Oulton Park Spectating

I was pleasantly surprised to discover just how many places there are to spectate from. This includes seating via two grandstands and various picnic zones. Note that, whilst there is a seating area by the Fogarty Centre, a sign shows that this can be reserved for guests.

Aside from the grandstands, there is not much on the outside of the circuit, but there is a path from a bridge crossing at Clay Hill, which goes down to Britten’s chicane. You can also walk from the Lodge Corner grandstand all the way to the first corner, Old Hall. As is explained in the main text, I did become confused with the spectator access between Old Hall and Cascades.

From the inside of the circuit, it is possible to start from the pit exit and, keeping the circuit in view the whole time, walk all the way to around Watertower, where a short wooded route takes the spectator to Druids Corner. You can also walk from Warwick Bridge to the pit entry, again always being able to see the circuit.

The notes accompanying the following photographs are numbered in relation to the map, above.

1. Pit Exit To get here from the paddock, go around the Assembly Area, then heads towards the hospitality suite that overlooking pit lane exit. From there, spectators can walk round in the inside of Old Hall corner, all the way down to Cascades and beyond.
The Assembly Area is on the left, with the paddock on the other side. Ahead is the hospitality suite, overlooking pit lane exit.	The same hospitality suite is just visible to the left of this photograph. The recovery lorry by the pit exit.
The view of the racing isn’t brilliant, so we’ll move round a little.	Exit from the pit lane can be seen from here, along with a much better view of the racing action.
2. The Avenue First we look at the views from the crossing point, then a little further down towards a picnic area, by Marshal Post 5, behind which is the Fogarty Centre Finally, towards Cascades is another picnic area. I have never seen the crossing point open, but understand that it is active during larger meetings, when the camping area opposite is in use. Then it will be under strict control be marshals.
Looking towards Old Hall corner, from the crossing point.	The crossing point.
From the crossing point, looking towards Cascades.	A little further on, looking towards Cascades, with the picnic area ahead.
From the picnic area, looking past Marshal Post 5, towards Cascades.	From the picnic area, looking back at the Fogarty Centre. A sign shows that the area can be reserved for guests.
Further down and there is another picnic area, this time on grass, giving much closer views of Cascades.	Views of Cascades.
3. Cascades-Knickerbrook Whilst this picnic area is a fair distance from the action, the spectator gets to see lots of action. There is also a disabled parking area just down the hill and a little closer. Whilst within the infield, this is the furthest we can get along the Island or International configurations. At the next spectating point, we will be able to cross the circuit and travel down towards the Island configuration’s hairpin.
The picnic area, as seen from near the entrance to disabled parking. During busier meetings, refreshments and programmes can be available.	From the picnic area, overlooking the disabled viewing towards Hislops chicane.
From the edge of the disabled parking, with the picnic area to the right. Far into the distance can be seen the long run from Cascades, Lakeside, and the approach to Hislops, Hill Top.	From around the same area is the fun from the chicane up to the pedestrian bridge that crosses the circuit at Clay Hill.
4. Clay Hill From the picnic area overlooking Cascades, we now travel uphill to Clay Hill, where there is further disabled parking and a footbridge that leads to the outside of the circuit. There, we can walk down towards the Island configuration’s hairpin (Britten’s chicane in the International configuration).
From Cascades, we head towards Clay Hill crossing, with the disabled parking to the right.	The disabled parking. The sign is a request that spectators do not stand in the way of people inside their cars.
The disabled parking is on the left, with other parking on the right. Clay Hill Bridge is in the distance.	From Clay Hill Bridge, looking back to Knickerbrook.
It is a steep approach to Clay Hill Bridge.	From Clay Hill Bridge, looking back towards Druids. Cross here for access to the outfield.
Having crossed Clay Hill Bridge.	From Clay Hill Bridge, looking back to Knickerbrook, this time from outside the circuit.
5. Clay Hill to Knickerbrook Having crossed the bridge, spectator’s can only travel one way, which is South, towards Knickerbrook .The viewpoint is initially raised
Looking towards Clay Bridge, from just before the drop to level ground.	The gentle steps lead to ground level. The path bears right, away from the circuit, then left over a stream, before rejoining midway along the gravel trap.
Here is the base of the steps. Ahead, turn left over a stream, before rejoining midway along the gravel trap.	A low level view of the action, so best to continue walking.
6. Knickerbrook The ground is a little higher here, enough for decent views of the action as competitors grapple with the chicane or, on the rare occasions that the Foster’s configuration is in use, the cut-through from Cascades. There’s even a picnic table and a set of toilets available, so it is a great place to spend a sunny afternoon.
The exit of Knickerbrook, all the way to Clay Hill.	Looking back at the exit of Knickerbrook
Looking at the exit of Knickerbrook from the escape road.	Seating and toilets are available.
7. Hill Top We have walked quite a distance from the previous viewing point to the top of the hill, hence the name of this long straight, and past another set of toilets. All the way has provided great views of cars flashing by, until we start heading downhill towards Britten’s chicane, or Island hairpin.
Looking back to see how far we have walked. Toilets can be seen in the distance.	Cars flashing by is a very impressive sight, but it can become “samey” …
… So we will continue along the path as cars whizz by.	Down towards Britten’s / Island.
8. Britten’s / Island When the circuit’s full International configuration is in use, this is Britten’s chicane. When the Island configuration is in use, this is Island hairpin When the Fosters configuration is in use, you’ve gone too far! We have gone as far as we can travel along this path, as there is no access beyond. A lot of action can be seen here, usually with differing lines, some spectacular and others super-smooth.
A good view of the chicane, albeit from the same level as the circuit.	This is the very farthest that a spectator can get. It is a long walk back.
It is fenced off, so definitely no further viewing.	From here, a car can be seen exiting the chicane.
9. Woodlands Walk Having returned to the pedestrian bridge that crosses the circuit at Clay Hill, turn left and walk a little alongside the track. You will soon come across the entrance to Woodlands Walk, which leads to a secluded viewing area overlooking Druids. There is no viewing of the circuit through this short path. Note that the only way out of the Druids area is by returning along the same path. It is worth the walk.
By the entrance to Woodlands Walk, looking back towards Clay Hill.	The entrance to Woodlands Walk.
On the way the is a pretty pond on the left.	The woods open up to reveal the secluded spectating spot.
10. Druids Covering most of the corner, there is a raised bank along the edge of the circuit and so viewing can be enjoyable. It takes a little exercise and is not well known, so is unlikely to be crowded. On a hot day, remember to take water as there are no facilities.
Looking back at Clay Hill, at one end of this spectating area …	… From the same spot, looking towards Druids corner. The extra height of the banking can be seen.
Standing a little way from the corner, looking towards the apex …	… From the same point, almost at the extreme end of the spectating area, looking towards Warwick Bridge, which take traffic from the entrance into the paddock.
11. Walk to Warwick Bridge, via the Paddock Entrance Warwick Bridge isn’t far from here, but it is a long walk, as there is no access for spectators between Druids and the bridge. Views do restart on the other side of the bridge. But it is a circuitous route to get there. First, one needs to retrace one’s steps back the to the entrance of Woodlands Walk. From there turn left, away from the circuit. You will pass a rally course circuit, on the left, before reaching the paddock entrance, with the Chequers Restaurant ahead, on the right. Do not enter the paddock, instead turn left and head towards the main entrance. When the road widens to separate traffic, there is an entrance to a field on the right. Enter there and continue walking parallel to the road and you will reach Warwick Bridge.
Exiting Woodlands Walk, turn left and carry straight on for a gentle walk. Here, the paddock entrance is ahead, with the Chequers Restaurant on the right.	At the paddock entrance, turn right. This straight road leads will cross Warwick Bridge.
When the road widens to separate traffic, there is an entrance to the right. Enter.	Continue walking parallel to the road and you will reach Warwick Bridge.
12. Warwick Bridge On arrival, it is not necessarily worth the journey as there is no banking and competitors flash by at high speed. It is impressive though, and well worth it if the spectator is visiting multiple places. Warwick Bridge blocks the view of approaching cars, but it is a clear view to Lodge corner, whilst the action is very close.
Looking back, towards Warwick Bridge. The spectating can position themselves right by the bridge, but will get little warning of approaching competitors.	Looking away from Warwick Bridge, towards Lodge corner.
Closer to, and looking towards, Lodge corner …	… From the same viewing point as the previous photograph can be seen this monument to War veterans.
13. Lodge Corner A short walk from Warwick Bridge, there is a gentle banking here to improve views. Spectators can see all the way from Warwick Bridge to the bridge crossing the circuit at Deer Leap, fine views all.
Looking at the approach to Lodge Corner.	The apex of Lodge Corner.
Looking from Lodge Corner towards Deer Leap.	A closer view of Deer Leap, from the end of the banking. Another bank is a short distance further on.
14. Deer Leap Pedestrian Bridge Moving to the next bank affords good views of the exit from Lodge corner, up Deer Leap and, from the other side of the pedestrian bridge, along the start/finish straight. The bridge is the furthest point at which spectators can view the action, as the pits are not far distant. If you decide against crossing the pedestrian bridge, but instead return to the paddock, turn away from the bridge and walk through the path ahead, with the metal fence and buildings to the left of it. At far the corner of that facility, by the tree, turn left and continue walking outside the perimeter until arriving at the paddock entrance, on the left.
By the pedestrian bridge, looking back at Lodge corner.	By the pedestrian bridge, looking at the start/finish straight.
If you decide against crossing the pedestrian bridge, but instead return to the paddock, turn away from the bridge and walk through the path ahead, with the metal fence and buildings to the left of it.	At far the corner of the metal fence, by the tree, turn left.
This tree is the same as that in the previous photograph. Having turned left, walk by the facility …	… and you will arrive at an entrance to the paddock on the left.
15. Deers Leap Crossing the bridge leads to further spectating from the outside of the circuit, from Lodge corner down to Old Hall corner and possibly beyond. It is only a short walk to the grandstand overlooking Lodge corner, but it is not necessary to go that far. As already seen, there are picnic tables on a bank overlooking Deer Leap, with a dip and a rise to another bank closer to Lodge. That provides better visibility of the action as competitors exit Lodge, along with the pit entrance and approach to the summit of Deer Leap.
Having crossed the pedestrian bridge, looking at the start/finish straight, from the picnic tables.	Having crossed the pedestrian bridge, looking to our next destination, Lodge corner.
The bank drops down, reducing visiblitity …	… but soon rises again.
16. Lodge Corner The grandstand, when open, provides great views of the approach to Lodge corner and the exit, all the way to the summit of Deer Leap. Whether an out-braking pass, or a better line giving an overtaking opportunity on exit, or even just a single driver displaying their skills, this is a great place from which to spectate. If not open, spectators can watch from the base of the grandstand, or walk a little past and around the grandstand to the furthest viewing point in this direction, where the approach and exit can still be enjoyed.
The grandstand overlooking Lodge corner.	The view of the approach to Lodge, from the grandstand.
The view towards Deer Leep, from the same point in the grandstand.	This is the furthest viewing point, from where the approach and exit can still be enjoyed.
17. Start / Finish Straight Spectators can watch from a raised bank all the way along the start / finish straight. It is a great place to watch both race starts and finish, along with pit-lane action and high-speed slipstreaming overtakes.
Looking back towards the pedestrian bridge at Deers Leap. A car can be seen entering the pit lane.	High-speed slipstreaming action.
Clear views all the way to Old Hall, the first corner.	Towards Old Hall, looking back.
18. Old Hall Corner You cannot watch the action all the way to Old Hall; instead, there is a closed off section that spectators must traverse. It is not too far and leads to the grandstand that provides great views, if it is open. If closed, spectators can still watch from the base, with views that are almost as good. Available action are competitors approaching Old Hall, great overtakes, and exiting tribulations, along with the pit-lane exit.
The closed off section that spectators must pass …	… which leads to the grandstand overlooking Old Hall corner. To the left of this photograph is and entrance to the camping area.
From the grandstand, here is the approach to Old Hall …	… and here is the exit of Old Hall, along with the pit-lane exit.
19. The Avenue From the grandstand, walk away from the circuit into the camping area, pass the toilet waste disposal point on the left, then turn right and head back to the circuit. On my first visit when taking spectating photographs, I had no issues in accessing this area, but on my latest I was stopped as I entered the camp site and not allowed to continue. It seems that maintenance work was going on, but also access seems to be limited as it is one large camp site all the way towards Cascades. Consider access to this area as potentially limited.
Head away from the grandstand, and pass the toilet waste disposal, on the left, then turn right and head back to the circuit.	Views looking back at the first corner, Old Hall.
A little further down, still looking back at Old Hall, along with pit exit.	From the same point, looking down The Avenue.
20. Cascades This is as far as you can go for enjoyable, relatively close-up views. Spectators can look back towards Dentons, The Avenue in the distance, while watching the action as competitors negotiate Cascades. It is a place to avoid for parents with young children as, even though safely fenced off, there are lakes nearby.
Looking back towards Dentons, the curve following The Avenue.	Looking towards Cascades.
Cascades in the distance, with the end of the really good spectating ahead, by the post.	Cascades. The sign wards of deep water beyond the fencing.
21. Lakeside There’s not really a view from here; you can barely see the circuit. But there is a toilet waste disposal point, along with recycling bins, so well worth the walk. Again, be aware of deep water on the other side of the fences.
A short climb up the hill from our previous viewing point, be aware of deep water on the other side of the fences …	… From here there are distant views of the Lakeside straight.
At the top of the hill is the toilet waste disposal point, along with recycling bins …	… From there, the views are even more distant and this is the furthest point for the spectator.

Page updated by Peter Tattersall, May 2025