A classic British circuit carved into a natural amphitheatre in the Kent countryside. The dramatic Paddock Hill Bend plunge and the sweeping curves of the Grand Prix loop have thrilled fans since 1950.
Brands Hatch is a permanent racing circuit, located in West Kingsdown, Kent. Drivers cover 3.916 km (2.433 miles) and 9 corners each lap, run clockwise. Among its named corners are Paddock Hill Bend, Druids and Graham Hill Bend.
It opened in 1950. It appears on the GT and Touring Car calendars. Around 40,000 spectators can attend.
The site was found by accident. In 1926 a group of cyclists stopped to look at a mushroom field and concluded the natural bowl would make a good arena for competition — the name comes from old English, hatch meaning gate. Grass-track motorcycle racing followed, run in the amphitheatre that still shapes the spectator banking today.
Tarmac arrived in 1950, a kidney-shaped mile that opened on 16 April with a race for 500cc single-seaters, run anti-clockwise. The longer Grand Prix loop was cut into the woods at the end of the decade, taking the lap to 2.65 miles, and the first major event on it came in August 1960: the non-championship Silver City Trophy, won by Jack Brabham. The British Grand Prix alternated here with Silverstone from 1964 to 1986.
6 curated properties, sorted by distance from the circuit
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Hotel · 2.3 km from circuit · 6 min drive · 4.3 (891) on Google · $$$
Brands Hatch Rd, Fawkham DA3 8NQ, UK
Georgian manor hotel literally next door to Brands Hatch, the most convenient stay in British motorsport. Brands Hatch is a 6-minute drive away. Facilities include spa, restaurant, garden, and pool.
Check pricesHotel websiteBoutique Hotel · 26.7 km from circuit · 29 min drive · 3.9 (619) on Google · $$
Market Square, Westerham TN16 1AN, UK
Traditional English pub-inn in the Kent countryside, 29 minutes from Brands Hatch's Paddock Hill. Facilities include restaurant, bar, and garden.
Check pricesHotel websiteHotel · 33.6 km from circuit · 36 min drive · 4.5 (6,056) on Google
1 Waterview Dr, London SE10 0TW, UK
Posh rooms and suites, some with river views, in a chic lodging with dining, a plush bar and a spa. — via Google
Check pricesHotel websiteHotel · 35.2 km from circuit · 37 min drive · 4.5 (5,530) on Google
Royal Victoria Dock, 7 Western Gateway, London E16 1AA, UK
Waterfront hotel offering unfussy rooms and a bar, plus a restaurant with Docklands views. — via Google
Check pricesHotel websiteHotel · 35.7 km from circuit · 39 min drive · 4.6 (2,938) on Google
8 Silvertown Way, London E16 1ED, UK
Warm rooms with complimentary WI-Fi in a laid-back lodging offering an eclectic cafe/bar. — via Google
Check pricesHotel websiteHotel · 38.5 km from circuit · 43 min drive · 4.4 (4,163) on Google
1018 Dockside Rd, London E16 2FQ, UK
Unassuming hotel offering a casual restaurant, plus complimentary Wi-Fi & breakfast. — via Google
Check pricesHotel websiteNearest Airport: London Gatwick Airport (LGW) — approximately 50 km from the circuit
Swanley has regular services from London Victoria. Parking in the main spectator car parks off the A20 is free.
Visiting Brands Hatch for a race weekend? Here are essential tips to make the most of your trip to West Kingsdown, Kent. The circuit holds up to 40,000 spectators, so plan for large crowds on race day.
Brands Hatch is in West Kingsdown, Kent. The nearest airport, London Gatwick Airport (LGW), is about 50 km from the circuit.
6 properties are listed near Brands Hatch, the closest 2.3 km from the circuit. Each one is listed with its measured distance from the circuit, and every entry links to the property's own site.