Going to England in May & would like to visit Silverstone & Brand's Hatch. Anyone have any words of wisdom?

Hi Millie; Never been to Silverstone but did walk the track at Brands Hatch a few years back. No words of wisdom, I think F1 is returning to Brands Hatch soon, maybe next year.

topping

read my msg "Tips for Americans" Went to Silverstone last week...

Bri, went to msg 300 didn't see your msg.

sorry - "My American suggestions for London 1st timers" was the proper heading, maybe, or something like that. I had a heck of a time posting it right this morning.<BR><BR>Anyway, we went to the F1 testing at Silverstone, not an actual event, but it was very fun. Last week, it was a bit chilly and windy, and then they stopped racing after a few hours b/c of rain. Parking was free (easy to get to). We didn't sit on the bleachers, but there was plenty of room to stand.<BR>I am not sure if you have any specific questions? Actually, the whole testing is free, but I believe uf you go for an event it is quite expensive, and need to plan ahead as it gets very busy in the area.<BR><BR>The Green Man Pub right very close nearby in Silverstone is an excellent pub to go to for lunch and dinner, check it out. Good food, good atmosphere.<BR><BR>There is an F1 race shop in the nearby village of Buckingham - the gift shop at Silverstone was closed the day we went, so we went to the F1 shop. It is discounted, last-season stuff and we picked up some hats and T-shirts and stuff there for a good price.<BR><BR>Any specific questions, let me know, I will do my best!

If you do do the testing like I did...go to their website, http://www.octagonmotorsports.com/ci...ircuit.asp?c=5 to check the schedule,<BR>then call that morning to make sure different teams are there and will be racing.

Tell me more about your visit to the Green man. Years ago I used to go to Silversrone every year and LOVED the Green Man. It was my favorite restaurant/pub (a pub but with a silver service restaurant attached) pub in the whole country. And rubbing shoulders with all the Bugatti drivers at veteran car events didn't hurt. <BR><BR>BUT then in 1992 I went back there and was heart broken - it had been bought up by a theme pub company and had changed into some sort of family restaurant one step above a Kentucky Fried. I have avoided going back ever since.<BR><BR>It sounds like things may have changed again????

yes! My relatives told me that it had a few years of bad press, bad food etc. about 10 years ago, but just a few years ago it got new owners and a chef (la de da) and it is hugely popular again. We went on Sunday at 2:30 and had to wait for a table for about 1/2 hour, and that place is pretty big! I don't know what it was like before, but the inside is absolutely charming, and supposedly it's an authenically old place. The menu was steps above your typical pub fare, it was "gourmet-pub" if you will I do know that there is one other Green Man owner by the same people/co someplace else in UK that my relatives had gone to before also, but it isn't a "chain" or anything. We did see a few drivers or pit crew people there when I went. <BR><BR>If you get a chance, give it another try!

Briana - thanks. I was in the area in late September and avoided going near. I will check it out next trip.<BR><BR>It still doesn't sound like what it was "in the old days" before but must be much improved over the early 90's.<BR><BR>To give you an idea - it was a very cozy pub - polished wood, roaring inglenook, resident labrador sleeping on the hearth, all the local's tankards hanging over the bar -- all the requesite pub set up. Then in the dining room it was all white linen, candle light, silverservice, vintage ports, gourmet food, etc, etc.

Has anyone participated in any of the driving events? I'm thinking about getting a ticket for my husband to drive one of the cars.