Ancaster Leisure Karting

About Ancaster Leisure Karting

Ancaster Leisure sits on Ermine Street between Grantham and Sleaford and has been running outdoor karting in Lincolnshire for more than 25 years. The venue bills itself as the UK's biggest outdoor multi-activity karting site, and karting is only part of what it does — the same grounds host paintball, laser tag, airsoft and a ten-pin bowling alley, which makes it a natural fit for large groups who want more than just laps. The karts are petrol, so you get the noise, smell and vibration of a real outdoor engine rather than the quiet of an indoor electric centre.

The Circuit

The headline layout is a 1200m tarmac international circuit, backed up by a shorter 600m club track, and the site can be reconfigured into several different combinations — useful when more than one group is racing at the same time. Adults drive 270cc Biz Evolution karts that are quoted at up to 50mph down the straights, so this is a proper outdoor circuit with real speed rather than a short indoor loop. Because it's long and open, the racing is about sustained pace and picking your overtaking spots over a full run, and every session's laps are electronically timed with a printout at the end so you can see exactly how you did.

Who Should Visit

The venue caters for a wide age range, but the karts differ by age, so it's worth knowing the split before you book. Junior cadets from around 8 to 12 use speed-governed Biz Cadet karts, while the faster adult karts are for drivers aged 16 and over; there is also a separate electric track for younger children. That structure makes Ancaster good for family days as well as adult groups, provided everyone is booked into the right session for their age.

It also runs regular competitive karting — including Thursday evening racing and endurance and championship-style events — so it appeals to club-level and returning racers, not just one-off visitors. Corporate and stag/hen groups are well catered for too, helped by the multi-activity options on the same site.

Planning Your Visit

You'll find Ancaster Leisure at Wood Lodge, Ancaster, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG32 3PY. Note that the site is typically closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so plan around that. As an outdoor circuit it runs in most weather, and wet-weather running can make for some of the most entertaining racing, but it's worth checking ahead if severe conditions are forecast.

There's a licensed bar and cooked food on site, so groups can make a half-day or full day of it and combine karting with the other activities. Changing rooms, washrooms, lockers and parking are all available.

Weekends, school holidays and event nights fill up quickly, so book in advance rather than turning up on spec. Prices are mid-range for UK karting; confirm current rates, session times and the exact age or height rules for your chosen session directly with the venue before travelling.

Frequently Asked Questions