BattleKart Gateshead
SETTING
Indoors
WHERE
Gateshead
What it’s like
Real electric karts racing round a projected digital track, with power-ups and game modes instead of a fixed course.
You are driving an actual electric kart, not a screen version of one, but the track itself is a projection on the floor that changes depending on the game mode. BattleRace is the straightforward one, lap racing with bonuses to grab. BattleColor, BattleSnake, BattleVirus and BattleFoot twist the rules further, and there's even BattlePool if you fancy something slower. No helmets needed because there's an anti-collision system that takes the kart's brakes over if you're about to hit something, which sounds like it should be terrifying but is apparently how they keep it safe without cages or bumpers.
Games run about 15 minutes each, with two and a half minutes of that eaten up just getting in and out of the pits. One session is fine for a first go, but you'll spend most of it learning the kart, so two or three back to back is what most people end up booking, making for a 30 to 45 minute visit once you count the changeovers. Up to 12 karts can be on track at once and you don't need to fill every seat yourself, they'll top up the group with other players unless you've booked the lot for a private race.
Dress down for this one. The track kicks up dust and the venue is upfront that they won't cover your dry cleaning if your good jeans come out grubby. There's no lift up to the reception, bar and café area, so if you've got a pram or need step-free access, it has to be left downstairs before you go up.
Parking is free with 76 spaces on site, and it's about ten minutes' drive from Newcastle city centre if you're coming from town. Parties get their own two private-hire rooms, one overlooking the track, with food and drink built into the package, and there are separate packages for under-18s and adults.
Facilities
Need to know
- Parking
- 76 free on-site car parking spaces
- How long to allow
- Most guests choose 2 or 3 sessions for a 30-45 minute visit
- Getting there by bus or train
- 10 mins drive from Newcastle city centre
- Parties
- Two party packages for under-18s and adults with two private-hire rooms, food and drink options included
- Worth knowing
- Loyalty cards: collect stamps and get 11th session free
- Wear something you don't mind getting a bit dusty, the venue won't cover dry cleaning
- No lift upstairs, so prams and wheelchairs need to be left downstairs before you head up to reception
- Loyalty cards mean your 11th session is free once you've collected enough stamps
- You can book a single kart or take all 12 for a private race
Plan your visit
How long does a visit actually take?
Most people book two or three 15 minute sessions back to back, so reckon on 30 to 45 minutes once you include getting in and out of the karts.
Is one session enough?
It works for a first try, but the first session is mostly you getting used to the kart and the game mode. That is why most players go for two or three.
Do we need a VR headset?
No headsets involved. The game modes and track are projected onto the floor, and your eyes adjust to the brightness after a few minutes.
Is it safe without helmets?
The karts have an anti-collision system that takes over the brakes to stop most crashes before they happen, which is why helmets aren't required.
Is there parking?
76 free spaces on site.
Can you pay by card?
Both cash and card are accepted.
Do you do birthday parties?
There are two party packages, one for under-18s and one for adults, with two private-hire rooms and food and drink included. One room overlooks the track.
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