Help, Trying to sort out an amazing present for the hubby!!!

[MrsGriffy]

Hi All,
I am trying to get tickets to get for sliverstone F1, Ill be honest, I havent a clue what I am doing?
I need advise of the pro and cons of where to sit, also the accomodation. Is it worth camping for £60 each or finding a hotel near by?
Also, what sorts of things I need to bring, This is all for my husbands 30th so trying to do it secretly and trying to make it as special as possible, cost is an issue, but I am happy to pay and can get money from the MIL, if I know its going to be a good postion etc.

Hope you can all help me, as I dont want to leave it to long and loose out


Thanks

Rachel

[rallycross]

Attending the Uk GP is so expensive that its worth looking at going to a Eurpoean one instead, you might find for the same cost you have a weekend away in Europe = more fun without being ripped off by Silverstone prices and UK hotel rates.

If you do go for Silverstone a local hotel works fine as getting in and out of the circuit by car is surprisingly easy on race weekend.

[Eric Mc]

My step daughter has treated her husband to the Monaco GP this year - lucky sod.

[MrsGriffy]

Thanks for your quick reply, I have looked into the other circuits but with having a little girl, we need to get back as early as possible on the sunday!!!
What Hotels would you recommend, how far out is reasonable, is there much going on at the campsite, it mentions about the atmosphere etc...
Also what is your opinion on general admission, or paying the extra for a seat, if so whats the best area xxx

Thank you guys, I really want to make this a great weekend xxx

[dalenorth]

I have done Silverstone on the cheap and gone to town, and can honestly say.... buy the cheap three day tickets and camp at woodlands.

The whole experience of the camping makes it for me, its like a mini festival. Silverstone has many great viewing areas so you wont need a £600 ticket.

Take a bbq, food and plenty of alcohol and you'll have a great time!!

[jurbie]

If you buy a grandstand ticket then it takes a lot of the stress out of the day as otherwise you will need to be on circuit first thing in the morning to bag a good spot. You then won't be able to leave that spot because someone else will nick it. Also if it's a popular spot then it will get crowded and you'll think you've got a great view right up until some fat lardy stands right in front of you.

If you don't mind fighting for a spot then get general admission, if you'd prefer to be civilised and stroll around a bit and take in some of the atmosphere before taking your seat just as the cars start their warm up lap then get a grandstand ticket.

[andy97]

To be honest I have been to the GP and didn't enjoy it much at all. Its massively expensive, rammed with people as you'd expect and difficult to move around to get a decent view and you can't get in to the Paddock for a mooch around.

I appreciate its your husbands 30th but what about a BTCC or British GT meeting instead; you may even be able to find a hospitality package available for the same sorts of money as the GP (although I'm not sure, but its worth doing some googling)

[Edmundo2]

Agree. Take a look at Goodwood Festival of Speed instead. Much better experience

[Ozone]

I have had a surprise birthday present going to the Grandprix at Silverstone, it was fantastic. It does come down to how much you spend as to how good it can be. The OH asked the booking line at the circuit for advice as to where to sit and what your options are. We were in the stands at Beckets which was a good spot. We were given a particular route to the circuit that avoided the queues driving along farmers concrete roads straight up to the field behind the stand. There was a bar directly behind the stand for the stand patrons exclusive use and we had roaming tickets to wander around the rest of the circuit and mix it with the plebs .
This was about 8 years ago and cost about £260 each for 3 day access, it was well worth it. We lived about 20 miles away so I can't recommend any hotels.
I hope you can get something arranged

[andy97]

Donington historic festival this weekend or the Silverstone Classic in the summer are also good options. Probably get to both for half the cost of the GP and FAR better!

[hdrflow]

Wilton House Supercar is probably better too. Goodwood is just so packed. If you can find a hotel do it unless you're keen on camping. Around Northampton there's the usual variety but unsure how full they are now.

Do get a grandstand ticket unless you want to roam around the circuit all the time. The reality is that people get in so early with their deck chairs that makes it impossible to actual stay on one spot unless there's a few of you. Race day is particularly crazy. Seeing the cars around Becketts is nice or somewhere where you can also have a view to a big screen.

Parking is fine but there used to be the Silverstone village schools parking which made it a breeze to get in and out. I haven't been to Silverstone F1 for a few years now so the above advice may be out of date.

I'd second going abroad for F1 if you can.

[woof]

Try looking for a hospitality package for the Friday or Saturday - there's actually more track action on those days as well

[RWJ]

Bring him along to Santa Pod -- European Finals, 4-7 September. A passenger ride in the two-seater dragster ain't cheap but it comes with the full hospitality package for you both and it will be an intense few seconds he'll remember for the rest of his life. And then there's the racing.

[rubystone]

Ok, so the OP wants to take him to the pinnacle of Motorsport events in the UK. The British GP at Silverstone. I could give lots of reasons not to go there, as I could as not to go to GFoS or any other Motorsport event.

My advice is to secure grandstand seats at the Luffield Complex. As high up as possible so as to get a good view of the national straight and out of Woodcote. This is also near the food stands and loos. As someone else says, it also secures a base for the day.

Camping is fine in any of the sites. The nearest to Luffield would be on the other side of Dadford Road. These sites appear to be 'semi' official and are also good places to pick up cheaper merchandise; sometimes current season, often previous seasons. Race To The a Finish also have a stall there (and in Woodlands) where cheap ex F1 car parts can be bought as souvenirs.

Go for the three days and use Friday to walk round the circuit anti clockwise to face the cars. It'll take several hours but you'll be able to view the cars through all the classic corners during the free practice sessions. On Fridays and Saturdays in previous years the grandstands have largely been open and free entry too.

Don't waste your time trying to get infield for paddock access but be aware that on one of the days this year (Thursday or Friday) the pits will be open (no doubt access trackside rather than through paddock) for viewing. That's well worth doing.