Oulton Park Gold Cup – A Timeless Classic Four Stars
My husband John, our 7‑year‑old son Will, and I made the short run from Blakemere Touring Caravan Site for the Oulton Park Gold Cup weekend (July 26–27) — a top‑tier celebration of historic motorsport, crowned by BRM’s 75th anniversary. If you love classic cars, it’s a full‑on feast. Oulton Park Oulton Park
🏎️ Racetrack & Facilities The circuit vibe was charmingly nostalgic but totally family‑friendly. Grandstands at Knickerbrook, Old Hall and Lodge offered superb viewing (especially impressive given how Will kept jumping between vantage points at Knickerbrook to catch overtakes through the chicane). On‑site parking and food trucks, plus a café bar open late, kept everything hassle‑free. Toilets were spotless and plentiful, and signage made navigation easy — even with a curious seven‑year‑old in tow.
🎉 BRM 75th Anniversary Highlights The real centrepiece was the special BRM line‑up: V16 models like ‘Old Faithful’ P578, F1 cars from the ’50s to ’70s, and legendary guests such as Richard Attwood, Howden Ganley and Jackie Oliver in attendance. Demonstration runs on Saturday were exquisite—and the engine roar from those retros reverberated around the paddock. Many of these cars featured in a display under the Historic Grand Prix Car Association programme. MotorSport Vision Oulton Park
🏁 Historic Gold Cup Race – The Finale On Sunday, the Historic Gold Cup race was a proper showstopper. Andy Willis piloted a BRM P48‑7 to victory in the headline event. After finishing third in Saturday’s heat, he surged past Sam Wilson and Rudi Friedrichs on aggregate to take the win and storybook performance. Friedrichs initially led in a Cooper T53 but stalled just beyond The Avenue. From there, Willis drove cleanly to the flag. He finished over 11 seconds ahead of Peter Horsman in a Lotus 18/21, with Tom Dark (Cooper T51) a brief moment further back. MotorSport Vision
The sight of Willis taking the chequered flag at the wheel of a BRM on BRM’s celebratory weekend—against stiff competition and with real pace—was goosebump‑inducing. The rest of the field included spirited drives from Geoff Underwood, Rod Jolley and others, all of whom added texture to a dramatic final. MotorSport Vision
👨👩👦 Family Experience Will’s highlight was watching classic tin‑tops batter each other in the HRDC Gerry Marshall Trophy, complete with proper V8 growl and vintage body‑on‑body dueling. He also loved meeting one of the past drivers wandering the paddock and getting an autograph. John and I appreciated the relaxed pace—once the cars ran, we could wander freely between races, catch the driver Q&As and browse classic car displays without feeling corralled.
💬 Verdict Oulton Park’s Gold Cup weekend is steeped in heritage but delivers modern hospitality in spades. From circuit access to food, programme, grandstands and sound quality, everything felt well considered. The racing was more than spectacle—it was living history, with real drama in every race. And for us, coming from Stoke‑on‑Trent to this little pocket of Cheshire heritage, it felt like the perfect blend of nostalgia and motivation.
Four solid stars. If you’re a petrol‑head with—or without—a pint‑size companion, this is vintage racing at its best: immersive, accessible, atmospheric, and never...
Read moreI can only possibly give a childhood dream venue 5 stars, for it lives deep within my heart along with many members of family.
First visiting in tge late 60's/early 70's with my Grandad & Nan. Very few facilities just rolling green hills, with the inevitable sounds of thunder and of course the smell of burning racing oil. Go Karts, F1 (Jochen Rindt), single seat, touring car, vintage, motorbikes, sidecars and a whole host of production cars ... and more. It was all there. Your access to the side of the track would be described today, as dangerously close and no way (thankfully) allowed. Same to first the pits. For example, I stood next to Jochen Rindts' car and pit team, listening and seeing all that went on. That particular afternoon culminating in me actually getting to sit in his car! Five years old, sat in an F1 car! ... and yet further privilege, in actually being able to drive round the track in Grandads van when there were no practice sessions or they had finished. Unbelievable memories. To today and the huge changes and modernising that without doubt have ensured the tracks' survival. I think it's a good job done too. Facilties are forever improving by year, good toilets, refreshments and parking, they staff handle the very busy days well enough too. There are still some great spots to view that are not too crowded, go early and scope out 2 or 3 good spot at differing views and you will get some glimpses of the track in between as you walk. You can still get in the paddock and maybe even in the pits with the more receptive garages. Meet the drivers, owners and engineers/mechanics. If not extremely busy, they will all chat enthusiastically with you. Motor sports enthusiasts, petrol heads, new to sport or families, will undoubtedly enjoy a day at Oulton Park. A big gem in the heart...
Read moreThis review is the trackside package upgrade. The circuit is great and we spent the previous day in Knickerbrook, highly recommend. If you're thinking of booking this upgrade don't. Firstly, there is no designated parking. Fair enough but you're not told that and we only just got into the main car park on time.
This is a small room with 4 tables for approx. 28 people. we were on one of the front tables view below. The only clear view of the track is the front 4 seats, all you could watch from the back is the TV.
I have a gluten intolerance and was told to report it to staff on arrival. You would think no one had attended with an intolerance / allergy before and after many conversations they managed to put together a sandwich and cake. I would say all the staff are very lovely and professional. The catering manager told me that they have tried several different layouts in this suite but people always complain.
We had to ask for the WIFI code, only found the bar when we went to the loo and had to ask for bottled water, which we were told we would get.
The food is bland beige at best and trying to be too fancy. All this for £129 each.
I did look in the platinum lounge and this has more space and staggered tables. You also get a hot meal. If you are one of the tables at the front then the view of the track is good.
I have complained, as I suspect most of the people except the front 4 will. Pure greed on the...
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