Despite being Britain's premier motor racing facility, Silverstone has many critics among racegoers. They claim the way that the track is laid out in order to host a grand prix (high fences, big distance between track and spectator areas and the flat landscape of the place), makes it a less appealling place to go. But in terms of facilities for the fans, you can't knock it, as the improvements made for the GP benefit the normal BTCC and national spectator as well.

Excellent new toilet and amenities blocks appeared in 2003, as did the revised entry road and car park system, a requirement made by the FIA after the muddy British GP farce of a few years ago. Out of all the tracks in the country, it has to be one of the easiest to get to now. All you have to do is go onto the new fully dual carriageway A43 from the M40 or M1, then turn off at Silverstone and hit another new dual carriageway, then you are there and are parked in either a tarmac carpark or a solid loose surface one that won't go muddy. Or for those who are approaching from the South and enjoy a drive along a nice country road, take the Dadford Road from Buckingham, which links up with the Silverstone access road.

As for where to spectate, there is a common view (as stated above) that Silverstone is not the best track for viewing. However, you just have to explore the circuit a bit to find a spot that may be to your liking. The vast majority of the crowd seem to base themselves around the area between Bridge and Woodcote, because that is a slow speed section compared to the rest of the track and quite an atmosphere can build in the stadium style layout of that part when an exciting race is going on. The Maggotts and Becketts part of the track can be very interesting to watch from when a qualifying or practice session is on, as it is a very committed section of a lap. If you stand right up at the fence, you will see the sheer speed of the cars, as the drivers take the left-right kink in 6th gear. For an alternative to the Bridge-Woodcote area in the race, the Abbey hairpin is a good spot. You can see the cars enter the long run from Becketts down towards here and as one of the major overtaking points on the track, you will often see the last of the late brakers take an audacious dive down the inside here, which will either be one of the moves of the season or end in tears. The latter is quite often the outcome. It's also reasonably close to the track compared to some sections of the complex and if you sit high enough, you can see over the catchfencing. An advantage if you want to take photos as well, although a good zoom camera is still recommended.

In terms of food and drink, Silverstone has plenty of variety. From your normal burgers and hot dogs, to mobile bars and what seems to be the only toastie van at any racetrack in Britain! There are plenty of picnic benches around to sit and eat your purchase.

The weather has a habit of being changeable here. Due to it's open and flat nature, it can be subject to strong winds at times and don't be surprised to see a spot of rain as well, although there are covered areas should it get a bit wet and wild for you.