Thruxton Kart Centre

Andover, Hampshire
★★★★½4.7out of 5690 Google reviews

A fast 1,100m outdoor kart circuit beside the famous Thruxton race track in Hampshire, with a flyover and multiple layouts for adults and juniors from age 8.

Track Type

🌳 Outdoor

Kart Type

⛽ Petrol

Track Length

1100m

Min Age/Height

8+

Food & Drink

✓ Available

Difficulty

Beginner-Advanced

Price Range

££

Sessions Available

  • Arrive & Drive
  • High-Speed Sessions

Best For

  • Motorsport fans

Features

  • Famous venue
  • 50mph karts

Prices & Sessions

SessionPrice guideNotes
Arrive & Drive (typical session)£25–£45Indicative range for a ££ venue — confirm with venue

Prices are a guide only — exact rates vary by day, time, age and session type. Confirm current prices and any offers with the venue before booking. Last checked June 2026.

About Thruxton Kart Centre

Thruxton Kart Centre sits alongside the main Thruxton Circuit near Andover — the fast former airfield track best known as a round of the British Touring Car Championship. The kart centre is a separate, purpose-built facility rather than a run on the car circuit itself, but it shares the venue's serious motorsport atmosphere. It is widely regarded as one of the best outdoor kart circuits in the country, and it hosts national events including the British Schools Karting Championship. For a rental driver, the draw is racing at a genuine motorsport venue rather than a leisure park.

The Circuit

The full circuit runs to 1,100m with 18 turns and a mix of fast, slow and technical corners. At roughly seven metres wide it is generous enough to take three, and sometimes four, karts abreast into many corners, which makes for genuine wheel-to-wheel racing. It also features a flyover — a first for a UK outdoor kart circuit. The most popular configuration is the 900m National Circuit, while a newer Club circuit can be split into four shorter layouts (130m, 146m, 210m and 365m) and run independently for Arrive & Drive and junior sessions.

Who Should Visit

The centre caters for a broad range of drivers. Arrive & Drive is open to adults and to children from age 8, with different kart types stepped by age (typically 8+, 12+ and 15+), so it works for family days out and mixed-ability groups as well as experienced racers. No prior experience or equipment is needed for rental sessions.

For those who want more, there is a full competition programme: two-hour and six-hour team endurance races, Grand Prix and Super Prix formats, open race nights and corporate events. Note that this is a live racing circuit, so no animals other than service dogs are permitted within the kart centre.

Planning Your Visit

Thruxton Kart Centre is at Thruxton Circuit, Andover, Hampshire — postcode SP11 8PW, on the A303. As an outdoor circuit it can be exposed and fast, and sessions often run in the wet, though it is worth checking ahead if severe weather is forecast. Because the wider Thruxton site also runs car and event days, the kart calendar varies.

Arrive & Drive, junior sessions and endurance rounds all book up, particularly at weekends and for groups, so reserve in advance. Confirm current prices and session times directly with the kart centre on 01264 882231 before travelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age do you need to be to race at Thruxton Kart Centre?

Drivers need to be at least 8+ to race at Thruxton Kart Centre.

Is Thruxton Kart Centre suitable for complete beginners?

Yes — Thruxton Kart Centre is rated beginner-advanced and is genuinely accessible to drivers with no previous experience. No racing licence or prior karting is required for standard arrive & drive sessions.

Can you go karting at Thruxton Kart Centre in the rain?

Thruxton Kart Centre is an outdoor venue. Many sessions do run in wet conditions — and rain karting often produces the most exciting racing — but in extreme weather it's worth contacting the venue directly to confirm your session is going ahead.

Is food and drink available at Thruxton Kart Centre?

Yes, food and drink are available on site at Thruxton Kart Centre. You can make a full outing of your visit without needing to find somewhere nearby.

Do I need to book in advance at Thruxton Kart Centre?

Advance booking is strongly recommended, particularly for weekend sessions, corporate days, and birthday parties. Walk-in availability is not guaranteed. Book via the official Thruxton Kart Centre website or calling 01264 882231 to secure your session.

What Visitors Say

★★★★★Rosie3 months ago

“Fantastic customer service from start to finish for autistic 9 years olds birthday treat. We were allowed a pre visit to try on helmets and overalls and hear the noise levels of the karts where Emma & Sue were so accommodating and patient. Then when we returned for the family…”

★★★★★Mitsubishi4 months ago

“So my son (pre teen) did a junior kart session hear for his birthday . I can not rate enough. From start to finish the experience was excellent professional and very well organised. The staff where excellent taking time to explan everything from safety kit to flags and rules.…”

★★★★★Arun2 years ago

“Absolutely loved the experience and track. Really well organised and good facilities. The track is an excellent and challenging outdoor track, which is mainly left handed. Be cautious that it's quite physical due to the nature of an outdoor circuit, but it's totally worth it.…”

Reviews via Google Maps

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