Brands Hatch
WHERE
Sevenoaks
What it’s like
A motor racing circuit near Sevenoaks where under-13s get in free and you can watch from a proper grandstand.
This is a race day out rather than a kids' activity centre, so what you're actually doing is watching cars or bikes go round a circuit that's been hosting racing for decades. The draw for children is the noise and the speed rather than anything hands-on, and under-13s get in free which takes the sting out of a family ticket. Thirteen to fifteen-year-olds get a discounted rate, but every under-16 needs an adult with them, so this isn't a drop-and-go trip.
The Paddock Hill Grandstand is the spot to head for, and there's a dedicated wheelchair viewing area there too, free for the wheelchair user plus one carer. If anyone in your group is a registered carer, it's worth arranging free admission in advance rather than sorting it on the gate. Parking in the public car parks is free, which is one less thing to budget for, though Southbank infield parking gets a charge at the bigger events.
You can bring your own food and drink, alcohol included, which helps if you've got a picnic blanket and don't fancy grandstand prices, and the permanent restaurants are open on race weekends if you'd rather not carry a cool bag around all day. Baby changing is dotted around the site, in the Paddock shower block, Druids toilets, the Fast Lane toilets and the Superloo block by the Megastore, so you're not hunting for one facility on the far side of the circuit.
Getting there without a car is doable too. Swanley station has regular trains from London Victoria, and it's close enough to the M25 that a drive down isn't a slog. Just leave the dog at home unless it's a guide or assistance animal, because no other animals are allowed on site.
Facilities
Need to know
- Parking
- Free parking in public car parks
- Wheelchairs
- Wheelchair viewing area in Paddock Hill Grandstand with free access for wheelchair user plus one carer
- Dogs
- No animals permitted on site except guide/assistance dogs
- Getting there by bus or train
- Swanley train station served by regular services from London Victoria
- Under-16s must be with an adult, so it's not a spot to leave older kids to explore alone
- Carer admission is free but needs arranging in advance, not sorted on arrival
- No animals allowed except guide or assistance dogs
- Free WiFi is available from the pit garages and grandstands if you need to check timings on the go
Plan your visit
How much does it cost for children?
Under-13s get in free, and 13 to 15-year-olds get a discounted rate. Every under-16 has to be with an adult though.
Do we need to book ahead?
You can usually buy tickets on the gate, cash or card. Some events are advance-ticket only, so that's the one to watch for if you've got a specific date in mind.
Is there parking, and does it cost anything?
Parking's free in the public car parks. Southbank infield parking gets a charge at the bigger events, so check which one you're heading for.
Can we bring our own food?
Yes, food and drink is fine to bring in, alcohol included. The permanent restaurants are also open on race weekends if you'd rather buy on site.
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