Nestled within the rolling countryside of Kent, the Brands Hatch GP Circuit is one of the world’s most celebrated permanent racing circuits and a cornerstone of British motorsport. Combining dramatic elevation changes, natural amphitheatre viewing and a technically demanding Grand Prix layout, the circuit has hosted generations of legendary drivers, riders and championship battles.
Originally developed from a grass motorcycle circuit during the 1920s, Brands Hatch evolved into one of Europe’s premier racing venues, welcoming Formula One, endurance racing, touring cars, superbikes and countless national championships. Today the Grand Prix circuit remains one of Britain’s most prestigious motorsport venues, admired for its flowing layout and exceptional spectator atmosphere.
In Brief
- Motorcycle racing has taken place at Brands Hatch since 1926.
- The Grand Prix circuit opened in 1960.
- Brands Hatch alternated with Silverstone as host of the British Grand Prix between 1964 and 1986.
- Paddock Hill Bend is widely regarded as one of the greatest opening corners in motorsport.
- The circuit’s natural amphitheatre allows spectators to view multiple corners simultaneously.
- Brands Hatch remains one of the busiest racing circuits in the United Kingdom.
History
Motorcycle racing first took place at Brands Hatch in 1926 on a simple dirt circuit carved into farmland near the village of West Kingsdown.
Following extensive redevelopment after the Second World War, the venue expanded rapidly as Britain’s growing motorsport scene embraced permanent racing circuits. In 1960 the Grand Prix extension transformed Brands Hatch into an international venue capable of hosting Formula One.
Between 1964 and 1986 the circuit alternated with Silverstone as host of the British Grand Prix, producing memorable victories for drivers including Jim Clark, Nigel Mansell and Niki Lauda.
Although Formula One eventually moved permanently to Silverstone, Brands Hatch retained its status as Britain’s premier venue for touring cars, superbikes, GT racing, historic festivals and club motorsport.
Circuit Design
The Grand Prix circuit measures 3.916 kilometres and features 9 corners, arranged in a clockwise direction.
Unlike many modern circuits, Brands Hatch follows the natural contours of the landscape. Dramatic elevation changes, blind crests and constantly changing camber create a circuit where rhythm, commitment and vehicle balance are tested throughout the lap.
The shorter Indy Circuit forms the opening sector before the Grand Prix layout continues through woodland, introducing flowing corners that reward precision and confidence. Rather than relying on long straights, Brands Hatch builds lap time through continuous cornering and intelligent momentum management.
The result is a circuit that feels considerably faster than its modest dimensions suggest.
LENGTH
3.916
kilometres
WIDTH
9
metres
DIRECTION
CW
clockwise
TURNS
10
4 left – 6 right
SURFACE
Asphalt
LONGEST STRAIGHT
642
metres
ELEVATION CHANGE
31.7
metres
OPENED
1950
76 years ago
Brands Hatch is defined by its dramatic elevation changes, blind approaches and flowing natural-terrain layout, creating a circuit where confidence and precise positioning are essential. The Grand Prix configuration combines the compact intensity of the Indy Circuit with a faster woodland section, producing a lap that continually shifts between compression, climbing, descending and high-speed commitment.
The lap establishes its character immediately at Paddock Hill Bend, where competitors commit to a blind, plunging right-hander before climbing steeply towards Druids. From there, Graham Hill Bend and the Cooper Straight lead towards Surtees, where a strong exit becomes particularly important before the circuit enters the Grand Prix extension. The woodland section increases the speed considerably through Hawthorn Bend, Westfield and Sheene Curve, rewarding stability and confidence before the circuit returns towards the technical closing sequence at Clearways and Clark Curve.
Although Paddock Hill Bend is unquestionably the circuit’s signature corner, Brands Hatch derives its greater challenge from the way the entire lap follows the contours of the landscape. Drivers and riders who trust the circuit through its blind crests and compressions, maintain momentum through the faster woodland section and remain precise when the road disappears from view are generally rewarded most strongly.
| Corner |
|---|
| T1 · Paddock Hill Bend 092° · Right · 165 m |
| T2 · Druids 174° · Right · 101 m |
| T3 021° · Left · 17 m |
| T4 · Graham Hill Bend 081° · Left · 50 m |
| T5 · Surtees 133° · Left · 154 m |
| T6 · Hawthorns 085° · Right · 162 m |
| T7 · Westfield 062° · Right · 36 m |
| T8 · Sheene Curve 044° · Right · 21 m |
| T9 · Stirlings 084° · Left · 60 m |
| T10 · Clark Curve 130° · Right · 350 m |
Brands Hatch occupies a central position in the history of British motorsport and remains one of the country’s most recognisable racing venues. Evolving from a motorcycle grass-track course first used during the 1920s, it developed into a major international circuit and became one of the principal stages for British automobile and motorcycle competition.
Its international reputation was established particularly through Formula One, with Brands Hatch alternating with Silverstone as host of the British Grand Prix for much of the period between 1964 and 1986. The circuit also hosted the Race of Champions and other non-championship Formula One events, bringing many of the sport’s greatest drivers and machines to its distinctive natural amphitheatre.
Beyond Formula One, Brands Hatch has played an exceptionally broad role in motorsport. It has hosted World Sportscar competition, touring cars, GT racing, Formula 2, Formula 3, World Superbikes and British Superbikes, while remaining closely associated with the British Touring Car Championship and a wide range of historic and club racing. This breadth has allowed the venue to remain relevant long after Formula One moved permanently to Silverstone.
Brands Hatch therefore represents more than its Grand Prix history. It is one of the foundations of British circuit racing, connecting international championships with the country’s exceptionally strong national and grassroots motorsport culture. Its combination of historic significance, demanding natural-terrain design and continued competition across cars and motorcycles has ensured that Brands Hatch remains one of Britain’s defining racing circuits.
Visitor Experience
Brands Hatch offers one of the finest spectator experiences in international motorsport.
Natural hillsides provide panoramic views across much of the Indy Circuit, while the Grand Prix extension takes visitors into woodland sections where some of the circuit’s fastest and most technical corners unfold. Throughout the year the venue hosts racing, manufacturer experiences, driving schools and enthusiast festivals, creating a vibrant atmosphere that reflects the depth of Britain’s motorsport culture.
Its location close to London also makes Brands Hatch one of Europe’s most accessible major racing circuits.
Climate
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rainfall mm | Rainy days | Daylight h |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7° | 2° | 59 | 12 | 8.5 |
| February | 8° | 2° | 50 | 10 | 10.0 |
| March | 10° | 4° | 47 | 11 | 11.9 |
| April | 13° | 5° | 55 | 12 | 13.9 |
| May | 16° | 8° | 59 | 12 | 15.6 |
| June | 19° | 11° | 63 | 11 | 16.5 |
| July | 21° | 14° | 63 | 12 | 16.1 |
| August | 21° | 14° | 70 | 12 | 14.5 |
| September | 18° | 11° | 52 | 10 | 12.6 |
| October | 14° | 9° | 64 | 11 | 10.7 |
| November | 10° | 5° | 65 | 12 | 8.9 |
| December | 8° | 3° | 63 | 12 | 8.0 |
Monthly averages for Brands Hatch GP Circuit, 1991–2020.
Generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information 2026 (CC BY 4.0).
Neither the European Commission nor ECMWF is responsible for any use that may be made of the Copernicus information or data it contains.
Location
The Brands Hatch GP Circuit is located near West Kingsdown, approximately 35 kilometres south-east of central London.
Positioned within the Kent countryside yet easily accessible from the capital, the circuit has long served as Britain’s principal motorsport destination for spectators from southern England.
Address
Brands Hatch GP Circuit
West Kingsdown
Kent, England
United Kingdom
Website