One track in Wiltshire runs birthday parties events. The single thing that decides whether this works is age and height, and it catches people out constantly.
The thing that catches groups out. Below the minimum you either pay for absent drivers or book an open session instead.
Bristol
An indoor circuit in east Bristol running Sodi GT5 karts, with a double-level layout for drivers tall enough to use it. Being under cover, it runs the same in February as in July: the obvious pick locally if you don't want a session called off for weather.
Price not published
Gloucester
JDR Karting is an indoor karting and activity centre on the Madleaze Trading Estate off Bristol Road in Gloucester, a few minutes' walk from Gloucester Quays. The main circuit is a 300-metre tarmac track with three banked corners, where laps take around 25 seconds. Senior drivers use Sodi SR4 karts with Honda 200cc engines.
Sparkford, near Yeovil, Somerset
A 400-metre outdoor circuit beside Haynes International Motor Museum, laid on the museum's own test track. Petrol karts on tarmac, and a layout with proper braking zones and room to overtake.
Woodbury Salterton, near Exeter, Devon
Raceworld is a 400 metre indoor circuit at Woodbury Salterton, a few miles outside Exeter, and it has been trading since 1994. The layout mixes fast straights with flowing and technical corners and includes a flyover bridge.
Price not published
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.