Silverstone Tickets

Silverstone Circuit

admin — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:58:32 +0000

Silverstone Circuit Map

Popularly known or referred to as the home of the British Grand Prix, the Silverstone Circuit is one the most popular attractions and landmarks shared by Silverstone and Buckinghamshire. It is located next to the Northamptonshire villages of Silverstone and Whittlebury. With its main circuit entry situated in Buckinghamshire, the circuit extends to the Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire border making a total length of 3.667 miles for the “Arena Layout” or the primary circuit—also the longest track.

The Silverstone Circuit is owned by the British Racing Drivers’ Club and is referred to as the home of British motor racing. It gained the moniker “Home of the British Grand Prix” after it hosted the British Grand Prix in 1948, a major racing event that has since been held on the circuit annually since 1987. The Silverstone race track is given the FIA Grade of 1 and it also serves as the home to the BRDC International Trophy. Other major events held on the circuit are the FIA Formula One, FIM MotoGP, British Grand Prix, FIM Superbike World Championship, FIA GT1 World Championship, Le Mans Series, World Series by Renault, British Touring Car Championship, British F3 International Series, British GT, British Superbike Championship, and the Silverstone Half Marathon.

The location of the Silverstone Circuit is a former site of a World War II Royal Air Force bomber station, the RAF Silverstone. It was first used for motor racing by an ad hoc group that set up an extemporaneous race. In 1948, the site was leased to the Royal Automotive Club that set up a more formal racing circuit for major and likewise more formal motorsports. Several pioneering motorsport events have been held on the site thereafter including the 1949 International Trophy meeting and the 1950 and 1951 Grand Prix. Moreover, several modifications had also been made in response to a variety of events. Notably, the deaths of Grand Prix drivers Senna McLarren and Roland Ratzanberger led to circuit modifications aimed at reducing speed and improving driver safety.

The current Silverstone circuit configurations feature a variety of layouts that offer varying lengths and levels of race complexity. The longest configuration is 3.667 miles long and is called the New Grand Prix Circuit or the Arena Layout. The second longest track, the Grand Prix Circuit, has a length of 3.194 miles. The National Circuit, on the other hand, forms a triangular track that measures 1.639 miles while the Southern Circuit has a length of 1.969 miles. The shortest current circuit is the Stowe Circuit with a configuration that measures 1.080 miles set within the expanse of the Southern Circuit.

Silverstone had typically suffered major traffic congestion problems on race days. This was nonetheless addressed and significantly eased by the construction of the dual carriageway road to the north of the Silverstone Circuit. This carriageway road is called the A43 Silverstone bypass. However, there are still other (albeit relatively minor) concerns from spectators and tourists who visit for major racing events. For instance, parking can be a big problem during rainy days. New spectators or visitors are advised to familiarize or prepare themselves with the Silverstone map and the circuit topography to avoid problems.

Hotels Near Silverstone

admin — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:53:35 +0000

There are a good number of hotels near Silverstone and they become quite busy accommodating visitors every time major racing events are held at the Silverstone Circuit. That’s why it is important to learn about them when planning to visit and stay at Silverstone or in nearby areas for the Grand Prix, MotoGP, Superbikes, or other popular races. Regular visitors to the said events know what kind of challenges await those who fail to plan properly before heading to Silverstone Circuit events; it is never a comfortable and convenient experience going through such hassles.

Prices for hotels near Silverstone can greatly vary—typically and significantly affected by the events at the Silverstone Circuit. Winter month rates are usually low and the availability of rooms or facilities are almost always assured. However, accommodation near Silverstone can really become quite expensive during the summer months and when major racing events are held. It is nonetheless possible to avoid such price skyrocketing by booking in advance. Booking should be done months prior to a desired date since most hotels usually get fully booked even six months before the major racing season.

The typical prices for Silverstone hotels can be estimated based on their ratings. Typical prices for three star hotels in Silverstone start from about £40 for a night. Four start hotels are naturally more expensive at £50 to £120. Bed and breakfasts can provide accommodations for rates starting at £25. It would be helpful researching for prospective hotels or lodging houses online since most of them maintain an online presence. Likewise, it would be beneficial learning about the facilities and amenities available beforehand to properly compare the best value for the money spent.

Some of the popular hotels near Silverstone are the Roade House Restaurant and Hotel, the Whittlebury Hall Hotel and Spa, and the Buckingham Villiers Hotel. Roade House Restaurant and Hotel is a small hotel located 7.4 miles away from Silverstone. It offers only ten rooms but it has a commendable restaurant, Internet access, and meeting facilities. It could be an ideal option for individuals and small groups looking for a quiet and comfortable accommodation.

The Whittlebury Hall Hotel and Spa, on the other hand, is only less than a mile away from Silverstone so it is certainly a top pick for those who have business right within Silverstone. What’s more, it is large enough with 211 rooms, its own spa and leisure club, and swimming pool to ensure comfort and relaxation for guests. It also offers wi-fi web access, satellite TV, and car parking. Lastly, the Buckingham Villiers Hotel is a highly rated and popular choice for visitors in Silverstone. It has 49 rooms and it offers delectable food guests would surely like. The hotel also features a walled garden and a covered car park.

There are many other choices for hotel accommodation near Silverstone. Most hotels and bed and breakfasts near the area generally offer welcoming and commendable services but visitors have to be reminded about the influence that Silverstone Circuit events have on them. Prices tend to rise as major race dates draw near. Availability can also become quite an issue during the summer and major race seasons. It is advisable to do bookings months earlier (if the desired booking dates are close to summer or Silverstone Circuit event dates) and to do some online research to avoid unnecessary inconveniences.

Silverstone Camping

admin — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:43:38 +0000

Silverstone is a village in Northamptonshire, England located 10 miles away from the M1 motorway junction, some four miles from the small town of Towcester, and approximately 0.5 mile from the Silverstone Circuit, the home of the British Grand Prix. Silverstone camping or camping at Silverstone has become quite a popular phrase not without a good reason. The British Grand Prix and other major race events are held on the Silverstone Circuit and they are bound to attract flocks of visitors or tourists in the area.

Camping at Silverstone is Fun!

Most major racing events at the Silverstone Circuit attract tens to hundreds of thousands of spectators and tourists. For this, camping has become one of the popular options and alternatives to hotel or boarding house accommodations. Camp sites complement or supplement hotels, motels, inns, and other guest accommodation establishments in Silverstone and the nearby areas. Several spots around the Silverstone Circuit transform into camp sites during major race events. These camping sites, notably, are usually not just ordinary bare sites of temporary stay. Several of them offer quality accommodations to receive guests with pre-erected tents, inflatable beds, sleeping bags, night light, power generators, coolers and ice buckets, basic furniture, portable toilets, barbecue grills and kitchen utensils, fire starters and fuels, pots, cutlery, reusable or dispensable crockery, and even TV sets and access to wi-fi Internet connection. Some camp sites even rival the amenities being offered by hotels or other similar establishments.

There are a number of advantages in camping compared to checking in at some hotel. For one, the atmosphere can be more sociable or fun with groups going for camp site accommodation. Camping allows better opportunities to enjoy the weather, the surroundings, and the new social encounters. The informal setting is especially suitable for those who visit Silverstone for the racing events. Camping is also cheaper than staying in a hotel. However, there are also disadvantages associated with camping. For instance, the weather can become a major problem for campers. Water supply and other amenities can also be limited. Campers usually have to share facilities. Sanitation can also be an issue for some. There’s also the problem of security. Tourists or visitors should properly evaluate their preferences and concerns before deciding to go for camping or hotel stay.

The costs of camping can be from twenty to over a hundred pounds per night depending on the location and the amenities provided. Some of the popular Silverstone camp sites are the Silverstone Golf Club, Silverstone Woodlands, and Litchlake Farm. Silverstone Golf Club is located opposite the Stowe entrance at gate 15 approximately a five-minute walk away from the track. It offers a relatively quiet atmosphere with toilet and shower facilities, clubhouse bar, and barbecue grills at £45.00 for a minimum of three nights. Silverstone Woodlands is a bit on the loud side with music played by guests permitted throughout the night. It is good for younger, party-loving guests with rates a little lower than that of Silverstone Golf Club’s. The Litchlake Farm camping site is the largest camp site in Silverstone covering around 50 acres of ground. It is located between the A43 and Luffield Abbey and it provides almost all of the basic amenities. It is quite close to the circuit and is popular among major race event frequenters. Price per person is £20.00 per night.