Like many other Formula 1 fanatics, I’ll be making my annual pilgrimage to the British Grand Prix at the end of June. This year marks my fourth visit to Silverstone — and yes, while the ticket prices made my eyes water (I definitely didn’t rush to buy them this time!), the undeniable pull of our local track was just too hard to resist.
There’s something electric about Silverstone. The atmosphere. The fans. The roar of the cars — okay, not quite the ear-splitting V8s of old, but still enough to give you goosebumps. It’s more than just a race; it’s a celebration of the sport we love. And every year brings something new. One year, I even sang “Happy Birthday” to Sebastian Vettel — how many people can say that?
Having camped once and been three other times, I’ve learned a thing or two. Whether it’s your first time or you're a seasoned spectator, being prepared can make all the difference — and maybe save you a few quid in the process. These tips come from personal experience, but I’m always learning. Feel free to share your own below — Silverstone veterans always have the best advice!
Tip One: Be Prepared for the Weather
Ah, the weather — our favourite British topic. Too hot, too cold, too wet, too windy… Silverstone has its own microclimate thanks to its flat, open layout on an old airbase. Translation? It’s unpredictable, and it can change in minutes.
One year, I managed to get sunburnt and soaked through in the same day. (Okay, maybe not trench foot, but close!) So here’s my advice: prepare for all seasons.
You can still wear your favourite team T-shirts and snazzy outfits for those Insta-worthy photos, but layer up. I always wear:
- A hoodie or jumper
- A waterproof/windproof rain jacket
- A spare pair of socks in my backpack (trust me on this one!)
I also bring a small blanket — especially if you’re sitting in the grandstands. Becketts, I’m looking at you. I’m pretty sure I left that stand one year with actual icicles hanging off my nose.
Last year I invested in a golf umbrella — great for both sun and rain — though keep in mind that umbrellas are not allowed open during the race, so a poncho is a smart backup.
And if the sun does make an appearance (hey, it happens!), don’t forget:
- Suncream
- Sunglasses
- A hat (bonus points if it has your favourite team’s logo)
Tip Two: Techy Stuff – Don’t Let Your Battery Break Your Heart
Okay, this one still hurts.
Picture it: the Sky F1 team is filming right in front of you. You’ve just grabbed a selfie with Ted Kravitz (I’m still not over it), shaken hands with the legend Damon Hill, and then—bam—George Russell appears, cool as ever. You reach for your phone to snap a pic and… NO BATTERY!
I could’ve cried. Sure, George isn’t my all-time favourite, but come on — he was right there. That moment? Gone forever.
So here's the big lesson: bring a power bank — and not just any old one. Bring one that actually holds charge and the right cable to go with it. I like using smaller power banks to keep things lightweight and avoid having too many wires getting tangled up around me.
With the Silverstone tickets now living on the app and your phone likely being in overdrive all weekend (photos, videos, maps, F1 timing app, social media), battery drain is real.
Pro tips:
- Fully charge your power bank and phone the night before.
- Pack a short, sturdy cable — long ones get messy and can slow you down.
- Consider a second, emergency power bank if you're planning a full day or if you're camping.
Don't be like me. Save your battery, save your memories!
Tip Three: Food – Don’t Eat Your Money Away
When you leave at the crack of dawn (before even the rooster’s awake), food isn’t your first thought — but by lunchtime, you’ll be hungry. With tempting food vans everywhere, it’s easy to spend a fortune fast.
A hot coffee or treat is fine, but buying every meal on-site will burn through your budget — plus, the queues can be massive.
My tip? Pack your own lunch. I make wraps stuffed with whatever I’ve got and bring a lunchbox full of snacks like:
- Mini vegan sausage rolls
- Veggie scotch eggs
- Mini Cheddars
- Little chocolate bars
(Yes, I’m veggie if you couldn’t guess. I know, I can’t be perfect.)
Also bring a refillable water bottle (there are free fountains) and a mini squash squeezy for flavour.
If you plan to drink alcohol, budget for it — and remember, no premixed cocktails are allowed anymore.
Tip Four: Footwear – Avoid the Blisters!
Silverstone is big — really big. So if you’re even thinking about wearing heels or anything remotely impractical, just know the only person you’ll be helping is your podiatrist.
Go for footwear that’s comfortable, supportive, and broken in. Silverstone is not the place to test out new shoes — your feet will not forgive you.
It’s also a smart move to carry a little first aid kit with a few plasters. Trust me, if you end up needing one, they won’t be handing them out for free. I found this out the hard way…
One year, after the race, I popped back to the circuit toilets (way cleaner than the campsite ones), and somehow stumbled into a Black Eyed Peas concert. As a millennial, this was pure joy — but I was wearing the weirdest combo: baggy hoodie, jeans, and Birkenstocks. I looked like I’d wandered out of Woodstock, not an F1 weekend.
Of course, the sandals betrayed me. Blisters. Sadness. Off to the first aid tent, where they kindly sold me a box of plasters — for over £6! I only needed one.
Now, plasters live permanently in my backpack. And I wear the right shoes — because honestly, no one’s looking at your feet anyway.
Tip Five: Take In As Much As You Can
Race weekend is packed with activities beyond the main event — from pit stop challenges and quizzes to main stage appearances and support races. Don’t shy away from these extras!
Use the timetables to plan your day — I usually snap photos of them on arrival so I don’t miss a thing. Arriving early helps you beat queues and grab the best spots for general admission.
Plus, you might just win some prizes… or even a paddock pass!
This is your weekend — have fun, make memories, and definitely take those weird photos.
Tip Six: Don’t Fall for Those Eyewatering Merch Prices
It’s tempting to buy all the official team merch at the track — believe me, Papaya has a certain pull on me too. But prices at Silverstone can be shockingly higher than online.
My advice? Get creative. This year, I barely bought any official merch except a cool Miami hat. Instead, I’m rocking a custom hairbow I found on Etsy — perfect for saving on hat hair all weekend — plus some unique clothing items, including a Barbie-inspired shirt with Lando and Oscar cruising on it.
If you do want official stuff, hit the mega store early. It’s cheaper than the smaller stalls and has quirky items, like my Hawaiian shirt (ready to brave the English rain). Just be warned: the queues can be massive, so get there early to avoid the lines.
So there you have it — some handy tips to get you started and ready for Silverstone. I’m sure there’s plenty more to add, but these are the basics to help you make the most of this incredible weekend.
There really is nothing like it — the home of British motorsport, buzzing with atmosphere, passion, and unforgettable moments.
If you’ve got any fun or quirky memories from your visits, please share them in the comments — I’d love to hear your stories!
Hope you’re all just as excited as I am!
Sincerely,
Catherine
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