There is still time to finish off the summer holidays in exciting style, and families and motorsport enthusiasts from Oxfordshire have an exciting opportunity to visit the Silverstone Museum, which has recently launched a host of new exhibits and activities.
Located at the legendary Silverstone Circuit, the museum is the perfect destination for an adrenaline-fueled day out, offering an engaging blend of history, technology, and fun for younger children, big kids and adults alike.
What to Expect at the Silverstone Museum
The Silverstone Museum takes visitors on a journey through British motorsport history, offering interactive exhibits and activities for all ages, so is a delight for any Formula One fans. Here are some highlights to look forward to this summer:
New Exhibits and Interactive Experiences:
- Future Tech Exhibit: Developed in collaboration with Aramco, this new exhibit explores the cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of motorsport. Visitors can learn about the latest advancements and innovations that are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the race track.
- Silverstone Legends Top Trumps Pack: Available exclusively at the museum, this new addition allows families to learn about the icons of Silverstone’s storied history and engage in a fun, educational game as they navigate the museum’s exhibits.
- Family Activity Trail: Designed to engage children and adults alike, this new trail encourages exploration of the museum while learning about motorsport legends and the history of Silverstone.
Unique Hands-On Activities:
- Design A T-Shirt Competition: As part of the #GirlsWill campaign, visitors of all ages can participate in a T-shirt design competition. The winning design will be printed on T-shirts and sold in the museum’s shop, with the winner receiving a family ticket to the museum and a T-shirt featuring their design. This competition runs until September 1st.
- Scalextric Silverstone Track: Race head-to-head with family and friends on the Scalextric version of the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit. It’s a great way to test your reflexes and experience the thrill of motorsport in miniature form.
- Sim Racing Experience: Book a session in the museum’s state-of-the-art Sim Suite, where you can test your driving skills on professional-grade racing simulators. Choose from a variety of open and closed wheel cars to race around Silverstone’s iconic track.
Educational and Immersive Displays:
- Tech Lab: Dive into the science behind racing with interactive exhibits that explore aerodynamics, engineering, and the physics of speed.
- Historic Exhibits: Get up close to some of the most iconic cars and bikes in motorsport history, including Nigel Mansell’s “Red 5” and Barry Sheene’s 1979 Suzuki motorbike. The museum also features an immersive film show, “The Ultimate Lap of Silverstone,” which combines some of the most thrilling racing moments with commentary from motorsport legends like Murray Walker and Martin Brundle.
Visitor Experience and Amenities:
- Dining and Shopping: The museum features a café offering a variety of refreshments, and a shop where visitors can purchase memorabilia, including the new Top Trumps pack and other exclusive items.
Why Visit?
If you pay for a day, you can enjoy free return visits for 12 months. Considering you’d likely spend 3-4 hours there each time, it’s a great deal for Formula One fans.
Silverstone Museum has recently celebrated its 100,000th visitor of 2024, reflecting its growing popularity as a must-visit destination for motorsport fans and families. The wide range of activities and ever-evolving exhibits make it a world-class experience. The museum aims to continue attracting visitors and contributing to tourism growth in the region.
And let’s be real, the Silverstone track is not just the birthplace of the Formula 1 World Championship (the first official Formula 1 Grand Prix was held there in 1950), the former World War II airfield is one of the most famous racing circuits globally. The home of the British Grand Prix has seen many famous drivers like Ayrton Senna, Nigel Mansell, Lewis Hamilton, and Michael Schumacher. And if you haven’t had a go on the Museums ultra realistic Driving Sim of the circuit mentioned above you are in for a treat.
The 30 minute driving simulation has to be booked separately (only for museum visitors and costs £20), but genuinely feels like you are driving on the track. It’s worth noting that this is a professional-grade racing simulator and designed for adults. You must be at least 140cm tall, and you may find it difficult to get into the simulator if you are over 195cm or over 100kg.
Plan Your Visit
The museum is open daily from 10 am, with extended hours during the summer holidays. Tickets can be purchased online in advance, with discounts available for early bookings. For more information on exhibits, events, and to book your tickets, visit the Silverstone Museum website.
| Ticket Type | Price (Online) | Price (On the Day) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (Standard) | £22.50 | £27.50 |
| Child (5-15) | £13.50 | £16.25 |
| Under 5s | Free | Free |
Tickets includes access to the Heritage Track Trail and Racing Sim tickets need to be booked separately.
Getting to Silverstone Museum from Oxford
Address: Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Towcester NN12 8TN
For those traveling from Oxford, the Silverstone Museum is approximately a 45-minute drive via the A34 and A43. Public transportation is also an option, with regular trains running from Oxford to Milton Keynes or Bicester North, where you can catch a connecting bus or taxi to the museum. Parking is available on-site for those driving, and the journey offers scenic views of the Oxfordshire countryside, making the trip part of the experience.
Whether you’re a die-hard motorsport fan or looking for a fun and educational day out with the family, Silverstone Museum offers an unforgettable experience that brings the excitement of British motor racing to life. Don’t miss your chance to explore this iconic venue and all it has to offer this summer.
