Circuits, Hotels & Trailers

Circuits, Hotels & Trailers

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Discussion

1781cc

Original Poster:

591 posts

101 months

Saturday 4th November 2023
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I am sure I am not the only person who tows their track car to a circuit, and it got me thinking about any recommendations people have for hotels near circuits that are suitable for people towing (access, parking, safety, etc...)

I can't start this list myself as so far I've always towed up and back on the day or camped out near the circuit, but as winter is drawing in camping isnt an option and I am looking at being more active on track over the colder, darker months.

Drop your suggestions below please!

E-bmw

9,971 posts

159 months

Saturday 4th November 2023
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I never did it myself as my cars were always driveable to the circuits, but I know many that did & their general rule of thumb was to find a decent sized hotel out of town (all circuits are already obviously) near where you are doing & a quick phone call to reception will tell you all you need to know.

Aeroscreens

457 posts

233 months

Saturday 4th November 2023
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Personally, from a sprint/hillclimb point of view, first call is, can I leave my car and trailer at the circuit overnight and secondly I look for B&Bs with ample parking space within a 20 minute drive to the circuit as I feel this is a safer more secure option that hotel car parks. Just my 2p.

Hondapower

11 posts

41 months

Saturday 4th November 2023
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I see plenty of cars/trailers taking up several spaces at premier Inn car parks when I go on track days. I guess they just turn up early to be sure of getting enough space.

Dynion Araf Uchaf

4,683 posts

230 months

Saturday 4th November 2023
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The routine I work to, is if the circuit is less than 2 hrs from home I’ll drive in on the day. As an early start is better for me than a fitful nights sleep in a hotel.

Second option is to leave the car a trailer at the circuit and find a b&b nearby, but occasionally I’ll stay with family

Third option is camping.

I don’t really like leaving a car and trailer in a hotel car park, it’s much more likely to get nicked.

Wh00sher

1,659 posts

225 months

Saturday 4th November 2023
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I do this fairly frequently on long distance trackdays.

Google maps satellite view is very helpful. Zoom into the hotel you are looking at for a good idea of parking availability and size of carpark.

I always choose based on this, often Premier Inn, Travelodge second or via booking.com

Some circuits let you drop the trailer off at the circuit the night before, Snetterton is excellent for this as they have a night security guard, others are just left by themselves which I'm not a fan of.

I avoid city centre hotels, carparking is usually poor.

1781cc

Original Poster:

591 posts

101 months

Saturday 4th November 2023
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Good advice here thanks, the google maps thing is a good tip with satellite view, I avoid cities where possible anyway.

2 hours each way is a same day depart and return for me, but things like anglesea and knockhill will defo be overnight stays

Wh00sher

1,659 posts

225 months

Sunday 5th November 2023
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The Travelodge at Dunfermline is what I use for Knockhill . Park lengthways in the bays in red. Restaurants etc a 10 minute walk.




For Anglesey, if you aren't camping at the circuit which is brilliant in the summer, stay at the Premier Inn in Bangor. Again, park lengthways in the area in red if you can.

There is a pub that serves food in the building to the right, which also has a huge carpark.


Krikkit

26,995 posts

188 months

Monday 6th November 2023
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Cadwell Park.

Most popular is Kenwick park outside of town, there's a shedload of parking and obscure corners to dive into, but it has the slight disadvantage of being very popular (and hence a target, although I've not heard of any thefts), and you need a taxi/drive to get into town to eat etc.



In town there's the Beaumont - not a great hotel (although comfy enough and clean, it's just a bit old), but the parking is very isolated and surrounded by houses:



Right around the back of the hotel there's a good bunch of very secluded spaces, they're big enough that you could reverse and block it in if you're feeling extra paranoid, but they're well out of sight there.

1781cc

Original Poster:

591 posts

101 months

Monday 6th November 2023
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Thanks for these, this is exactly the kind of info I was after and think it might be useful for other people trailering too.

Will save this page for when I book next, but for now, Donington on wednesday!

Krikkit

26,995 posts

188 months

Tuesday 7th November 2023
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Donington is an interesting one - the stuff right on site is OK, but particularly if camping the airport noise is pretty horrendous. Something a few miles away would be useful.

Julian Thompson

2,593 posts

245 months

Monday 13th November 2023
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Falcon Inn for Donington, but you need to reverse the trailer down past the pub into the separate hotel parking. Simple straight reverse. Nice food and great rooms.

WombleCate

135 posts

12 months

Wednesday 15th November 2023
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The Priest House and Donington Park Farmhouse both have ample parking for Trailers and are close by.

In general, using Google Maps helps, however, as hotels close to circuits are used to customers with trailers, they are very helpful when booking (even giving rooms overlooking the trailer parking). Premier Inn near Silverstone even has a camera on the trailer park with the CCTV screen above the desk.

whp1983

1,235 posts

146 months

Tuesday 21st November 2023
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Always dropped the trailer off at the circuit the night before, much less stressful.

With the exception of the Conwy valley hotel which had a massive car park, easy to drive a trailer in and turn round. Used it for Anglesey

Wh00sher

1,659 posts

225 months

Tuesday 21st November 2023
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whp1983 said:
Always dropped the trailer off at the circuit the night before, much less stressful.

With the exception of the Conwy valley hotel which had a massive car park, easy to drive a trailer in and turn round. Used it for Anglesey
Not all circuits allow it or require you to be there too early before they lockup. I agree, if possible it's far easier to do it and I also do when I can.

livinginasia

864 posts

117 months

Thursday 23rd November 2023
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If you are going to Bedford, then Woodland Manor in Clapham has a lovely car park big enough for trailers.