Petrolhead things worth seeing near Silverstone

[patmahe]

Hey all,

An Irish pistonheader here, never been near Silverstone, but I'll be passing near there at the weekend and will have an hour or two to kill. Whats worth seeing and whats best avoided.

Won't have time to watch a days racing or anything so that's out, but I'm thinking Museums or F1 Factory tours or similar would be great.

Any suggestions?

[big_boz]

See how on the TV coverage of most F1 races the build up often includes a bunch of sweeping panoramic video of the local area highlighting the amazing local architecture of the city, the casinos, the beautiful local chica's on the beach.....

If they did that for Silverstone, you would get to see some fields, the A43 bypass and a few farmers......

I grew up in the next village along and there really isn't much to do in the village when there isn't anything major on at the track, apart from go to the white horse!

I took my Malaysian cousin on the official tour of the circuit a few years ago, lasts a few hours and looks like they still do it. I thought it was pretty lame, but then ive been to the GP more times than i can remember, if you have never been you might enjoy it, and it might very well be better now that the new Pits are completed.

Otherwise you might be able to fit something in at the driving school experience wise?

Maybe try asking one of the local teams if they will show you round, you never know they might say yes now the season is over!

Edited by big_boz on Tuesday 27th November 14:08

[roadman]

I think there is a ford dealer down the road.....mmmm thats about it

If your bringing something quick there are some nice roads around which will keep you busy

[big_boz]

Actually if you like bikes, there is a harley dealer in Towcester which is usually good for a look around if you like that sort of thing, hardly worth a special visit though!

[big_boz]

roadman said:

If your bringing something quick there are some nice roads around which will keep you busy

This is very true

[Amateurish]

Tour of the new wing at the circuit. Silverstone offer various "experiences" so if you fancy having a go in a Ferrari etc then you could try that. There's a decent Rally School next door.

As for the local area, none of the teams offer factory tours to the public AFAIK. There's the motor museum at Gaydon, not too far away.

Nothing else motor related in the area (I live locally).

[patmahe]

Hi All, thanks for the suggestions so far. Surprised there seems to be relatively little near the home of British Motorsport unless I fancy taking to the track (doubt I'll have time), maybe an opportunity being missed there by Silverstone management.

If it helps I can broaden the search, anything motoring related worth seeing between just North of the M25 and Birmingham, I just nominated Silverstone as I figured there would be plenty in the area.

[Alex L]

this isn't too far away as Amateurish says

http://www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk/

[big_boz]

Land Rover do a factory tour and they take you round the jungle track, but from memory its a good half a day, so probably a bit longer than you want to spend by really good fun!

How do you feel about chocolate?

http://www.cadburyworld.co.uk/CADBURYWORLD/Pages/W...

[Amateurish]

Coventry Transport Museum?

[patmahe]

Thanks to all who contributed, will probably end up at one of the motor museums because of time constraints. I see the one in Coventry has Thrust SSC which is something I'd love to see.

[patmahe]

patmahe said:

Thanks to all who contributed, will probably end up at one of the motor museums because of time constraints. I see the one in Coventry has Thrust SSC which is something I'd love to see.

The landrover off road experiences are tempting too though and only take an hour or so to do

Can't do the cadburys tour as I'm on a diet, it'd be like bringing an alcoholic to a pub

[chevronb37]

I can't help thinking Silverstone might be missing a trick by not celebrating its heritage a little more. Having held Grand Prix for 60 years, even something as basic as a small museum/collection with a tour of the place would be worthwhile. I've been impressed with other circuits abroad how interactive they make visiting them. I'm not advocating another Nurburgring rollercoaster farce but their GP circuit tour is pretty good. Locally to Silverstone perhaps:

Prodrive tour
Heritage Motor Museum
Donington GP Collection
Coventry Transport Museum
Thinktank Birmingham
Force India factory
Porsche Experience

All within a reasonable drive.