Thruxton Kart Centre

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