FAQs for Lakeside Outdoor Go Karting

Unfortunately, following guidance by The National Karting Association, we no longer allow the use of any cameras for onboard filming. The NKA have followed a move by The Motor Sport Association in a ban - this is due to various safety issues.

We have very few accidents here and our fantastic safety record speaks for itself. The design of the circuit, the safety barriers, the design of the karts and ongoing preventative maintenance programme, the safety briefing and video, the staff training and continued monitoring, the protective racewear, the vigilant marshalling, the general culture of safety first among all staff, all go towards ensuring we are as safe as we possibly can be.

No. It is not possible to request a particular kart. They are rotated and different ones are put out every day. The numbers are also constantly changed.

All the karts are tested regularly and kept to within half a second of each other. Karts are changing all the time as parts are replaced on a daily basis. The numbers are also constantly changed.

You will be given an arrival time when booking. For events this will be 1hr before your allocated tracktime, for practice, 45 minutes beforehand. Please ensure you are not late as if you arrive after this time, even by 5 minutes, this may affect your time on the circuit. If you are more than 10/15 minutes late you may lose your slot altogether. If you are late, you will not receive a refund under any circumstance.

If you need glasses to see properly, probably best you wear them!

Yes, unless you become a Member which is only £20 for the whole year. The benefits are numerous and subject to change so please call to check. Most think the greatest benefit is of course....you don’t need to sit through another video briefing!!!!

Smoking is permitted in the outside spectator areas and on the balcony.

We operate a zero alcohol/drugs policy. If any of our members of staff suspect anyone to be under the influence of alcohol/illegal drugs, they will not be allowed to drive. This is for the safety of everyone.

No. Our circuit is not suitable for either cars or road bikes.

Not in general. However, for very large groups we may offer extra driving time. Please call and ask to speak to a member of our sales team.

Yes, we offer one-to-one tuition (including 30 minutes theory and two 15 minute driving sessions) with our former British Kart Champion, Scott Law.

Unfortunately not. We ask that young children are not left unsupervised whilst you are driving.

Yes. The Ibis Hotel, Thurrock & The Premier Inn are only a few minutes drive from Lakeside Karting. Speak to us and we can arrange a preferential rate for you and your guests.

There are restaurants such as TGI Friday's, Frankie & Benny's and Nando's located on the retail park. Also La Tasca, Bella Italia and Wagamama are situated on The Boardwalk, Lakeside Shopping Centre, along with numerous bars.

Yes. As long as we have reasonable notice we can arrange transport for you with reliable local companies, whether you prefer a coach, a limo or taxis.

Yes, we are fully floodlit. Please check with the circuit for the seasonal opening hours.

For every race event the top three drivers receive a trophy and a bottle of bubbly. We also offer an upgrade package to larger trophies and Moet Champagne. Alternatively, we can arrange for every member of your party to leave with a memento of your day.

Yes. To hire the whole circuit for a weekday is £10k, for a weekend day £15k. Please call for bespoke packages.

Our Public Liability Insurance cover is up to £5m

Yes, please do. And if you get any good ones, please email them to us at chris@letsgoactive.co.uk and we can put them on our facebook page.

No, but we can arrange for a photographer to attend subject to a small booking fee. We can also take photos of the podium ceremony etc. if you ask one of the marshals or track staff.

At present, we are renovating our shower room in the gents changing, so regret that we currently don't have showering facilities. The ladies' showers are fully operational as usual. Please bring your own shower gel and towel.

Yes, for practice sessions. As long as we make the circuit operators aware they can use written boards/hand signals as opposed to coloured flags.

Your safety is of paramount importance to us. For any situation other than the norm we would conduct a risk assessment. If we can be sure that you pose no added danger to yourself, other drivers or members of staff, then we will allow you to drive (there may still be some limitations).

However, you are often the best judge of your own capabilities - please be honest and responsible. Please consult a manager.

Yes. You can purchase LetsGoActive Gift Vouchers in £5, £10, £20, £50 and £100 denominations. They come complete with an LGA card and envelope. They can be used as full or part payment at either circuit towards any booking or merchandise.

No. We would not recommend driving for any of the above.

No, but you can use BBX if you are a member of the trade exchange. Please remember that it may not always be possible to book at our peak times.

We’ve had lots of drivers who have been that weight/height but we can’t guarantee it as everyone is a different shape. If you are unsure, we recommend that you come down prior to booking and you can try our karts for size.

C2C from Fenchurch Street or Liverpool Street, London Please see our 'Contact Us' page for details

Yes, there is plenty of free parking for all.

Roughly 30 minutes from central London by car.

For Exclusive Race Events – It is usually possible to add/pay for extra drivers/teams if you have a few extra on the day, unless of course the circuit maximums have been met. For Open Race Events – It may be possible to add/pay for extra drivers/teams if you have a few extra on the day, but unlikely - we often sell-out our open races.

For Practice sessions and Open Events – No, unfortunately we only put paid bookings in the diary as, in the past, we have had people not show up and we have turned customers away.

For Exclusive Race Events – Yes. We will take all your details and put them in the diary.

We will ask for a deposit to secure the booking and full payment is requested 14 days prior. No events will take place without full payment. Your event/team/place is at risk if you do not pay your deposit/final balance by the due date.

For Practice sessions and Open Events – Not necessarily, but it is always best to if you want to confirm your slot.

For Practice Sessions and Open Events - If you have not booked, you can always turn up on the day and take your chances as to whether we have availability. If there’s space and we can get you on, great, you can pay on the day. Unfortunately, we cannot hold any places without full payment.

For Exclusive Race Events – No, we need to have all events pre-paid as we have to arrange staff and book out your time slot.