Donington Park Events: Top Races & Where to Stay

The Excitement of Donington Park Racing Circuit

Set in the heart of the East Midlands, Donington Park is one of the UK’s most revered and historic motorsport venues. Known worldwide for hosting dramatic Formula 1 encounters—most famously the 1993 European Grand Prix featuring Ayrton Senna's legendary opening lap—the circuit continues to attract hundreds of thousands of spectators each year. Featuring flowing turns, dramatic elevation changes, and iconic sections such as Redgate, the Craner Curves, the Old Hairpin, and the Melbourne Loop, Donington Park guarantees edge-of-your-seat excitement across two wheels and four.

Whether you are attending a premier championship weekend, participating in an open track day, or supporting a racing team, finding convenient accommodation nearby is essential. Located on the A38 corridor in Burton upon Trent, Three Queens Hotel & Lodge is situated within easy driving distance of the track, offering a practical, welcoming retreat for visitors.

Major Annual Events at Donington Park

Donington Park boasts a packed calendar running from spring through autumn. Here are some of the premier highlights to put on your calendar when planning your motorsport getaway:

1. British Superbike Championship (BSB)

The Bennetts British Superbike Championship regularly visits Donington Park for multiple rounds each season. Renowned as one of the most fiercely contested domestic motorbike championships on the planet, BSB brings high-speed slipstreaming, breathtaking lean angles, and dramatic overtakes. Spectators flock to the Craner Curves and Goddards to watch riders battle bar-to-bar on both the National and Grand Prix circuit layouts.

2. Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship (BTCC)

Touring car racing has produced some of Donington’s most unforgettable moments. The BTCC showcases door-to-door, contact-heavy tin-top racing with three frantic races across a single Sunday. With reverse-grid drama, support series such as the Porsche Carrera Cup and F4, and open paddock access, it is a flagship family weekend for motorsport devotees.

3. Donington Historic Festival

Step back in time to celebrate racing heritage at the Donington Historic Festival. Featuring hundreds of historic touring cars, GT machines, sports cars, and pre-war grand prix racers, this festival is a treat for classic car lovers. Visitors can explore vibrant car club displays, meet historic drivers, and watch machines from iconic racing eras tackle the undulating tarmac.

4. British GT and GB3 Championships

Showcasing modern supercars from Aston Martin, McLaren, Lamborghini, and Porsche, the British GT Championship brings endurance racing flair to Donington. Sharing the bill with the GB3 single-seater series—a proven stepping stone to Formula 1—this event offers non-stop competitive racing for dedicated fans.

5. Track Days and Driving Experiences

Beyond major race meetings, Donington Park hosts frequent track days and vehicle testing sessions during the week and across select weekends. If you are taking your own car or motorcycle onto the circuit, having secure lodging with generous parking close by makes your early-morning sign-on and scrutineering stress-free.

Tips for Visiting Donington Park

To get the most out of your visit to Donington Park, keep the following practical tips in mind:

• Arrive Early: Major race events draw large crowds. Getting to the circuit early ensures prime viewing spots around the Craner Curves bank or the Starkey’s viewing terraces.
• Dress for the Elements: The circuit is open and can be breezy across the hillside terraces. Pack layers and waterproofs so you can enjoy the racing whatever the British weather brings.
• Paddock Access: Many events allow open access to the race paddock. Pick up a programme and wander behind the garages to see the cars, bikes, and mechanics up close.

Dining in Burton upon Trent

After a full day spent trackside, you can head back to Burton upon Trent to recharge. Three Queens Hotel is just a five-minute walk from Burton’s vibrant town centre, placing a diverse selection of independent restaurants, traditional gastropubs, steakhouses, and international eateries within effortless reach. As the historic capital of British brewing, Burton upon Trent is also home to historic town pubs where you can enjoy an evening drink and discuss the day's racing results.

Stay at Three Queens Hotel & Lodge

When you are looking for convenient and dependable accommodation near Donington Park, Three Queens Hotel & Lodge provides the ideal base. Situated at 1 Bridge Street in Burton upon Trent, the hotel offers excellent road connectivity via the A38 corridor and is positioned just one mile from Burton train station.

Motor racing fans and track-day participants particularly appreciate our free on-site parking, giving you a straightforward place to leave your vehicle before and after your day at the circuit. Free WiFi is available throughout the property, and reception is staffed from 8:00am to 10:00pm, supported by a night porter between 10:00pm and 8:00am to ensure assistance is always available around the clock. We also provide daily housekeeping and a 24-hour dry cleaning and laundry service.

With 62 guest bedrooms, we cater to solo travellers, couples, families, and larger groups travelling together. You can explore our full selection on our rooms page, which includes:

• Single rooms for solo spectators and track-day drivers
• Standard Double and Executive Double rooms
• Standard Twin and Executive Twin rooms for friends sharing
• Family and Quadruple rooms for race teams and groups
• Self-contained Mews Apartments
• A luxurious four-poster Suite

Every room at Three Queens Hotel is fully en-suite with a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV featuring Freeview channels and radio, tea and coffee making facilities for a hot brew, a hair dryer, complimentary toiletries, and a direct dial phone.

Book Your Donington Park Race Weekend Today

Rooms fill up quickly throughout the racing season, especially during flagship events like the British Superbikes, British Touring Cars, and major historic gatherings. Secure your accommodation early so you can focus entirely on the track action. Visit our booking page today to check availability and reserve your stay at Three Queens Hotel & Lodge.

Planning a visit? Book your stay at Three Queens Hotel & Lodge.