Plan your visit


If you're attending an event soon please see below for some helpful information.

For any queries, or to request assistance prior to your event day, please call the PalmerSport Events Team on 01403 733 999. On your event day itself, please call Bedford Autodrome on 01234 332 400.

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Key Information

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How to Find Us

Bedford Autodrome is located approximately 10 miles north of Bedford town centre and 20 miles east of Northampton. Please select a route from the map.

The nearest train station to Bedford Autodrome is Bedford (20 minutes). Trains from London leave from either St Pancras or any Thameslink station approximately every 20 minutes. For detailed information please call the National Rail Enquiries hotline on 08457 484950 or log on to TheTrainline.com. There is a taxi rank immediately outside Bedford Station.

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Map And Directions To Bedford Autodrome

Arrival Time

On our Full Day events you should aim to arrive by 08:00 in order to allow time for registration and breakfast before the safety briefing. Even if you have been to a PalmerSport event before, you will need to watch the essential safety briefing video as this is an insurance requirement.

Please Note: If you've not registered before the briefing starts, you will need to watch a replay of this video before you can take to the circuit, which may result in a loss of driving time.

Journey Time

Please allow plenty of time for your journey. We understand that traffic can disrupt the best-laid plans though, so don't worry if you are delayed as we will ensure that you join your group as soon as possible. This is likely, however, to result in the loss of some driving time. If you expect to arrive after 08.30, it would be helpful if you could advise the circuit on 01234 332 400.

Driving Licence

You will be required to produce a current driving licence at registration. An overseas driving licence is acceptable providing it is current and valid.

Who can take part

Please advise your host or Event Co-ordinator if you or any of your guests

  • Hold or have held a motor competition racing licence,
  • Have less than 12 months driving experience,

As prior written permission to drive must be obtained from PalmerSport for the person to attend. Certain additional conditions and a damage excess may apply.

Strictly NO PETS or children under 16 please.

In general it is up to an individual to decide if they are fit to take part in the event. However, if you have any concerns about a medical condition that may affect your driving, or if you are pregnant, please feel free to contact your host or Event Co-ordinator to discuss it further.

Also, please advise your host or Event Co-ordinator if you are outside our weight and height guidelines of over 18 stone (115 KG) and 5' - 6' 4" (153 cm - 193 cm).

Dietary Requirements

If you have any special dietary requirements, please inform your host or Event Co-ordinator in advance. Please note that unfortunately we are unable to provide kosher or halal dishes.

What to wear?

We recommend that you wear comfortable clothing, e.g. jeans and sweatshirt, windproof jacket and lightweight shoes suitable for performance driving. Shorts and high heels are not permitted and heavy or wide soled shoes are not recommended.

Waterproof clothing will be provided, if required, for use in the cars with open cockpits. Helmets are provided for all activities except off road.

You are welcome to bring any driving overalls and driving gloves/wet weather gear of your own, and if rain is forecast a change of clothing may be useful. Sunglasses may be helpful if it's sunny.

Weather

Despite the reputation of the British weather, in reality, very few days are affected by poor conditions. In any case, our event is designed to be totally weather proof with superb permanent hospitality buildings at each activity to keep you warm and dry.

Cameras

Do bring your camera if you would like to. Please note however, that due to safety requirements you will be unable to use your own camera or video camera for any in car pictures or footage.

Please note that PalmerSport cannot accept any responsibility for personal belongings or clothing during the event.

Nearby Hotels

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(3 Star) Travelodge Bedford

(3 Star) The Swan Revived

(3 Star) The Stanwick Hotel

(3 Star) Cornfields Restaurant & Hotel

(3 Star) d'Parys

(3 Star) Woodland Manor Hotel

(4 Star) Mercure Bedford Centre Hotel

(4 Star) Red Lion

(4 Star) The Bedford Swan Hotel

(4 Star) The Embankment

(4 Star) The Kingfisher

(4 Star) The Waterfront Hotel, Spa & Golf

(4 Star) Barton Hall Hotel

(4 Star) Kettering Park Hotel & Spa

(4 Red Star) Rushton Hall Hotel & Spa

(4 Star) Flitwick Manor Hotel

(4 Star) Leonardo Hotel

(5 Star) Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa

(5 Star) Hambleton Hall - Relais & Châteaux

Nearby B&Bs

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The Sun Inn

Riverside Lodge

Carter's Yard

Newton Park Farm

Frequently Asked Questions

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Where do I go when I arrive?

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a member of PalmerSport staff at the entrance gates. They will direct you to the relevant Hospitality Centre for your event and its designated parking area.

What time should I arrive?

We ask that you arrive at 07:45 for our Full Day and Formula events, 11:45 for the GT event and 15:45 for the Evening event.

Can I arrive by airplane or helicopter?

We can accommodate arrival by helicopter and small fixed wing aircraft with prior approval. Please visit www.bedfordaerodrome.com or call 01403 733 999 for further information.

What should I wear?

We recommend that you wear comfortable clothing such as jeans, a t-shirt and jumper, along with slim fitting shoes. Shorts and high heels are not permitted and you will be asked to wear our overalls or plimsolls should you arrive in either. Wide, heavy soled boots or shoes are not recommended. Of course if you have your own race suit, gloves or boots, please do feel free to wear these.

What should I bring with me?

Please bring your photocard driving licence with you to the event, or if you are travelling to us from overseas, please bring your current, full driving licence with you. Aside from this, we will take care of everything for you.

What catering is included?

Our Full Day and Formula events both start with a full English and continental breakfast, followed by a two-course, table served lunch. The Full Day event then continues with a delicious afternoon tea. Our GT event includes a two-course, table served lunch followed by afternoon tea and our Evening event includes a barbeque.

There are also unlimited, complimentary refreshments available throughout all our events in our Trackside Suites.

I have dietary needs; Can you cater for me?

With prior notice we can accommodate most dietary needs and a vegetarian option is always available on the day itself. Unfortunately, we are unable to cater for halal and kosher diets.

Can I bring my own helmet?

Where required, we provide helmets for all activities. Our helmets are fitted with an intercom system to allow constant communication with your PalmerSport Instructor. As a result, if you do wish to bring your own helmet, you may only wear this in the single-seater vehicles.

I'm outside your height and weight guidelines; Can I still attend?

We try our very best to accommodate all guests outside of our height and weight guidelines of 18 stone (115KG) and 5' - 6' 4" (153 cm - 193 cm). If you fall outside these measurements, please contact us so that we can advise further.

Who will look after my event?

In the run up to your event, you will have a dedicated Event Co-ordinator who will be on hand to answer any queries you may have and to guide you through the varying aspects of your event. On the day itself, you will be looked after by one of our PalmerSport Team Leaders who will ensure that your day runs like clockwork, leaving you to relax and enjoy your time with us from beginning to end.

What happens if it is raining?

In reality, there are very few days that are affected by poor weather conditions. Our event is designed to be totally weather proof, with heated Trackside Suites alongside each of our circuits and full wet weather clothing to keep you warm and dry when in the open cockpit cars.

Can I bring spectators?

Driving at Bedford Autodrome is like no other track experience; there are no barriers or grandstands. As such, whilst there are a few viewing areas for watching the action on circuit, spaces are limited. We can accommodate a small number of spectators at an additional charge; please contact us for details.

Can I bring my children?

Due to the nature of our event, those aged 16 and under are not permitted at Bedford Autodrome.

Can I bring a camera?

You are very welcome to bring a camera or GoPro to your event, however due to our safety requirements, you will not be allowed to use these when you are inside the vehicles, nor can GoPros be mounted to the cars themselves.

Where do I find the photos from my event?

To access the photos from your event, please visit www.palmersportphoto.com and enter the 6 digit password provided. If you have misplaced your code, please contact us and we will be able re-send this to you.

Can I store my luggage at the venue?

We do not have specific luggage storage areas or lockers however small cases can be left in your Hospitality Centre. Please note that all personal belongings are left at your own risk and PalmerSport take no responsibility for these.

Are the instructors trained to deal with nervous drivers?

Yes - rest assured that our Instructors quickly establish a rapport with you to understand your level of experience and confidence. No matter what level you start the day at, our Instructors' encouragement and coaching will allow you to gain maximum satisfaction and enjoyment from your time in our cars, no matter how nervous you are!

Can I use my company branding?

Whilst our Shared events do not include any branding opportunities, our Exclusive events offer many options as standard. These include having your logo displayed on your PDF invitation brochure, on our TV screens in your exclusive Hospitality Centre, printed on the certificates that we provide to each guest and also included on the trophies presented to the winning drivers. For Exclusive bookings of two teams or more, we can normally include your chosen branding on the cars themselves. In addition, should you have any pop-up banners, flags or other branded material that you would like to use, it may be possible to accommodate this. Please contact us for further details.