You don’t have to be an ardent fan of motor racing to enjoy the Silverstone Interactive Museum, it’s a terrific day out. The Museum is housed in a restored WW2 RAF hangar right next to part of the original Grand Prix circuit. If you step outside the rear of the museum you can walk the heritage track trail, and you may catch a glimpse of the action on the current circuit. 

The museum is now offering guided tours for groups of 20+. The 1-1.5 hour-long tour can give a general overview of the museum’s ten captivating zones and heritage track trail, or be tailored to a group’s interests.

In the opening part of the Silverstone Interactive Museum visitors will learn all the names  of the circuit corners and the history behind them, and find out how Silverstone became ‘The Home of British Motor Racing’.

Begin at the medieval abbey, before winding through the grounds of an 18th century country estate to arrive at a Second World War airfield. In this section you will find out what links Silverstone to Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, the famous 18th century landscape architect.

Racing Eras tells the story of the most important landmarks in Silverstone’s racing history, from famous grand prix victories, to innovations and wins you may have never heard of. 

There’s more to motor racing than the action you see on the track and Race Day gives you an insight into everything that goes on behind the scenes. Here, you can walk up to the replica pit wall and get close to amazing racing cars and a support vehicle. From race marshals to the medical centre, hear first-hand accounts of what is needed to run a busy race day.

Visitors also learn about the incredible technology that goes into racing, and can touch and test, as well as hearing directly from engineers themselves. 

Finally, the special-effects cinema shows some of the circuit’s most iconic and dramatic moments on the Ultimate Lap of Silverstone. With an all-star commentary team of Murray Walker, Martin Brundle and David Croft as guide, it’s an opportunity to experience a Silverstone grand prix like no other. 

Guests can spend as long as they like at the museum for £17.50 per person for groups of 20+. Book before 1 November 2022 for visits before 31/12/23 and each guest will receive a free guide book.

Groups sales manager Gillian Bell says: “We really want group organisers to come and see what we have to offer their groups. We are holding a familiarisation event on 15 Sept and invite any group organiser to register to come, or to register their interest for future events.” 

“We understand that group organisers want more from a day out. We now include a free guided tour for groups and can offer a cream tea at our trackside café for £6.95 per person. We have also teamed up with some great local venues for those wanting a traditional pub meal or to try some local wines.”

Among the local venues highlighted is The New Inn at Abthorpe and The Kings Head at Syrensham which can offer a two-course meal for £12.95. And Chafor Vineyard is an award-winning wine estate, less than 20 minutes from Silverstone which offers private tours and tastings for groups from £16 for three wines, and can also provide a group BBQ or paella.

Stowe House and Gardens is another nearby attraction which includes a roof-top tour and the Bell Plantation is a free-to-enter garden centre with a vintage shop, fish & reptile centre, clothes shop, two art galleries & poultry centre as well as plants and a café.

Other venues nearby include Blenheim Palace, Bletchley Park and Waddesdon Manor, while The British Motor Museum is just 40 minutes away if groups fancy a motor themed day.

The Silverstone Interactive Museum also has a new neighbour opening this autumn – The New Garden Hilton hotel which will be adjacent to the start line and pits at Silverstone, with amazing views over the circuit.

The museum is holding a familiarisation day on 15 September. 

To register to attend this event, or express an interest in future events please email groups@silverstonemuseum.co.uk