Buckmore Park has sat at the top of Blue Bell Hill since 1963, and in that time it has become one of the best known circuits in British karting. What began as a 400-metre track built for local scouts by the Royal School of Military Engineering has grown into a full international-length outdoor circuit. Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button, Lando Norris and Ollie Bearman all raced here on their way up. The late John Surtees, the only person to win world championships on both two wheels and four, held the circuit for many years, and it is run today by his daughter Leonora Martell-Surtees.

This is a proper outdoor circuit rather than an indoor track, with sweeping bends, genuine elevation change and a long downhill section that rewards commitment. An experienced driver will lap in around 50 seconds, though conditions can push that past a minute; events on the shorter National layout run nearer 35 seconds. The karts run slick tyres at all times, in every weather.

Adult karting is open to ages 16 and over, and no driving licence is required. Drivers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, who signs the indemnity form alongside them. Most visitors start with a 30-minute session to learn the circuit, then move on to the Open Races — sprints, grand prix, endurance and special events — and from there to the Pro, Sprint and Endurance championship series. Every event is graded from one to five stars, and the venue advises entering a level below instinct and working upwards.

Young drivers can race here from age 6. The Bambino School takes 6 and 7 year olds through three progressive levels in a supervised setting. From age 8, juniors can book 30-minute sessions, or a 1 hour 45 minute Training Session combining a track walk, a briefing, classroom work and two spells on circuit. Junior Clubs run practice and sprint racing for 8 to 15 year olds who want to compete regularly.

Senior karts require a minimum height of 5ft (152.4cm) and accommodate up to 6ft 8in (203.2cm). Junior karts require a minimum of 4ft 2in (127cm) and accommodate up to 6ft (183cm). Seats and pedals adjust, but there are limits, and build matters as much as weight. Anyone unsure whether a kart will fit is encouraged to call ahead — the venue will arrange for drivers to try a kart for size before booking.

Six full-motion racing simulators run alongside the circuit, built on Vesaro chassis with direct-drive steering, D-BOX motion platforms and 49-inch ultrawide screens. Sessions last 30 minutes and mix practice, qualifying and racing, with difficulty ranging from full driver aids for beginners through to every aid switched off. Minimum age is 12 and minimum height 127cm. Lap times and full telemetry — braking pressure, throttle, steering angle, gear — are emailed afterwards and compared against the quickest driver. Monthly and annual memberships, race nights and hotlapping competitions are all available.

Exclusive hire starts at 12 drivers, and the venue can host up to 250. Formats include Sprint, with practice followed by three point-scoring heats and a final; Grand Prix at 20, 45, 60 or 90 minutes with qualifying and a standing start on the full international circuit; and Endurance over 3, 6 or 12 hours. Company days, charity fundraisers, stag and hen groups and product launches are all catered for. Exclusive catering runs from sandwich platters to hot buffets and hog roasts.

Two children’s party packages are available, each with the track reserved for the group. The 8–11 package costs £650 for up to 12 drivers, with eight or more suggested. The 12–15 package costs £760 for 12 drivers, with additional drivers charged individually up to 18 in total. Both include a full race briefing, a 30-minute timed session, a podium ceremony, a commemorative medal for every driver and a trophy for the birthday child, running around 90 minutes from arrival to departure. A hot or cold children’s brunch in the on-site café can be added for £9 per head. A non-refundable 25% deposit secures the date, with the balance due the week before.

Comfortable casual clothes and flat, thin-soled shoes such as trainers are recommended — sandals and open-toed shoes are not permitted. Race suits and all safety equipment are provided. There are full changing rooms and showers, though visitors need to bring their own towel, and lockers are free to use. Spectators, family and guests are always welcome at no charge. Events run in all but extreme weather, and waterproofs are supplied when it rains, so a change of clothes is worth packing. Cameras can be clipped to the mounts and tethers fitted to the senior and junior karts, but not to helmets or the body. Bookings can be made and paid for online, and are non-refundable.