Travel Basics – British Grand Prix

Useful travel information to help you plan your trip to the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. The next race takes place on July 16-19, 2020.

Silverstone is a village on the borders of Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire, 75 miles (120km) North West of London via the M1 motorway (Google Maps link). It is fifty miles to the South East of Birmingham, one of the largest cities in the UK. The track is surrounded by several towns and villages, all of which have accommodation options (which tend to sell out well in advance of the Grand Prix weekend). The market town of Buckingham is 6 miles (10km) south of the race track and the small town of Towcester sits just 5 miles (8km) to the North. The larger Milton Keynes is just 15 miles (24km) away, as is Banbury.

Being set in a rural location rather than a city, the British Grand Prix is a relatively safe event to attend, though we always recommend common sense when it comes to keeping an eye on your belongings. This is particularly true if you are camping. There is a reassuringly strong police presence in the UK, though visitors staying in cities or larger towns should behave as they would in any unfamiliar place and avoid walking anywhere alone at night.

The UK’s currency is the pound sterling (GBP or £), which has fallen significantly against most major currencies since the Brexit vote in 2016, making a trip to the British GP cheaper for traveling fans. It’s not necessary to purchase pounds before you travel; cash machines (‘cashpoints’ in the UK) are everywhere and credit cards are widely accepted. Tipping is not necessary, though it is common to reward good service from taxi drivers, at restaurants and in hotels.

July is one of the hottest months in the UK, though British GP weather can be unpredictable. Recent race weekends have had everything from scorching heat to serious downpours. Don’t underestimate the UK’s sun; the average temperature in July 2018 was 17.6°C (64°F), with temperatures reaching as high as between 22 and 25°C (72-77°F). If the forecast is for warm weather, you’ll need sunscreen, plenty of water and a hat (especially if you are in an uncovered grandstand or general admission). Being an English summer, of course, we’d also recommend that you bring waterproofs and something warm but light for pulling on if it gets a bit breezy at the track.

All tourists in the UK are entitled to the same emergency care as nationals, and visitors from within the EU can access emergency medical care upon presentation of a valid EHIC card. Fill out an application form at your Post Office or request one online – they’re free. Always ensure you have good travel insurance before you set off. If you are from outside the EU, you will need to claim on your insurance policy for hospitalization and repatriation in the case of an accident or serious illness, so don’t leave anything to chance.

Been to the British Grand Prix? Leave a comment with your travel tips!