Great Britain
DESTINATION GUIDE
As events go, they really don’t come more iconic than the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. There's even more to enjoy too, so here's some tips when visiting...
“As a British driver racing at Silverstone it’s incredible – the amount of support, the amount of people… it can be pretty surreal!"
Lando Norris
HIGHLIGHTS
No trip to Silverstone would be complete without visiting the Silverstone Experience Museum located at the entrance of the historic circuit. Opened in 2019 and based in what was a Second World War RAF hangar, this all-weather, state of the art visitor attraction is packed full of interactive shows and hands-on displays, as well as cars and racing memorabilia. It's also home to the official collection of the BRDC (British Racing Drivers' Club).
Celebrating decades of motorsport, the museum offers a walk through the decades of history witnessed at this world famous track, with insights into what really happens over an F1 race weekend.
You’ll also get the chance to get up close and personal to replica pit walls, steering wheels, unique cars and other technical innovations – not to mention the opportunity to test out your strategy making or commentary skills – making this a fascinating day out for all the family.
For some tranquillity a short distance away from the hubbub of the track, head to the stunning landscape gardens of the nearby Stowe estate.
With 250 acres of parkland, wildflower meadows, reflective bodies of water, and temples and follies to explore, this widely regarded masterpiece is where renowned 18th century landscape architect Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown first cut his horticultural teeth before going on to become one of Britain’s foremost influential garden designers whose impact on landscape design has earned him the accolade of being ‘England’s greatest gardener’.
The many pretty villages and lively market towns that collectively make up the region known as the Cotswolds should be high up on the list of places to visit if you have some extra time around the British Grand Prix.
A short distance from Silverstone, the region covers an area some 800 square miles, runs through five counties and is characterised by quintessential English villages of honey stone houses with intriguing names, such as Stow on the Wold and Moreton-in-Marsh (not forgetting the village of Enstone, home of the Alpine F1 team), castles and grand country homes – including majestic Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Britain’s indomitable wartime prime minister, Sir Winston Churchill.
Fun Fact
One of the best ways to beat the infamous Silverstone traffic is to arrive at the track by air, or helicopter to be precise. In fact, so popular is this method of transportation that on race day the heliport at Silverstone Circuit temporarily becomes the busiest airport in the world!
Further afield, but still only an hour away from Silverstone by train, London is of course a must visit destination if you have extended time in the UK. A vibrant and cosmopolitan metropolis, the capital has it all from rich royal history, buzzy neighbourhoods, swathes of cool green spaces and parks, incredible architecture, a world class food scene and an efficient transport system making navigating this cool city a breeze.
For culture vultures London is a thriving hub for the arts. Galleries such as the imposing former Bankside power station-turned-gallery Tate Modern host thought-provoking exhibitions by ground-breaking artists on the Southbank, while just across the Thames in central London you’ll find more traditional and classical works at the National Gallery overlooking iconic Trafalgar Square.
It may surprise you to learn that entrance to both cultural institutions (and many more in the city besides) is completely free of charge, meaning you can spend the money you’ve saved on souvenirs – like a Union Jack patterned bucket hat to take home.
It's hard to believe that the small village of Silverstone in the heart of England would become such an important part in the rich history of Formula 1.
From hosting the very first round of the F1 World Championship back in 1950, to now hosting record breaking crowds over a race weekend, the circuit has seen some of the sport’s most pivotal moments.
The track itself provides drivers with some of the biggest challenges they will face all season, and yet it’s one they all look forward to coming back to for one main reason – the fans.
It seems fitting to finish with Lando Norris who sums it up beautifully: “For me, the fans make the British Grand Prix what it is. I really love Silverstone as a track, but the experience itself, of the fans being there – that’s what makes it so special, unique and memorable.”
“When I moved from India in 2002, I lived in Brackley and used to go regularly to the Khushboo restaurant in town. The owner and I became friends, and he supported me as a fan as my career developed and so he named a dish on the menu after me – and now I have a whole section!”
Karun Chandok
WHAT TO EAT
British cuisine is incredibly diverse and regional, and has been greatly influenced by the many cultures of people who have made the UK their home. The British have welcomed and fully embraced these culinary additions as their own and even adapted them over the years, but there are some traditional dishes that have stood the test of time and are firmly part of the country’s identity.
Over to Lando: “You’ve got to have a Sunday roast, you’ve got to have fish and chips, and you’ve got to try bangers and mash (sausages and mashed potato) – that’s one of my favourites!”
As far back as Victorian times, Britons have enjoyed eating a good curry and even Queen Victoria herself was partial to this spicy dish. After the Second World War, many immigrants came to Britain from India and Indian food rose in popularity as newly opened restaurants gave more British people a taste of this wonderful cuisine.
It has since been wholeheartedly absorbed as an integral part of the country’s rich and diverse food culture.
