Overview

I am classed as Ambulant disabled and visited using a rollator/chair and cane. I was apprehensive about the weekend due to previous online reviews. Silverstone is an old airfield and not the easiest place to visit, it requires a lot of preparation and research. I do believe they have made improvements in accessibility and hopefully will continue to do so. Accessible platform tickets are purchased directly from Silverstone by application. If you wish to buy grandstand tickets, you should buy the number required then apply for a carer refund within two weeks of purchase. The application form was no problem and evidence was provided by submitting my Access Card. The refund was issued quickly. There are improvements needed to meet a diverse range of requirements, and I hope Silverstone continue working to make it accessible for all. It was an exhilarating weekend.

Transport & Parking

We arrived at the circuit by car before 9am and waited until at least an hour after the F1 to exit. We avoided most of the large queues and crowds. There was an accessible queue for ticket checks, this moved quickly. Silverstone issues a parking pass on application for Blue Badge holders. The car park was at the front of gate 19. There are also park and ride buses which will drop you at the gate. This is a car park with standard car size parking spots. It is difficult to manoeuvre mobility aids to and from vehicles. Many people parked at the end of rows to get chairs and scooters in and out their cars.

Access

Event Mobility are onsite in the Blue Badge car park. Hire this year for a scooter was £30 per day. Wheelchairs at £10 per day. Most stands have stair only access. BSL interpretation or subtitled commentary on the circuit big screens would be of benefit. Some of the grandstands are inaccessible as the surrounding grounds are made of large chunks of stone and cobbles. Some temporary roll out pathways would help in these areas and in grass only areas. We opted for the Village Enclosure and covered grandstand Village B. Many grandstands and accessible platforms are exposed to the elements at the circuit. The village enclosure has a flat surface of artificial turf, separate toilets, and food and drink areas. This meant once inside the enclosure we could remain away from the large crowds for the day. It is a 15 to 20 minute walk at a slow pace from the blue badge car park. The toilets in the Village enclosure have 3 steps. There are accessible toilets throughout the circuit.

Toilets

Staff

The staff were helpful, friendly and approachable. Throughout the circuit they pointed out the best route or path to use without any prompting. They were all very enthusiastic about the sport and helping guests have an enjoyable experience.

Photos