If you're lucky enough to get a ticket for the British Grand Prix, then you'll likely be thinking about where you can stay for the iconic race.
This year the event takes place from 7-9 July at Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire with practice and qualifying leading up to the big race on Sunday.
There are numerous places to camp in order to appreciate the most popular occasion in the British motorsport calendar, not least at the circuit itself where the official event campsite accommodates several thousand spectators every year.
Although convenient, you may not want to compete for the showers with quite so many other punters, so we've put together a list of nearby campsites that would provide a comfy night's sleep and still give you the ultimate chance to catch all the action at the GP, and many more events throughout the year. It's also a great part of the country to explore, being close to numerous National Trust properties, the historic Bletchley Park and towns such as Buckingham, Towcester and Northampton.
Before our campsite suggestions though, why not check out one of our campervans taking to the track at Silverstone, driven by Huw Hopkins from The Camping and Caravanning Club? Huw also explores the local area in our Le Mans model.
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Windmill Farm Campsite, Silverstone
Within a stone's throw of Silverstone Circuit itself is Windmill Farm Campsite, which opens for select events in the racing calendar, including the British F1 Grand Prix. Bookings can no longer be made for 2023, but for future reference it's worth knowing this campsite has showers, toilets and if you're camping with friends, you'll find it handy that you're able to choose where you pitch (unless you've opted for an electric hook-up). Alternatively, if you're only heading to Silverstone for the day, the site also offers parking at a daily rate, and is only a short walk from amenities such as the local shop, while being just a 15-minute walk from the circuit.
- Knotwood Farm, Old Stratford
If you're a member of the Camping and Caravanning Club you can check out this lovely campsite, located just off the A5 near Potterspury, Northamptonshire. Offering grass pitches, with or without hook-up, you'll be likely to get a solid night's sleep here thanks to it being a Certificated Site – one where only a limited number of campervans, motorhomes or caravans can pitch up. Pets are welcome and there's a designated dog walk on site.
- Rectory Farm, Tingewick, Buckinghamshire
Just five miles from the circuit is Rectory Farm, a Certificated Location affiliated to The Caravan and Motorhome Club, open to members of that club only. In similar fashion to Knotwood Farm above, this site can only accommodate a limited number of camping units, so peace and quiet are almost a given, and with the National Trust's Stowe Landscape Gardens and Claydon House nearby, plus views across the Great Ouse valley, it's a great place to stay throughout the season. Being a working farm, dogs are not accepted, but there's a good local pub nearby and the site does offer electric hook-ups.
- The Home Farm, Stoke Bruerne, Northamptonshire
Also around five miles from Silverstone is The Home Farm, another Certificated Location of the Caravan and Motorhome Club. It's a well-maintained gem, overlooking open country but only 500 yards from the village centre and canal-side attractions. Stoke Bruerne is a picturesque village on the Grand Union Canal and is also home to The Canal Museum. The site is also ideal for golf, fishing and star gazing, and dogs are welcome.
- Silverstone Farm Campsite, New Rookery Farm, Silverstone
There are plenty of options close to the circuit for camping, but with a family-friendly feel and no noise policy after 11pm, Silverstone Farm Campsite might be more up your street if you're looking for a quieter camping experience. With purpose-built toilets and showers, electric hook-ups and a free shuttle service that gets you close to Copse Corner every morning, it's a convenient choice. It's also open for major events during the Silverstone calendar, including the MotoGP and Silverstone Festival in August, if you're not attending the Formula One racing. Electric hook-ups are available.
So if you are heading to the racing this July, or looking for somewhere to base yourself to explore the region's highlights, we hope you'll find our list of campsites helpful.