If you're just getting into karting, there's nothing quite like it.. the country boasts a diverse range of karting tracks, each offering its own unique blend of excitement and adventure. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice looking for a fun day out, we're about to take you through the best outdoor karting tracks in the UK, with in-depth details on each one and in no particular order.
Whilton Mill Karting - Northamptonshire
Located in the picturesque Northamptonshire countryside, Whilton Mill Karting & Outdoor Activities is a true karting gem. The circuit offers various track layouts, including international and national configurations, to cater to all skill levels. The tracks unique layout features challenging corners, thrilling straights, and elevation changes that keep drivers on their toes. Whilton Mill regularly hosts championship races and endurance events, making it a favourite amongst competitive karting enthusiasts. In addition to the circuit, Whilton Mill provides top-notch facilities, including a clubhouse, cafe, and kart shop. It's an excellent place for both serious racers and families looking for a fun day out.
For adults they run the Biz Kart Evo3 - 390cc with a top speed of roughly 50mph and like most other 'arrive & drive' venues in the UK, you'll need to be at least 16 years old to drive them (although I think the Daytona venues allow you to drive their Sodi karts at 14 years)
Buckmore Park Kart Circuit - Kent
Situated amidst the picturesque Kent countryside, Buckmore Park Kart Circuit has earned its reputation as the "Home of British Karting". This legendary track has seen the likes of Lewis Hamilton honing their skills in his early days. The circuit is challenging, with a mix of high-speed straights and technical corners that push drivers to their limits. Buckmore Park offers a variety of karting options, from 'arrive & drive' sessions to professional-level races.
For adults they run the SodiKart RT10 390cc 4stroke engines that reach about 50mph.
For juniors they run the SodiKart LR5 160cc 4stroke engines and the karts are used for both 12-15 & 8-11 age groups.
Buckmore Park boasts excellent facilities, including a dedicated race school for those looking to improve their skills. There's also a clubhouse with a restaurant, making it a great place to relax after a thrilling day on the track.
Rye House Kart Raceway - Hertfordshire
Rye House Kart Raceway, located in Hertfordshire, is a fantastic destination for karting enthusiasts. The circuit features a dynamic blend of high-speed straights and technical sections, providing an exhilarating experience for racers of all levels. The track hosts a variety of karting formats, including sprint races and endurance events, making it versatile and enjoyable for all.
The venue offers excellent facilities, including a kart shop, a clubhouse with a restaurant and bar, plus a dedicated timing system to keep track of your lap times.
Lewis Hamilton began his karting career at Rye House Kart Circuit, the venue has been the starting point for many young racers, including Hamilton, who went on to become one of the most successful Formula 1 drivers in history. His early experiences at Rye House were instrumental in shaping his racing career and passion for motorsports.
Lydd Kart Circuit - Kent
Lydd Kart Circuit in Kent offers a unique karting experience in a less crowded setting. The track features sweeping curves and tight hairpin bends, creating a diverse and thrilling circuit for drivers. Lydd Kart Circuit is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal place for beginners and families.
The circuit offers a clubhouse with a cafe and viewing area, ensuring that friends and family can enjoy the action whilst providing a relaxed atmosphere for racers.
Daytona Milton Keynes - Buckinghamshire
A renowned outdoor karting venue located in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. Daytona Milton Keynes is easily accessible from various locations in the South East of England, making it a popular choice for karting enthusiasts in the region.
It offers a state-of-the-art karting experience suitable for racers of all levels, from beginners to experienced drivers. Daytona Milton Keynes is frequently visited by celebrities such as Tom Cruise and Anthony Joshua as well as many F1 legends.
The track features a challenging layout with a mix of corners, straights, and technical sections, providing an exciting racing experience. The circuit hosts a variety of karting events, including corporate team-building activities, stag and hen parties, and 'arrive & drive' sessions.
All Daytona venues run the fastest 'arrive & drive' karts in the UK (apart from Club 100) and they boast their DMAX 125cc 2-stroke Junior Rotax engines reach 70mph although you will have to prove you have good racing experience to be allowed out in one.
They also run SodiKart RS5 270cc 4-stroke karts that can reach around 45mph.
The venue prioritises safety and provides high-quality safety equipment, including helmets and race suits, to all participants.
A clubhouse has a restaurant and bar, making it a great place for friends and family to relax and enjoy the action.
Daytona Sandown Park - Surrey
A popular karting circuit located in Esher, Surrey making it easily accessible for people in the Greater London area and surrounding region. This outdoor karting facility offers a range of karting experiences and events for both beginners and experienced racers.
Daytona Sandown Park features a challenging and well-maintained karting track with a variety of corners, straights, and technical sections. The layout is designed to provide an exciting and competitive karting experience. Daytona Sandown Park offers various karting options to cater to different skill levels and preferences. They typically have a fleet of karts available, including adult and junior karts.
The circuit hosts a range of events, including open practice sessions, 'arrive & drive' experiences, corporate events, and competitive race days. It's a popular venue for corporate team-building events and parties.
They provide all necessary safety equipment (including helmets and race suits) and host safety briefings for participants before they hit the track.
You can typically book karting sessions or events in advance through their website, or by contacting them directly. Pricing varies depending on the type of karting experience and the duration of your session.
The venue includes facilities such as a clubhouse with a cafe, changing rooms, a spectator areas which allows friends and family to watch the racing action comfortably.
Three Sisters Circuit - Lancashire
Located in Lancashire, the Three Sisters Circuit is a must-visit destination for karting enthusiasts in the North of England.
The track offers a perfect blend of technical sections and high-speed straights, promising an adrenaline-packed experience for all racers.
Three Sisters hosts a variety of events, from casual 'arrive & drive' sessions to competitive race days.
The venue features an on-site cafe, dedicated karting facilities, and ample spectator areas, making it an excellent place to spend a day out.
Llandow Kart Circuit - South Wales (also known as Llandow Kart Club)
Located in Llandow, near Cowbridge, in the Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales making it accessible to karting enthusiasts in South Wales and the surrounding areas.
Llandow Kart Circuit has to be my favourite track, it's a long drive from London but it's so much fun. There's only one slow speed corner so it has a great flow, and a lovely long straight followed by a hairpin at the end. It's a well-maintained outdoor karting track that offers a combination of challenging corners, straights, and technical sections. The layout is designed to provide an exciting and competitive karting experience.
According to their website they only cater to owner drivers and they do not run 'arrive & drive' karting, kid’s parties or any type of corporate karting. They typically host safety briefings to participants before they take to the track.
You can usually book karting sessions or events in advance through their website or by contacting them directly. Pricing will vary depending on the duration of the session, and the type of kart you own.
The venue includes facilities such as a clubhouse and reception area, and there is also a spectator area where friends and family can watch the racing action.
Clay Pigeon Kart Club - Dorset
Located in the village of Batcombe, near Yeovil in Dorset, making it accessible to karting enthusiasts in the South West of England and surrounding areas. A well-known karting club and circuit, which is also the home-track of Lando Norris and Jenson Button.
The club caters to a wide range of skill levels and age groups. They typically have a fleet of twin Honda engine karts available (but only Monday-Thursday) and the karts have a top speed of roughly 50mph. The rest of the week, including the weekend, they also offer owner driver spaces.
Clay Pigeon Kart Club hosts various karting events and race days throughout the year. These events may include open practice sessions, arrive & drive experiences, club races, and championship races for owner drivers.
They provide safety equipment such as helmets and race suits and host safety briefings to participants before they hit the track.
You can typically book karting sessions or events in advance through their website or by contacting them directly. Pricing will vary depending on the type of karting experience, the duration of the session, and the type of kart you choose to race.
The venue includes facilities such as a clubhouse and reception area, where participants can sign in and purchase their karting sessions. There are also spectator areas.
Conclusion The United Kingdom's outdoor karting scene is thriving, with a variety of tracks catering to racers of all levels. Whether you're at the iconic Buckmore Park, the scenic Whilton Mill, or any of the other fantastic tracks mentioned above, you're guaranteed an unforgettable karting experience.