About the track
Whilton Mill near Daventry runs three outdoor circuits on one site, which makes it unusually flexible. The 1200m International Circuit is the headline one, with a 960m National Circuit and a 450m Mill Circuit alongside it. The operator has been running for over 35 years.
The three circuits split by age rather than just by length. Bambinos from 6 and cadets from 9 drive the Mill Circuit at 1.22m to 1.55m. Adults use the same circuit from 12, but need to be 1.55m or taller, so the height bands run in opposite directions. The National and International circuits are 14 and over at 1.4m.
Junior sessions run a progression system that few tracks bother with. Novice drivers learn the basics and then follow an instructor. Once an instructor signs them off, Intermediate sessions have them lapping behind the instructor for the first ten minutes and alone for the second.
It is a working race venue as well as a hire circuit. Owner-driver kart practice runs most Wednesdays on the International Circuit for classes from Bambino through Senior, and bike practice runs over the summer for mini moto and pit bikes. The Break Pad restaurant on site cooks to order and has a licensed bar.
Which circuit can they drive?
Different circuits here take different ages, so the headline minimum isn't the whole story.
Racing your own kart
You need your own kart and safety equipment, meaning helmet, gloves and race overalls, and the kart must be in good working order. All practice must be booked online in advance, with no pay on the day, and bookings are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Sessions and prices
Set by the track. You book direct — we don't add a fee.
Good for
Planning your visit
Accessibility
- Restaurant on site with breakfast, lunch and dinner depending on the time of your visit, and all dietary requirements catered for.
- Balaclava and gloves included free on adult arrive and drive sessions.
Questions people ask
How young can children drive at Whilton Mill?
Six, in the Bambino sessions on the 450m Mill Circuit, provided they are at least 1.22m tall. Cadet sessions run for ages 9 to 11 on the same circuit.
Which circuit will we be on?
It depends on age and height. The Mill Circuit at 450m takes juniors from 6 and adults from 12 at 1.55m. The 960m National and 1200m International circuits are both 14 and over, at 1.4m to 1.9m.
Why do juniors have a maximum height?
Junior sessions run from 1.22m to 1.55m, and the adult session on the same circuit starts at 1.55m. A tall eleven-year-old moves into the adult session rather than being turned away.
What does a session cost?
Twenty minutes on the Mill Circuit is £30, and junior novice and intermediate sessions are also £30 for two ten-minute runs. The National Circuit is £42 for twenty minutes, and the International Circuit is £75 for two twenty-minute sessions.
Do I need to buy a balaclava?
No. Adult arrive and drive sessions include a balaclava and gloves free, which is unusual. Most tracks charge for them.
Is there a minimum group size?
Not for arrive and drive. Corporate events start from £50 plus VAT per person.
What is the difference between Novice and Intermediate junior sessions?
Novice drivers learn the basics and then follow an instructor for the whole session. Intermediate needs an instructor sign-off first, and drivers lap behind the instructor for the first session then on their own for the second.
Can I practise with my own kart?
Yes. Open practice runs most Wednesdays on the 1200m International Circuit, from £35, for Bambino through Senior classes. You need your own kart, helmet, gloves and overalls, and all bookings must be made online in advance with no pay on the day.
Can I ride a bike there?
Over the summer months, yes. Mini moto and pit bikes up to 200cc four-stroke or 120cc two-stroke, at £45 per bike. Super Moto bikes are not permitted, and bikes need baffles or DB killers with a maximum of 102db on a drive-by.
Is there food on site?
Yes. The Break Pad restaurant cooks fresh to order, serves breakfast, lunch or dinner depending on the time, caters for dietary requirements and has a fully licensed bar. It can also be hired privately.
Getting there
Whilton Locks, Daventry, Northamptonshire, NN11 2NH
01327 843822
Where this came from
- circuits, pricing, eligibility — https://www.whiltonmill.co.uk/individuals/arrive-drive/ (Operator's own site)
- owner practice, classes, bike practice — https://www.whiltonmill.co.uk/individuals/owner-practice/ (Operator's own site)