3 circuits in Suffolk run birthday parties events. The single thing that decides whether this works is age and height, and it catches people out constantly.
Ipswich, Suffolk
Anglia Indoor Karting has operated for over 30 years from an industrial unit on Farthing Road, on the western side of Ipswich. The building holds two separate multi-level circuits, each with flyover sections, plus a laser maze.
Price not published
Ellough, near Beccles, Suffolk
Ellough Park near Beccles bills itself as East Anglia's premier outdoor kart circuit and has been running for over twenty years. It uses 390cc Sodi SR5 karts, the same machinery raced in the Sodi World Series, with an adjustable pedal system that alters both distance and height.
Red Lodge, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
Red Lodge Karting is a floodlit outdoor circuit in Suffolk with short and long layouts, running up to 24 karts at once. The operator describes it as flowing and technical, and it is unusually well equipped for a hire venue: solar-powered digital flags on every marshal post, a large LED message board past the tower, and live timing shown in the viewing area.
Price not published
The thing that catches groups out. Below the minimum you either pay for absent drivers or book an open session instead.
Always check both. The gap between a 1.20m and a 1.40m minimum is the difference between an eight-year-old driving and watching.
Purpose-built junior karts fit smaller drivers properly. Some tracks also fit remote speed limiters so staff can build a nervous child up gradually.
Children mixed in with adults have a worse time. Ask whether junior sessions run separately.
Food, a private room, a podium and a trophy make it a party. Without them it is a driving session with cake in the car.