NOTTINGHAM RACEWAY KARTING
BEST FOR
Ages 8+
ENTRY
from £2
WHERE
Melton Mowbray
What it’s like
Real go-kart racing on a 550m circuit, with cadet karts for eight-year-olds and 270cc adult karts for over-14s.
This is proper karting, not a fairground ride. The circuit runs to 550m and there are three kart classes: cadets for the 8 to 13s who don't yet meet the height mark, junior 200cc karts for anyone under 13 who's tall enough, and 270cc adult karts once you hit 14. There's a 1.25m height rule on the junior karts, so a keen eight-year-old who's on the small side might end up watching from the paddock instead.
Sessions are sold in blocks of time or laps rather than one flat ticket. A 15-minute cadet go is £20.99 off-peak, while a 60-lap session on the adult 270cc karts climbs to £39.99 off-peak and £42.99 at peak times. It's not cheap once you've added a family of racers together, and balaclavas are £2 if you haven't brought your own, or £4 for gloves and a balaclava together. Crazy golf at £4 a head is the obvious way to fill time before or after your slot, and there's archery on the price list too.
You don't have to book ahead, but they're upfront that turning up on spec is a gamble, since sessions fill and they'd rather you booked to guarantee a place. Under-16s need an adult with them at all times, so this isn't a drop-and-go activity even for a confident 15-year-old. Closed-toe shoes are compulsory, no sandals or flip-flops, and the site closes only on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day, with parking free and on-site. There's a café for the waiting adults and heated spectator buildings with a view of the track, which matters more than it sounds on a cold Melton Mowbray afternoon watching someone else's lap times.
If you're booking as a group, they take a £10 per person deposit and the booking is non-refundable, so it's worth having your numbers roughly right before you commit.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- 8 upwards, with adult 270cc karts open from age 14
- Booking
- Pre-booking advised. £10 deposit per driver secures booking, balance paid on day or by cheque 14 days prior
- Parking
- Free on-site parking
- Maximum weight for karting is 20 stone
- The circuit is 550m, and 60-lap sessions cost more at peak times than off-peak
- Closed only on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day
- Crazy golf and archery are on offer as extras if you're waiting between sessions
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
It depends on the kart and session length. Cadet 15 minutes starts at £20.99 off-peak, and a 60-lap adult 270cc session runs up to £42.99 at peak times.
Do we need to book in advance?
You can turn up without booking, but they strongly advise pre-booking to make sure you get a slot.
What age can kids start karting here?
Eight years and up for cadet karts, with a 1.25m height limit on junior karts. Adult 270cc karts are for over-14s.
Can I drop my child off and come back later?
No, under-16s must have an adult with them at all times on site.
How long does a session take?
A practice session can be as short as 15 minutes. Bigger group races take longer, roughly an hour for every 10 drivers.
Is there parking?
Free on-site parking for plenty of cars.
What should we wear?
Closed-toe shoes are a must, no sandals or flip-flops. Balaclavas can be bought on site for £2, or bring your own.
Is there anywhere to eat or wait?
There's a café on site, plus heated spectator buildings and paddock areas with views of the track.
Can we book for a group or party?
Group bookings need a £10 per person deposit, and you can add drivers up to the maximum number after booking.
What if we need to cancel?
They ask for 48 hours notice to change or cancel a slot, but all payments are non-refundable even if you give notice.
See all Go-Karting in Nottingham · Things to do in Nottingham
MAKE A DAY OF IT
