Silverstone Photographic Guide 2025
Address: Silverstone Circuit Towcester Northamptonshire NN12 8TN
Website: https://www.silverstone.co.uk/
Where to take photos at Silverstone - Updated November 2024 - Under construction winter 2024/25
Silverstone is probably one of the best known independent motor racing circuits in the UK and one of the most difficult to navigate for the spectator photographer. An old WW2 flying station located on the borders of Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire, with excellent main road connections from the M1 and A43 it hosts the headline events of F1 and MotoGP.
Silverstone has four main tracks, these are the Grand Prix Circuit which can be split into the National Circuit and International Circuit. Both circuits can run independently so you could have motorcycles on the National and cars on the International at the same time.
In the middle of the International Circuit is the Stowe Circuit which is not covered in this guide as it is mostly used for vehicle testing. We have attended events at Stowe, mainly Rally Cross, spectator barriers and safety fences are erected at Stowe when required but there are plenty of areas all around Stowe to shoot.
In this photographic guide to Silverstone we will take you around the different track layouts and show you the best locations to take photographs. We first published this guide to taking photos at Silverstone in 2018. David Harbey was the main contributor having tramped round the perimeter fence in short trousers as a small boy. Now a great and prolific motorsports photographer we have kept the essence of his original report but brought it bang up to date as there have been a few changes.
We will be working to update this guide to Silverstone over the winter of 2024/25.
David Harbey Photography
Having attended races at Silverstone since the early sixties (as a small boy in short trousers), I have seen a fair number of changes to the place. Some are distinct improvements – better “facilities”, more grandstands, big screens at major meetings and live timing on your mobile device.
Some changes have brought decidedly mixed benefits – acres of fencing, huge gravel traps and sitting so far from the action you need binoculars. These have largely been driven by the demands of modern Grand Prix cars and whilst I have no doubt that to drive an F1 car round Silverstone is a huge challenge and incredibly rewarding, perhaps the changes don’t do quite so much for the spectator.
I had taken some photos in the late 80’s with my Olympus OM2N – with that 35mm film that took ages to come back from the processing lab. When I acquired my first digital camera, an Olympus E500, it was only natural to again take photos.
New higher fencing in 2024 means that there is no clear view of the track at the Luffield terraces even with a step.
Only a few events use the Grand Prix start / finish and International pits. Most use the Heritage / National pits and it is possible to get shots of cars coming through Woodcote or at the start of the race.
evelopment to the Escapade complex means that there is currently (April 2024) no access to the trackside here.
One of the few places on the track where you can get really close to the cars is Maggots
Back to inside of the circuit and there is a gap in the fence at Aintree where it is possible to get a panoramic shot, perhaps with the Wing in the background (F1. F3) or a rear shot looking down the Wellington Straight to Brooklands (F2).
Opposite this is the Village Grandstand. From here and with a good length zoom lens, it is possible to get the cars coming into Village (E1, E2), through the Loop (E3) or Aintree (E4) and down the Wellington Straight (E5 or 6).
Walking alongside the Wellington Straight and crossing over the bridge leads to the BRDC (British Racing Drivers Club who own Silverstone) Grandstand.
If you don’t cross the bridge to the inside of the National Circuit from area E you will drive at Brooklands inside.
New higher fencing in 2024 means that there is no clear view of the track at the Luffield terraces even with a step. There are two other good shots here. One to the right of the terraces looking into the entry to the corner. One other on the exit of the corner. With both of these shots you will be shooting through the fence.
Edit A popular spot for spectators and snappers alike is the Luffield terracing which used to provide good views from Brooklands through to Woodcote.
For 2024, the fence line at Brooklands appears to have been moved back and it won't be easy to stand immediately behind the main fence (generally only tolerated for bikes in the past). You can still get panning photos but care is required if the sun is shining on the spectator side of the fence.
The shots below are pre-2024 from the terrace.
Only a few events use the Grand Prix start / finish and International pits. Most use the Heritage / National pits and it is possible to get shots of cars coming through Woodcote or at the start of the race (I1). Further on from there is Copse – often the scene of first lap incidents and frequent breaches of track limits. The grandstands are rarely open here, so using the terracing with a step is the best option (J1, J2).
Development to the Escapade complex means that there is currently (April 2024) no access to the trackside here.
One of the few places on the track where you can get really close to the cars is Maggots – it is worth standing and watching for a few minutes here. It’s pretty obvious who is trying hard – measured by how much kerb is taken at Maggots and through Becketts. There is a point where there is a gate for the marshals and with a step and patience, as it can be popular, it can provide a dramatic image (K1).
Opposite this is the Village Grandstand. From here and with a good length zoom lens, it is possible to get the cars coming into Village (E1, E2), through the Loop (E3) or Aintree (E4) and down the Wellington Straight (E5 or 6). This is also a covered grandstand which can be helpful if it is a) raining, b) sunny c) snowing – all have been seen in the last three years at various meetings. It doesn’t really help if its windy … remember, it was an airfield in WW2.
Moving out of the Village Grandstand head toward the Wellington Straight. Along this fence line a few good angles are to be had looking back into the Loop. Here you will find the practice start line for MotoGP.
Walking alongside the Wellington Straight and crossing over the bridge leads to the BRDC (British Racing Drivers Club who own Silverstone) Grandstand. This is a members only grandstand which is sometimes open to non-members (G1). Shots from the grandstand require a long lens. On test days you can stand next to the fence in front of the BRDC grandstand as in the pictures of the British Super Bikes.
If you don’t cross the bridge to the inside of the National Circuit from area E you will drive at Brooklands inside. This used to be one of the best locations for motorcycle photography at Silverstone. However, a new spectator fence has been erected in 2024. You will now find it difficult to get close to the fence. If the light is right you can still get a decent shot.
These shots were taken at the VSCC Spring Start in April 2024.
Example of a pre 2024 shot.
Area G Inside. So, starting at the Grand Prix / International start finish line there has been slot in the fence just at the start of Abbey.
Moving up to area H Chris Curve you are getting much the same type of shot as Area G except the riders will be hitting the apex. This long bend is notorious for the drivers going wide so be prepared.
Park Corner. As you are going to be walking round the back of the track, which is quite a distance, head back to your car and drive round.
The Park Straight is great for panning, in the afternoon the sun is to your back and your panning shots from here will really pop.
Charlies. Only the dedicated make it round here but the results can be dramatic with the right light. You are some distance from the track but use that to your advantage.
As Coppice straightens out a nice head on shot can be had half way up the hill towards Charlies.
The Start line. From this angle there is a lot of race track furniture in the way of the race start. From here you can get limited shots of the race start. I'm not a fan of this shot but it’s the only place you can access the riders on the grid. Watch out for the starter on the gantry.
Area G Inside A
So, starting at the Grand Prix / International start finish line there has been slot in the fence just at the start of Abbey. The cars are going quickly at this point and needs a good panning action but the Mercedes (A1) shows it can be done. Alternatively, a rear shot of the cars heading out of Abbey and up towards Farm can be taken (A2).
From the outside of the track there is a photo hole below the Abbey Grandstand. You are a long way from the track but a 200mm lens will get the whole of the track for a scene setting image. The grandstand is usually open so a slightly different shot can be achieved from the seats.
Area H
If the link road is open (between the north and south of the circuit running in between Beckets and Aintree) then there are a number of places to get interesting photos. The run into Village often sees overtaking (B1, B2). Village to the Loop is good (B3) and for the Silverstone Classic you might have a good backdrop from the fairground (B4). There is a wide gate so plenty of room.
These shots were taken at the VSCC Spring Start in April 2024.
Area K
Development to the Escapade complex means that there is currently (April 2024) no access to the trackside here.
The only place on the track where you can get really close to the cars is Maggots – it is worth standing and watching for a few minutes here. It’s pretty obvious who is trying hard – measured by how much kerb is taken at Maggots and through Becketts. There is a point where there is a gate for the marshals and with a step and patience, as it can be popular, it can provide a dramatic image (K1).
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