When doing long-distance car journeys, we often find that after a couple of hours the kids can become restless and require a break. Following a trip away to Chessington World of Adventures Resort in Surrey we faced a long journey home on the M1.
The Silverstone Interactive Museum
Whilst planning our trip, we knew that we needed somewhere to stop off and break up the journey home that would keep all members of our party entertained for a few hours and would also still work if the weather was poor. Located only 15 minutes from the M1, the Silverstone Interactive Museum ticked all of the boxes.
An Interactive Attraction
It is surprising just how many great places there are only a short distance from the country’s motorways, with The Silverstone Interactive Museum being a prime example. Offering both a fun and educational half-day out, the modern motorsport museum features immersive shows, technical exhibits and replica vintage race cars.
Click Here to discover more great attractions within a short drive of Britain’s motorway network.
A Family Friendly Attraction
The museum is housed in a restored WW2 RAF hangar which provides ample space for the exhibits that are on show. It is clear from the start that this is a place where hands-on interaction is encouraged.
On entering the building, before we even reached the reception desk the children were immediately posing for photos, sitting on the motorbikes in the foyer.
Also located on the ground level are a cafe with views out across the racetrack and a gift shop.
Encouraging Interaction
As the name suggests, the museum offers lots of interaction providing plenty of opportunities for children to learn through play.
One of the first exhibits you encounter when entering the museum is a superbike simulating what it is like for a Moto GP rider taking a corner at high speed. We all found that posing on this for photos was great fun but also gave you an insight into just how close to the ground these talented riders actually get.
The Silverstone Interactive Museum Tickets
Having pre-booked our tickets, gaining entry to the attraction was seamless. You can save 15% on entry to the museum when you buy your tickets direct using the discount code AFF15SIM.
Buy Now
Don’t forget to apply the discount code AFF15SIM in order to save 15% off your booking.
The 15% discount is off the walk-up price. This code is valid on all bookings up until 31st December 2022.
Silverstone Racetrack
Once you are through admissions you are provided with wristbands and directed upstairs to where the main exhibition halls can be found. At the top of the stairs, there is an open area offering uninterrupted views across the historic racetrack. Directly in front of you is a classic section of track that is no longer in use which you can go outside and walk on, located just behind this is the modern-day racetrack.
Childrens Quiz Sheets
Before entering the museum, guests are separated into small groups to help manage the numbers accessing each of the exhibits. The children were handed quiz sheets which can be handed in at the end of your visit in exchange for a prize. We would recommend that you take a pen with you as unfortunately, these are not provided.
The experience begins with a short show, showcasing the history of the racetrack.
History of Motor Racing
Painted on the floor are arrows to help you navigate your way around the museum. The upstairs section provides details on what each of the corners of the racetrack are named after, it also covers some of the history of motor racing and the Silverstone circuit. People with an interest in motorsport could spend hours here, but our younger children (both aged 9) struggled to engage with the content in this section of the museum, although they did enjoy sitting in an historic racing car, shooting airships and crawling through a tunnel.
You can do things at your own pace, so we spent around half an hour in this section before moving downstairs.
Interactive Museum
In our opinion, the exhibits downstairs were much more engaging than those upstairs. In addition to being interactive, many of the exhibits were educational too. The kids were now having a great time pulling levers, turning wheels and interacting with the many exhibits and any lack of engagement was soon diminished in this section of the museum.
Tech Lab
The children really enjoyed discovering the exhibits in the Tech Lab, especially my eldest son (aged 12). Here you can get stuck in and explore all the key aspects of a racing car and motorbike, learning the science behind how various aspects of motor vehicles work. This section of the museum was very interactive allowing the kids to experiment and test whilst also learning.
Formula 1 Cars
There is a good collection of Formula 1 cars and other racing vehicles on display. Also on show is Lewis Hamilton’s race suit and helmet.
Highlight Exhibits
Stand out highlights were the pit stop challenge and hidden away in the back corner behind where you do the pit stop challenge is an area where you have the opportunity to add your own commentary. The kids had great fun coming up with their own unique race commentary.
Spectacular Finale
On completion of our trip through the past, present and future of British motorsport, it was time to experience the exhilarating Ultimate Lap show. This started with us standing in front of a projector screen simulating the idea that we were sitting in the cockpit of a racing car. Following a short show, the door opened, and we were invited to take a seat in the special-effects cinema. Once everyone was seated, we got to experience a lap of Silverstone featuring some of the circuit’s most iconic and dramatic moments featuring an all-star commentary team of Murray Walker, Martin Brundle and David Croft.
Historic Race Circuit
After experiencing the museum, you then have the option to wander out onto the historic race circuit and if you are lucky, you may also get to see some cars on the main racetrack.
Cafe and Gift Shop
If you have worked up an appetite, then there is a nice onsite cafe with views of the track and plenty of outside seating too. We found the gift shop at the exit was reasonably priced and we purchased a couple of toys for the kids.
Silverstone Interactive Museum Review Summary
The Silverstone Interactive Museum offers a fun-filled half-days entertainment with an educational element too. Despite us not being massive motorsport fans, the museum was still an ideal stop-off to break up our journey home and we would definitely recommend it to others. If you are into motorsport, then it is a must-do attraction.
Buy your admission tickets from the Silverstone Interactive Museum Official Website.
Don’t forget to apply the discount code AFF15SIM in order to save 15% off your booking.
The 15% discount is off the walk-up price. This code is valid on all bookings up until 31st December 2022.
Family Entertainment
Silverstone Interactive Museum is the perfect spot for half a day of family entertainment where you can learn about the history of motorsport and the historic Silverstone circuit.
We visited The Silverstone Interactive Museum on Tuesday 25th October 2022.
More Reviews
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Travelling to the Silverstone Interactive Museum
The Silverstone Interactive Museum is located just 20 minutes from the Junction 15a of the M1 and Junction 10 of the M40. Follow the brown tourist signs to the Silverstone circuit and you will find the Silverstone Interactive Museum located immediately to the left of the main entrance. Car parking is available free of charge in front of the building, in car park 49.
Nearby Accommodation
There are lots of places to stay near Silverstone, if would like to explore some of the other attractions in the area then take a look at the self-catering cottages available from Snaptrip.
Buy Tickets
Buy your admission tickets from the Silverstone Interactive Museum Official Website.
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Author: Dan
I am passionate about Theme Parks and Attractions. I love riding roller coasters and thrill rides. With two young boys I understand how expensive family days out can be and this was one of the main driving forces behind Attractions Near me. My aim is to help you and your friends enjoy some great days out without costing the earth. Thanks for reading and have a great time - Regards Dan
