverstone Museum

For motorsport fans, Silverstone Museum is a chance to get closer to the cars, technology and people that have made Silverstone one of the world's most revered racing venues.

Explore the history of the circuit through immersive exhibitions, legendary racing cars and interactive displays, with plenty to keep even the most knowledgeable motorsport fan entertained.

Get behind the wheel in the Sim Suite

For adults who would rather experience Silverstone from the driver's seat, the Museum's state-of-the-art Sim Suite adds some virtual racing to your visit.

The 30-minute experience puts you behind the wheel of your choice of car, with professional-grade equipment designed to go well beyond the traditional home racing setup. 

Book your Silverstone Museum and Sim Suite experience

Get on track with Drive Silverstone

For the ultimate day out at Silverstone, leave the virtual world behind and get behind the wheel of a real performance car.
Drive Silverstone gives you the opportunity to drive some of the world's most exciting cars around the UK's only Formula 1 circuit, with an expert instructor alongside you.

Drive experiences currently start from £239, with a range of experiences available depending on how much horsepower you're looking for.

Choose your Silverstone driving experience

• Audi Experience: 394bhp, five-cylinder turbocharged, all-wheel drive Audi RS 3 Sportback.
• Ferrari Experience: 661bhp, twin-turbo V8, 205mph Ferrari 488 GTB.
• Supercar Experience: Supercar trio of McLaren 620R, Ferrari 488 GTB and Aston Martin Vantage.
• Formula Single-Seater Experience: Formula-style single-seater car.
• Aston Martin Experience: 503bhp, V8 Aston Martin.
• McLaren Experience: Ultra-fast McLaren 620R.
• Ferrari v Aston Martin: Compare the Ferrari 488 GTB and Aston Martin V8 Vantage.
• Caterham Drift Experience: A timed challenge in the Caterham 7.
• Advanced Formula Single-Seater Experience: for drivers who want more time on track, fewer cars around them and detailed performance analysis.

Explore Drive Silverstone experiences

Things to do for adults at Silverstone: FAQs

What are the best activities to do at Silverstone?

You can go karting at Kart Silverstone, explore Silverstone Museum, race in the Museum's Sim Suite, attend Summer Sundowners at Escapade, stay in a trackside residence, use the Escapade wellness facilities or drive a supercar around Silverstone with Drive Silverstone.

Can adults go karting at Silverstone?

Yes. Kart Silverstone offers karting sessions for both children and adults, including Beginner Open Laps, Open Laps, Silverstone 30, Silverstone 60 and Solo Coaching.

What is there to do at Silverstone for adults who don't like racing?

Silverstone has plenty of options beyond racing. Silverstone Museum explores the history and technology of motorsport, while Escapade offers Summer Sundowners, accommodation, a swimming pool, sauna, gym and dining at The Gallery.

Can you stay at Silverstone?

Yes. Escapade Silverstone offers one to four-bedroom residences, with options including Trackside and Countryside locations. Trackside residences offer views of the Grand Prix circuit, while larger private residences are available for groups.

Is there a swimming pool at Silverstone?

Escapade Silverstone has a 15-metre indoor swimming pool with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the circuit. Guests can also use the Finnish sauna and track-facing gym.

What driving experiences are available at Silverstone?

Drive Silverstone offers a range of experiences featuring cars including Ferrari, McLaren, Aston Martin and Audi, as well as Formula-style single-seater and Caterham drift experiences.