The Silverstone Experience

[Petrus1983]

There’s a new ‘Silverstone Experience’ - has anyone been, is it worth going? Trying to entertain an 8 year old car fanatic next week so it’s come onto the radar.

[andrewcliffe]

It only opened to the public today, so not many people will have been yet.

[BigBen]

i have heard it is pretty good from someone who attended a preview. I will be going for a look in the next few weeks

[Petrus1983]

Thanks guys.

[davejf]

I went to the preview day last Sunday and can confirm it is a good thing for a car/motorsports fan. We spent about 3.5 hours there on what was a busy day. Quite a few interactive things which should keep the kids (and big kids) entertained.
Not as many cars there as I was maybe expecting but it didn’t detract really. You learn about the history and all the behind the scenes things you don’t normally see on race days.
No idea on value for money as the tickets were bought as a gift so I can’t comment on that side I’m afraid.

Dave

[Petrus1983]

Heading over on Wednesday (if tix available) so will update

[Blink982]

Glad to hear it's actually open. I guess the renewal of the F1 contract helped as I had heard it nearly didn't happen which would have been a shame. I look forward to it next time I'm down there for an event.

[BigBen]

Blink982 said:

Glad to hear it's actually open. I guess the renewal of the F1 contract helped as I had heard it nearly didn't happen which would have been a shame. I look forward to it next time I'm down there for an event.

It's pretty much a separate thing from the circuit so don't think the F1 contract made a difference. There were problems with the original builders which probably lead to the delay.

[Greggy69]

Went with my 10yr old son today who thoroughly enjoyed it. Lots of history on the origins of the site, its wartime role and subsequent development as a motorsport venue. Insight into automotive tech, with interactive educational elements for younger visitors. Some great exhibits - not only cars and bikes but race overalls, helmets and auto memorabilia.

If you book online in advance you save a few quid £20 for adults, £10 for a child and £5 for a guide book which I thought was reasonable. There's a cafe with windows onto the circuit - there was a 750m/c event on which was a bonus. We had lunch there but on reflection would have been better off visiting one of the pubs in the village or going to the Super Sausage as food was overpriced and not that great. My only minor grumble.

Edited by Greggy69 on Saturday 26th October 22:17

[andygo]

It's food at a race track.

By definition it's almost always

1. Overpriced
2. Raw or overcooked
3. Pretty average.

Shame really, no excuse IMHO.

[citizensm1th]

I am taking my F1 mad wife to this in September (I know she is a keeper) for her birthday, any one know of somewhere nice to have lunch that is near the circuit?

[Petrus1983]

The Green Man isn't what it used to be but the food wasn't too bad and is quite historical in terms of it's links to F1.

[citizensm1th]

Thanks I will look in to it

[wolfie1978]

Took my lot the day after the British GP and they loved it, my 8 year old is nuts about F1 and he talks about the experience every day. I intentionally took them that week as it was the final week that the 2020 Mercedes F1 car was in the exhibit. We also got lucky that the massive banner they have this year with all the drivers on was pinned out on the grass near the old bridge corner. There's lots of interactive things to do, some wheel guns, visual demonstrations of engines, suspension, tyres etc. Plenty of stuff about the history of the place as has been mentioned before and on the way back i drove to the 3 team factories that are close by so they could see where the cars are built, not going in obviously but the buildings are all branded up so it's obvious what they are.