Croft Circuit

Racing fans know Croft Circuit as proper serious business. Located just outside Richmond in North Yorkshire, this is a genuine motor racing track where you can watch cars being properly pushed to their limits on a 2.1-mile course. It's not a museum or a theme park - it's the real deal, hosting everything from British touring cars to single-seaters throughout the season.

What actually happens here depends on what's on. You turn up for a race day and you get the full experience: the smell of fuel, the roar of engines, spectators dotted around the circuit. It's intense, loud, and genuinely thrilling. The track itself winds through the Yorkshire landscape in a way that makes for decent racing rather than just a straight blast.

This isn't for everyone, obviously. If you're not bothered about cars, a day here will feel like a long slog. But for petrolheads and anyone with even a passing interest in motorsport, it's worth checking the fixture list. Bring kids who are into racing and they'll be hooked for hours. Bring kids who aren't and you're fighting a losing battle.

Timing matters. You need to go when there's actually a race on - sitting in an empty grandstand watching an empty track defeats the purpose entirely. Check their calendar before you book.

If you're staying at Kiplin Country Park nearby, it's a straightforward drive to the circuit. Perfectly manageable as a day out alongside other Yorkshire attractions.