Go Karting in London: All you need to know
There are a good choice of Go Karting locations in London: Indoor venues, outdoor venues, the choice is yours. And it makes for a fun day out for all ages.
Go Karting is probably the most popular motor sport that non-professionals can take part in – and no experience is necessary. A kart is simple to operate, with 2 pedals – a brake and accelerator – and a small steering wheel. That’s all there is to it!
Most Go Karting locations have ‘arrive and drive’ days, something everyone can take part in. Then, if and when you become more serious about the sport, there are race days and various other events as you get more experienced.
FAQs
Below is a list of common questions that people have about Go Karting.
- What is the minimum age to be able to take part? In general, this is 8 years. However, there are places where children under this age can drive, and each track has its own minimum age and height restrictions. In some cases, this can be as young as 3 years old. Adults and children are not permitted to be on the track at the same time. So if you’re planning a family day out, and any of your drivers are under 16, then they’ll be in a separate session.
- Is Go Karting a dangerous sport? Any form of motorsport has its risks, but Go Karting is probably the least dangerous of them all. Tracks put strict safety precautions in place – the last thing they need is an accident. Plus Go Karts have an extremely low centre of gravity. This means that the likelihood of a kart flipping over is extremely slim. The worst that is likely to happen is that you’ll spin the kart.
- Do I need a driver’s licence to take part? Nope – at most tracks a licence is not necessary.
- What do I need to bring? The track should provide all of the necessary equipment. This will include a safety suit, helmet, gloves etc. Wear casual clothes, such as jeans and trainers, and don’t have any items of loose clothing.
- Is Go Karting expensive? It depends on the type of karting you get into. For an ‘arrive and drive’ day, expect to pay somewhere in the region of £0.75-£1.50 per minute (per person). Of course, if you get serious about karting and decide to take up racing, then that’s a completely different matter.
- What is ‘Arrive and Drive’? This is a session for drivers of any level who simply want to get out on the track and have a go (or practice). In general, they last for between 20 minutes to an hour, and are preceded by a safety briefing. It’s not a race, but you’ll be given a print out of your lap times, and where you stood in the pecking order of others on the track with you.
Arrive and Drive Go Karting Locations
There are both indoor and outdoor karting venues in London.
Indoor venues
- F1K Indoor Karting. A 350 metre indoor track located in Slough, near London Heathrow Airport. Sessions start from £22 per person for 30 minutes track time.
- Capital Karts. This Dagenham location boasts the longest indoor karting track in the whole of the UK. The track is 1050 metres in length, with an 80 metre straight stretch where experienced karters can reach speeds in excess of 45mph! Prices for a 20-minute session start from £25 per person.
- Teamsport London Docklands. Close to North Greenwich tube station, this 800-metre track is open 7 days a week. Prices start from £35.99 for 2 x 15 minute races. Teamsport also offer two other London locations for indoor tracks, one at Tower Bridge and the other in Edmonton.
Outdoor venues
- Daytona Sandown Park. Located in Esher, 13 miles from Central London, this venue boasts two circuits: the full GP Circuit of 900 metres, and an Indy Circuit of 475 metres. Arrive and Drive sessions start from £28 for 20 minutes and can be booked online.
- Revolution Karting. This Mile End venue is only 2 stops from Liverpool Street Station, so really easy to get to. They use electric karts and racing is done on a floodlit track. Prices start from £25 for 2 x 8 lap races.
- Go Karting London. Located just outside London in Hoddesdon, this 1,000 metre track boasts petrol Go Karts that reach a massive 70mph. You can reach the location by taking a train from London Liverpool Street station to Rye House, a 40-minute journey.
For something a little different, it’s possible to go Ice Karting in London at Streatham Ice Rink. This takes place during the summer months at the weekends. There are two sessions lasting 1 ½ hours each, and are available for both adults and children. The karts are slightly different from regular ones, with studded tyres for grip and are designed specifically for driving on ice.
The cost is £600 for a group of 10 drivers. This includes all equipment, safety briefing, practice laps, three heats for each driver, semi finals and a final. There is then a trophy presentation to the winner. Guests are welcome to watch.
Many of the top Formula 1 racing drivers began their careers Go Karting. You never know… A fun day out for you and the family could be the start of something big! And another top tip is that many of the Go Karting venue tickets can be bought at discount prices from various websites.
Check out Groupon and Money Supermarket to see if you can get a cheaper deal before you book the full price.