Silverstone Museum - located at the iconic Grand Prix circuit just off the A43 in Northamptonshire - was completed at the back end of 2019 and was officially opened by Prince Harry and Lewis Hamilton in March 2020.
The huge task of turning a Second World War RAF hangar into a state-of-the-art 4000m visitor attraction took over seven years and cost in excess of £20 million to create.
The impressive building is imposing and the first thing you see when you enter the site, where we’d been just a few months earlier during the festive season for Lap of Lights which is another fantastic event to entice the general public to the circuit.
The museum had been recommended to us by friends so we were all excited to finally visit the attraction which has more than 60 interactive exhibits and attracts visitors from across the globe.
The journey is super easy if you’re a local and there is an abundance of free parking right outside.
The staff were warm, welcoming and helpful.
Silverstone promises an ‘unforgettable high speed adventure’ with immersive exhibits, legendary cars and the stories of racing heroes that shaped history.
Although huge, the museum is easy to navigate as you follow a journey through time starting in the 12th century.
I have to admit I had no idea about the history of the site which started as an airfield during WW2 and it was absolutely fascinating. From the names of all the famous corners including Maggotts and Becketts to learning that an elephant used to roam the village of Silverstone in 1939, going from house to house and even visiting the local pub for a pint.
We loved racing on a giant Scalextric track and if we went again we’d definitely book the racing simulators (extra cost).
We learnt about how F1 cars work and the subtle differences that make them go faster around the track and even had a go at commentating on a race.
The exhibits end with an immersive cinema experience featuring racing legends and their prized vehicles.
There is also a cafe within the museum with access outside which takes you trackside.
The gift shop was strangely heartwarming in the fact I was grateful that the children could buy a small souvenir using their pocket money for a very reasonable price.
One squashy F1 car, a bouncy ball and a pen later for under £10, we were all leaving with smiles on our faces.
The average visit is two to three hours but there is no time limit and there are deals to be taken advantage of including discounts for certain surrounding postcodes, girls under 16 can get in for free during April and if you pay for a day, you can then visit free for a year.
Silverstone Museum will be open during the Easter holidays and is well worth a visit even if you’re not a fan of motorsport.
My nine-year-old boy said it was the best place we visited during the school holidays and ignited a love of all things motorsport.
Definitely one to tick off for Northamptonshire attractions.
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Silverstone Museum - located at the iconic Grand Prix circuit just off the A43 in Northamptonshire - was completed at the back end of 2019 and was officially opened by Prince Harry and Lewis Hamilton in March 202 Photo: Ben Gregory-Ring