Brooklands was the world’s first motor racing circuit and the birthplace of British motorsport and aviation. This brings two distinct histories of technology together. A specific highlight for aviation enthusiasts is the Brooklands Concorde Experience: the daily tour lasts 35 minutes and gives you a look inside Concorde. You need both a museum admission ticket and a separate ticket for the Concorde Experience. Check the ticketing arrangements before your visit, as they may change.
Driving Experiences and Motorsport
There are also different options to choose from for driving experiences. Brooklands offers drives in classic cars on the historic Brooklands motor racing circuit or through the Surrey countryside. Mercedes-Benz World offers driving experiences with AMG vehicles, as well as Young Drivers, 4x4 and electric vehicle experiences. Since availability can change, it is advisable to check the current options before your visit.
Palace History and Architecture
Oatlands Palace was built mainly between 1537 and 1545 for Henry VIII. Today, the palace is represented by underground foundations, associated archaeological remains and restored ruins; it is designated a Scheduled Monument. Town Lock also has a connection to its history: bricks from Oatlands Palace were originally used in its construction after the palace was demolished in the 17th century.
The registered Oatlands site comprises 2 hectares of formal gardens and pleasure grounds, as well as 10 hectares of parkland to the south. It also includes the adjacent artificial Broad Water, which covers 10 hectares. These areas give the site a variety of landscapes, from designed gardens to a water basin.
A large multivallate hillfort stands on St George’s Hill. It is relatively well preserved, with much of its interior largely undisturbed. In the centre of Weybridge stands St James’ Church, a striking building dating from 1848. It is among the earliest works of the architect John Loughborough Pearson. The historical themes therefore range from the Tudor period and the architectural traces of the 17th century to 19th-century architecture.
Heathland and Getting Around
The eastern part of Weybridge Heath lies south of the railway line, near Cobbetts Hill. Heather, ferns and gorse are characteristic of the heathland there. This adds a landscape with distinctive vegetation to the historical themes.
The route to Brooklands is a footpath and cycle path from Weybridge station to Brooklands. If you plan to use it for getting around, check the route’s current condition beforehand. When planning your accommodation, you can first decide whether motorsport and aviation, architectural history or the landscape will be the focus of your trip; then coordinate your travel dates with the tours and driving experiences you want to enjoy.
Discover more destinations: Peaslake, Smallfield, Hersham, Staines, Bletchingley, Reigate, Chertsey, Redhill.
For the main travel overview: Surrey.
