A wonderful day in the Kent countryside
Plenty of horses, but not an equine creature in sight. (Unless you count the prancing horse)
Never been to a motor race before? well, give this a try.
Brands Hatch is my local motor racing circuit, and I love it. There are other tracks all over the world I like to visit, but this is my local one.
This place is steeped in history, and a walk around the circuit reminds you of this fact.
The circuit is a list of famous racers, Graham Hill (bend), Cooper & Brabham straights. Surtees, McLaren, Stirlings, Clark & Sheene curves and Hailwood & Hawthorn Hill.
If it’s your first time, then why not pick a club-level event?
These days are good value, and the crowds are less, so getting around and finding your favourite spot is going to be easier – and if you like the experience then come back for a major event.
![The pin image for our post - 'Brands Hatch: A day at the races'](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Brands-Hatch-A-day-at-the-races-Pin6.jpg)
![a copy of our amoc racing programme and tickets from a day out at brands hatch in august 2016](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/programme-tickets-from-a-day-out-at-brands-hatch-visit-brands-hatch-things-to-do-in-kent-uk-motorsport-uk-racing-circuits-visit-a-racing-circuit-V5.jpg)
Where is Brands Hatch?
How to get to Brands Hatch
- By Car
Brands Hatch is under 4 miles from the M25/M20 Junction along the A20. There is plenty of free parking onsite, but there may be an additional cost for parking on the South Bank and the premium events.
- By Public Transport
It is possible to reach Brands hatch by a mixture of Train/Bus, depending on where you start from, but it may be a challenge. Our advice is to stay close by and grab a taxi to the circuit.
The history of Brands Hatch
About the circuit![the view from the paddock hill bend grandstand overlooking the brands hatch motor racing circuitin kent, england](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/the-view-from-the-paddock-hill-bend-grandstand-overlooking-the-brands-hatch-circuit-visit-brands-hatch-things-to-do-in-kent-uk-motorsport-uk-racing-circuits-visit-a-racing-circuit-V5.jpg)
The circuit started as a grass track in 1926, and racing has been held here regularly ever since. In the ’50s, tarmac was laid, and they changed to racing in the clockwise direction.
You can, of course, find out more at the Brands Hatch site.
Visiting Brands Hatch
About the daySo pick your group D event or club-level event, and arrive at the circuit.
Gates open at 8:00 a.m., but the first testing session starts around 9:00 a.m.
Then, the sensory explosions of sights, sounds and smells will hit you.
![Three classic sports cars on the run down to graham hill bend at brands hatch motor racing circuit](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/the-run-down-to-graham-hill-bend-visit-brands-hatch-things-to-do-in-kent-uk-motorsport-uk-racing-circuits-visit-a-racing-circuit-V5.jpg)
Granted it's not a Formula 1 noise fest', but you can hear motors being driven to the max', tyres pushed to the limit, the smell of brakes' cooking' under the strain and the wonderful aroma of fuel & oil.
I guess that confirms I'm a petrolhead.
These days are great value; the programme for the day will usually contain at least 5 races plus a number of qualifying sessions. A family day out for around £35 as of 2016! (Kids under 13 are free, and the 13-15 year olds are about half price).
![a stream of aston martins from the aston martin owners club - amoc, entering the pits of brands hatch motor racing circuit in kent, england](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/the-aston-martin-owners-club-amoc-entering-the-pits-at-brands-hatch-visit-brands-hatch-things-to-do-in-kent-uk-motorsport-uk-racing-circuits-visit-a-racing-circuit-V5.jpg)
Expect there to be action on the track from 9:00 am to 6:00 p.m., with a short gap for lunch.
There may be a track parade; if not, there will be something to entertain you.
Where to stay for Brands Hatch
Eating at Brands Hatch
Talking of lunchYep, there's plenty more than just the racing; grab yourself a bite to eat at either of the restaurants, Hailwoods or the Kentagon, or pack a picnic – there are plenty of places to throw down a picnic blanket and enjoy the open space. You may also be tempted by an ice cream; there's one or two vendors dotted around the circuit.
One of the differences between a club day and a major event is the number of catering outlets, generally, there's a much greater choice, but you get the crowds, too.
Need a rental car?
A day at Brands Hatch
Access all areasThe other great thing about the quieter club events is it's so easy to explore the whole track.
There's usually no extra charge for parking on the Southbank, the banked area with a great view of the first corner, and the Cooper straight. This means you can sit in your car and watch the action, and tune in to Radio Brands Hatch to pick up the commentary.
![Our black audi rs5 convertible parked on south bank of brands hatch with its roof down overlooking the brands hatch circuit](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/parked-on-southbank-of-brands-hatch-visit-brands-hatch-things-to-do-in-kent-uk-motorsport-uk-racing-circuits-visit-a-racing-circuit-V5.jpg)
You are also free to wander the paddock, where those not competing are fettling their thoroughbreds.
It's easy to see how, even at the grassroots level, motorsport is expensive.
![Two mechanics working under the raised bonnet of a classic, bright red, triumph tr4a in the paddock of brands hatch motor racing circuit in kent, england](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/a-triumph-tr4a-in-the-paddock-of-brands-hatch-visit-brands-hatch-things-to-do-in-kent-uk-motorsport-uk-racing-circuits-visit-a-racing-circuit-V5.jpg)
However, don't be surprised to see gaffer tape and hammers used to affect 'repairs'.
Or wander through the pits, ensuring you stay well to the back of the garage. It gives you a great alternative view of the event.
![mechanics working on british racing green Austin Healey, raided on jacks, in the pits of brands hatch motor racing circuit in kent, england](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/an-austin-healey-in-the-pits-at-brands-hatch-visit-brands-hatch-things-to-do-in-kent-uk-motorsport-uk-racing-circuits-visit-a-racing-circuit-V5.jpg)
![the view of paddock hill bend from the grandstand at brands hatch, visit brands hatch, things to do in kent, uk motorsport, uk racing circuits, visit a racing circuit](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/the-view-of-paddock-hill-bend-from-the-grandstand-at-brands-hatch-visit-brands-hatch-things-to-do-in-kent-uk-motorsport-uk-racing-circuits-visit-a-racing-circuit-V5.jpg)
What to see at Brands Hatch
Explore the circuit![two porsches racing the drag uphills towards druids hairpin, under the palmer sport bridge af brands hatch motor racing circuit in kent, england](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/the-drag-uphills-towards-druids-hairpin-visit-brands-hatch-things-to-do-in-kent-uk-motorsport-uk-racing-circuits-visit-a-racing-circuit-V5.jpg)
![A red ferrari chasing down a classic aston martin as they drop down paddock hill bend towards hailwoods hill at brands hatch motor racing circuit in kent, england](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/dropping-down-paddock-hill-bend-towards-hailwoods-hill-visit-brands-hatch-things-to-do-in-kent-uk-motorsport-uk-racing-circuits-visit-a-racing-circuit-V5.jpg)
![Family groups on the grass banks overlooking the circuit, race control and the pits of brands hatch motor racing circuit in kent, england](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/overlooking-race-control-and-the-pits-at-brands-hatch-visit-brands-hatch-things-to-do-in-kent-uk-motorsport-uk-racing-circuits-visit-a-racing-circuit-V5.jpg)
A great day out in Kent
What if we get bored watching cars going around in circles?![an aston martin vantage gt4 rounding druids hairpin at the brands hatch motor racing circuit in kent, england](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/An-Aston-Martin-Vantage-GT4-rounding-Druids-hairpin-at-Brands-Hatch-visit-brands-hatch-things-to-do-in-kent-uk-motorsport-uk-racing-circuits-visit-a-racing-circuit-V5.jpg)
There is an adventure playground, a series of motorsport-inspired shops, or you can just wander into the ancient woodland that surrounds the circuit.
So if you're after a good value day for all ages, then I suggest you'll do worse than spend a day at the 'Hatch'
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