Put Your Skills to the Test: Half Term Sim Competition at Silverstone Museum
If you’ve got a budding motorsport fan (or a competitive grown-up…) in the family, this one is a brilliant February half-term treat. This half term, Silverstone Museum is challenging visitors to jump into their racing simulators, set a flying lap, and climb the leaderboard for a chance to win motorsport prizes.
It’s a fun way to turn a family day out into a mini “race weekend” — especially if you’ve got older kids who love games, cars, and anything Formula 1-related.
Half term sim competition at a glance
When: Saturday 14 February – Sunday 22 February
Where: Silverstone, Northamptonshire (NN12 8TN)
The challenge: Drive a 2026-spec F1 car and set your quickest lap around Bahrain International Circuit
How to enter: Any Sim Suite session during the competition dates automatically counts
Good to know: Minimum height requirement is 140cm
What happens in the competition?
The idea is simple (and very addictive): book a session, jump into the simulator, and aim for your fastest possible lap. All valid lap times recorded during the competition period count, and the fastest drivers take the prizes.
Because it’s a proper simulator setup (not a casual console-style game), it’s best suited to confident older kids/teens and adults — and there’s a minimum height of 140cm to use the sims.
See more February Half Term Events in Northants here!
What can you win?
According to the museum’s competition announcement, the podium prizes include:
- 1st: 1:10 scale Ferrari Formula 1 car model
- 2nd: F1 RC car (winner’s choice)
- 3rd: LEGO Speed Champions set (winner’s choice)
Quick note: The museum also has an event listing for a Sim Suite competition that mentions slightly different dates/prizes (15th–23rd and cash prizes). It’s worth checking the booking/info page when you book, just so you’re looking at the version running on your visit date.
How to book (and what families should know)
1) You’ll need museum entry and a Sim Suite session
Sim Suite sessions require a museum entry ticket (unless you have an annual pass), and the simulator ticket is separate.
2) Sessions run throughout the day
- Simulator slots run every 30 minutes from 10:30am
- Each session lasts 30 minutes including registration/briefing
3) Your family can watch
Your group can watch without buying a separate simulator ticket — but they will need museum entry to access the area.
4) Height + comfort tips
- Minimum height: 140cm
- Wear comfy clothes and closed-toe shoes
Ticket prices (at time of writing)
Museum day ticket: £24 online / £29 on the day (under 5s free; child 5–15 ticket pricing also applies)
Sim Suite: £20 online / £25 on the day (booking ahead saves money)
Local residents discount: 50% off museum entry (NN12, NN13 or MK18) with proof of address
A simple half-term plan for your visit
Book ahead if you can — Sim Suite availability is limited and time slots can go quickly in school holidays.
Arrive a little early so you’re not rushing to your slot.
Do the museum either side of your session (you can visit before or after).
Make it a family challenge: set a “parent vs teen” leaderboard and see who’s quickest by the end of the day!
FAQs
Is this suitable for younger children?
There’s a 140cm minimum height, and the museum says the sims are designed for adults and may feel complex for younger children.
Do I automatically enter the competition?
Yes — the museum says any Sim Suite session during the competition dates counts.
Can the rest of my party watch?
Yes, they can watch without a simulator ticket (museum entry still required).
How long is a session?
30 minutes including registration and briefing.
