About the track
Brentwood Karting runs an 825-metre floodlit outdoor circuit at Warley Gap, about fifteen minutes' walk from Brentwood station and half an hour from central London. It holds the International Rental Karting Award for Best Customer Experience.
There are two tracks. The main circuit takes cadet karts from 8 at 134cm and 270cc adult karts from 14 at 153cm. A separate Kids Fun Kart Track runs for 3 to 7 year olds, with its own party format.
One detail worth knowing is that the same karts run at two different speeds. Family Fun sessions restrict them to roughly indoor-track pace, while Family Race sessions run them unrestricted. If you have a mixed-confidence group, that is the thing to ask about when booking.
Their accessibility approach is more thought through than most. Colour blind drivers can use written boards and hand signals instead of flags, and rather than turning away drivers with other needs the operator runs a risk assessment and asks you to speak to a manager. Onboard cameras are banned outright, following National Karting Association guidance.
Which circuit can they drive?
Different circuits here take different ages, so the headline minimum isn't the whole story.
The karts
- 270cc Racer, 14 and over
- 200cc Cadet Racer, 8 and over
- Junior fun kart, ages 3 to 7
Sessions and prices
Set by the track. You book direct — we don't add a fee.
Good for
Planning your visit
Accessibility
- Colour blind drivers can take practice sessions, with written boards and hand signals used instead of coloured flags if staff are told in advance.
- For any driver whose needs fall outside the norm, the operator carries out a risk assessment rather than refusing outright, and asks that you speak to a manager.
- Anyone unsure whether they will fit is invited to come and try a kart for size before booking.
- Fifteen minutes' walk from Brentwood rail station, and about 30 minutes from central London by car.
- Free parking. Spectators always welcome.
Questions people ask
How young can children drive at Brentwood?
Three, on the separate Kids Fun Kart Track, which runs for ages 3 to 7. The main circuit starts at 8 in the cadet karts, which need a minimum height of 134cm.
When do children move to the adult karts?
At 14, provided they are at least 153cm tall. The 270cc karts are considerably quicker than the 200cc cadets.
What is the difference between a Fun session and a Race session?
The karts. Family Fun sessions run them speed restricted to roughly indoor-track pace, which suits beginners and mixed groups. Family Race sessions run them unrestricted.
How early should I arrive?
An hour before track time for race events, 45 minutes for practice. Arriving even five minutes late may cut your track time, and more than ten to fifteen minutes late may cost you the slot with no refund.
Can I use a GoPro or helmet camera?
No. Onboard cameras are not permitted, following National Karting Association guidance which followed a Motor Sport Association ban on safety grounds.
Do I need to book?
For practice and open events, not necessarily, though open races often sell out. Exclusive race events must be pre-paid, with a deposit to secure the booking and the balance 14 days before.
Will I fit in the karts?
The operator has had drivers at 20 stone and 6ft 7in, but says everyone is a different shape and cannot guarantee it. You are welcome to come down and try a kart for size before booking.
I am colour blind. Can I drive?
Yes, for practice sessions. Tell the circuit operators in advance and they will use written boards and hand signals rather than coloured flags.
Is there anything else to do on site?
There is a climbing wall, and laser tag runs alongside the karting.
How do I get there without a car?
Brentwood rail station from Liverpool Street, then a fifteen minute walk. By car it is roughly 30 minutes from central London, with plenty of free parking.
Is membership worth it?
It is under £20 a year, and the benefit most people mention is not having to sit through the video safety briefing on every visit.
Getting there
Brentwood, Essex, CM13 3DP
01277 260001
[email protected]
Where this came from
- policies, accessibility, address — https://brentwood-karting.co.uk/faqs/ (Operator's own site)
- circuits, karts, eligibility, junior pricing — https://brentwood-karting.co.uk/go_karting_prices_for_children_juniors/ (Operator's own site)