F1® Arcade Birmingham
BEST FOR
Ages 7+
WHERE
Birmingham
What it’s like
Full-motion racing simulators with five skill levels, big screens for watching real F1, and a proper restaurant and bar attached.
This is racing rather than arcade machines. The simulators are full-motion, there are five skill levels so a nervous first-timer and someone who actually knows what DRS means can both find their level, and there are big screens dotted about for watching actual F1 races while you wait your turn or nurse a drink.
You can't book a solo racing slot here, it's built around groups, so this is one for a birthday, a work do, or a few mates rather than a lone visit. Kids are allowed from age 7, but the whole place turns adult-only after 8pm, which matters if you're planning an evening booking with the family in tow. Walk-ins for racing do happen on a first-come basis but they fill fast, and with booking "strongly recommended" everywhere in their own FAQ, turning up on spec feels like a gamble you'd only take midweek.
Food-wise there's a full restaurant menu with vegan, gluten-free and kids' options, plus tacos, flatbreads and a cocktail bar if the grown-ups fancy sticking around after the racing's done. Weekend mornings even do breakfast, so you could make a whole session of it before an afternoon race slot. It's a ten-minute walk from New Street station or a short hop on the tram to Town Hall, and there's a car park nearby open all weekend and weekday evenings if you're driving in.
Watch parties are their own thing and open to any age, but they warn it's a loud, adult-oriented environment with a lot of standing around, and turning up more than 15 minutes late can lose you your seat. Worth bearing in mind if you were picturing a quiet sofa and a big screen for the kids.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- 7 and up; groups get the most out of the simulators
- Booking
- Strongly recommended in advance
- Parking
- Paradise Car Park open to public weekday evenings 7pm-7am and all weekend
- Food
- On-site restaurant and bar with full menu including vegan, gluten-free, and kids menu
- Getting there by bus or train
- Birmingham New Street train station 10 minute walk
- Solo racing bookings aren't a thing, come with a group
- Under 18s can't be on site after 8pm at all
- Weekend breakfast service runs alongside the racing
- Late arrivals to watch parties (15 minutes plus) risk losing their seats
Plan your visit
How old do kids need to be to race?
Seven and up. After 8pm the whole venue is 18 plus, so evening visits with children need to wrap up before then.
Do we need to book in advance?
Booking's strongly recommended and groups get priority. A few walk-in racing slots exist each day but they go fast, especially at weekends.
Can one person book a racing session alone?
No, solo bookings aren't available. It's built for groups, so grab a few people to fill the sim.
What's there to eat?
A full restaurant menu with vegan, gluten-free and kids' options, plus tacos and flatbreads. Weekends bring a breakfast service too, and there's a cocktail bar if you fancy a drink.
Are children allowed at watch parties?
Any age is welcome, but the site flags it as a loud, adult-oriented viewing environment with a lot of standing. Arrive within 15 minutes of the start or your seats might not be held.
Is there parking nearby?
Paradise Car Park is close by, open all weekend and from 7pm on weekdays. It's also a ten-minute walk from New Street station or a short tram ride to Town Hall.
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