Buckmore Park

Unclaimed listing Chatham, Kent · Operated by Buckmore Park Karting Limited Checked 17 Aug 2026

Circuit layout pending — we only publish geometry from OpenStreetMap or the operator, never drawn by hand.

Type
Outdoor
Circuits
2
Access
Hire karts & owner-driver
Min age
6 years
Min height
127cm

About the track

Buckmore Park at Chatham is one of the best known circuits in British karting, and the one where Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button and David Coulthard all raced as juniors. It runs two outdoor layouts: an International circuit where an experienced driver laps in around 50 seconds, and a shorter National circuit nearer 35.

The junior pathway is more structured than almost anywhere else. Bambino School takes 6 and 7 year olds through three progressive levels. From 8 there are 30-minute open sessions, a 1 hour 45 minute training session with a track walk and classroom work, and Junior Clubs running practice and sprint racing up to age 15.

Adult karting is 16 and over, and events are graded one to five stars by difficulty. The operator is refreshingly blunt about picking honestly: better to win a two star event than be lapped in a four star one. Sprint and endurance formats both run.

Three practical details worth knowing. The junior Sodi LR5 karts have roll bars and seatbelts, which few hire fleets do, and the same kart is power-restricted for 8 to 11 year olds then unrestricted from 12. The karts stay on slick tyres in all weathers, so wet sessions are genuinely slippery and wet suits are handed out. And camera mounts are fitted to both fleets, so an action camera clips straight on, though helmet and chest mounts are not allowed.

Racing your own kart

Owner-driver sessions run at the circuit. See their owner driver page for the current calendar.

Affiliated toMotorsport UK · National Karting Association

The karts

  • Sodi RT10, 390cc Honda four-stroke, seniors 16+ at 152cm to 203cm
  • Sodi LR5, 160cc Honda four-stroke, juniors at 127cm to 183cm
One thing we're checking: Junior LR5 karts have roll bars and seatbelts, which is unusual, and the same kart runs power-restricted for 8 to 11 year olds and unrestricted for 12 to 15s. Both fleets have adjustable seats and pedals, and the juniors adjustable steering too. Slick tyres are fitted at all times regardless of weather, and both fleets carry camera mounts and tethers.

Sessions and prices

Set by the track. You book direct — we don't add a fee.

Junior 30-minute session — 30 minutes For 8 and over. Open practice on the circuit.
Ask the track
Bambino School Three progressive levels for 6 and 7 year olds.
Ask the track
Junior training session 1 hour 45 minutes for 8 to 15 year olds. Track walk, briefing, two circuit sessions and classroom work.
Ask the track
Junior Club Practice and sprint racing for 8 to 15 year olds.
Ask the track
Adult sessions and races 16 and over. Graded one to five stars by difficulty. Sprint and endurance formats.
Ask the track

Good for

Arrive & driveBirthday partiesStag & henTeam buildingGrand PrixTeam enduranceTuition & race school

Planning your visit

In the rainEvery event is risk assessed to run in any weather except extremes such as snow, when the circuit contacts you to reschedule. Wet suits are supplied, and the karts stay on slicks year-round, so bring a change of clothes.
Bringing your own helmetOwn kit accepted provided the helmet is full face and meets standards, and the suit is in good condition. Ask the Race Director if unsure. Dark visors are not permitted once the lights come on at dusk.
Action camerasCamera mounts and tethers are fitted to both senior and junior karts, so a device clips straight on. Shoulder mounts are fine. Helmet, chest and other kart mounts are not permitted.

Accessibility

  • Family, guests and spectators are always welcome without charge.
  • Karts are highly adjustable at both pedals and seat, and the operator will arrange a size test before booking.
  • Full changing facilities and showers on site, with free lockers.

Questions people ask

How young can children drive at Buckmore Park?

Six, in the Bambino School, which runs three progressive levels for 6 and 7 year olds. From 8 they can book 30-minute open sessions, training sessions and Junior Clubs. The minimum height for junior karts is 4ft 2in, or 127cm.

What is the minimum age for adult karting?

Sixteen, and drivers under 18 need a parent or guardian present to countersign the indemnity form. The minimum height for senior karts is 5ft, or 152cm.

What karts do they use?

Sodi RT10s with 390cc Honda engines for seniors, and Sodi LR5s with 160cc engines for juniors. The junior karts have roll bars and seatbelts, and the same kart runs power-restricted for 8 to 11 year olds then unrestricted from 12.

How long is a lap?

An experienced driver laps the International circuit in around 50 seconds, though in changing conditions it can take over a minute. The shorter National circuit is nearer 35 seconds.

Which event should I choose?

Events are graded one to five stars, one being entry level and five near semi-professional. The operator advises dropping a level if you are unsure, since winning a two star event beats being lapped in a four star one.

What happens if it rains?

Events run in any weather except extremes such as snow, when the circuit contacts you to reschedule. Wet suits are supplied, and the karts stay on slicks all year, so bring a change of clothes.

Are there height and weight limits?

Senior karts fit drivers from 152cm to 203cm, junior karts from 127cm to 183cm. Shape matters more than weight, and the operator is happy to arrange a size test before you book if you have any doubt.

What should I wear?

Comfortable casual clothes, and thin-soled flat-heeled shoes such as plimsolls or trainers. Sandals and open-toed shoes are refused. Race suits are provided, and a change of clothes is wise.

Can I film my race?

Yes. Both senior and junior karts have dedicated camera mounts and tethers, so a device clips straight on. Shoulder mounts are also fine. Helmet mounts, chest mounts and any other position on the kart are not permitted.

Can I bring my own helmet?

Yes, provided it is full face and meets the relevant standards, and your suit is in good condition. Dark visors are not permitted once the floodlights are on at dusk. Ask the Race Director if unsure.

Are there changing facilities?

Yes, full changing rooms and showers, plus free lockers. Bring your own towel.

Do spectators pay?

No. Family, guests and spectators are always welcome free of charge.

What if I cannot make my booking?

Call the circuit on 01634 201562, but note that all bookings are non-refundable.

Getting there

Chatham, Kent, ME5 9QG
01634 201562
[email protected]

Where this came from

  • eligibility, policies, circuits, address — https://www.buckmore.co.uk/faq (Operator's own site)
  • junior pathway and ages — https://www.buckmore.co.uk/juniors (Operator's own site)
  • kart fleet — https://www.buckmore.co.uk/karts (Operator's own site)