The Silverstone Experience is a brand new visitor attraction that opened its doors in 2019 at the home of British Motor Sport. This state-of-the-art 4000m educational centre is located in a former Second World War RAF hangar and now its exhibit is a preservation of artefacts, archives and collections of educational and historic value.
The Silverstone Experience is located just 20 mins from the M1 (J 15a) and the M40 (J10). I would recommend using Google Map for directions as it will give a clearer direction than Sat Nav. Anyway, follow signs to the Silverstone circuit, where you will find The Silverstone Experience located immediately to the left of the main entrance. The car park is located in front of the building, in car park 49 and there is plenty of free parking.
Mr C has always been into his motorsport and he is the one who got me interested in Formula 1. I have been watching F1 since Lewis Hamilton started his career with McLaren. Coincidentally, as we entered the building, the first thing that greeted us in the foyer was Lewis Hamilton’s car hanging in the air!
With Covid-19 measures, there will be temperature taking and plenty of cleaning stations available throughout. As for the tickets, it is best to book advance to save 20%, but of course, you can book it on the day itself or walk in. If there is a major event on, they will restrict entry to The Silverstone Experience, therefore if you would like to visit during these times you will be required to purchase an event ticket too. There is no requirement to purchase an event ticket during the circuit’s smaller events, however, if you would like to extend your visit to Silverstone and watch some live racing on track then you will be able to purchase both tickets.
The whole attraction is very well planned with plenty of interactive activities. We first walked into the starting grid tunnel that took us back through Silverstone’s past with racing drivers and mechanics as they prepare their cars to race around you. Then, we moved on to check out more about the track’s medieval history. Who knew this little place is packed with so much history behind it! For example, this place used to be a Bomber Command Training base during the Second World War. Learn about the men and women who were stationed here in their uniforms and understand how pilots learned to fly Wellington bombers.
I won’t go into too much detail of the attraction as it will be great for you to experience this journey yourself but needless to say, there are plenty more to explore like getting up close to iconic racing cars and motorbikes, behind the scenes of a Silverstone race day, the science & technology of the sport and many more!
The highlight of the day is that we even got to check out Lewis Hamilton’s black Mercedes which is a change in livery for this season as a defiant message against racism. Also, not forgetting the on-loan racing helmet from Lewis Hamilton that he wore on his final race of 2019 where he became the six times Formula One World Champion.
Before we departed, we ended our journey on a high in their special-effects cinema and watched as some of the circuit’s most iconic and dramatic moments happen around us on the Ultimate Lap of Silverstone.
This attraction will be loved by many young or old motorsport fans and a great day out for everyone which we took a good 2.5 hours getting around! In addition to the attraction, you can also walk along part of the old track on the Heritage Track Trail. I would highly recommend this historic place. Do check them out now: https://silverstone-experience.co.uk/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CD3sULvpj9L/
Disclosure: We were invited to visit The Silverstone Experience for the purposes of writing this review, however, all thoughts and opinions remain our own.
