Oulton Park Circuit Guide
Oulton Park is arguably the most picturesque circuit in the UK, but don't let the parkland setting fool you. It is a technical, undulating beast that demands respect. "Draped" over the Cheshire countryside, it features some of the most dramatic elevation changes and blind crests in the country.
How many circuits do you know where the front wheel wants to lift as often as it wants to stay on the ground? Saves on tyre wear, at least…
Action Photos: Jamie Morris Photography
Noise Limits
Static: Typically 102 dB(A).
Drive-by: Typically 89 dB(A).
Check our Circuit Noise Limits page
Circuit Length
International: 2.69 miles (4.30 km)
Island: 2.26 miles (3.616 km)
Fosters: 1.66 miles (2.656 km)
TDA Difficulty Rating
International Circuit: Oulton Park is a picturesque, highly technical UK circuit known for its dramatic, fast undulations.
Motorcycle Lap Record
The lap record at Oulton is a moving target, but the benchmarks are staggering.
- Official BSB Race Lap Record: 1:32.817 — Leon Haslam (Ducati Panigale V4 R, 2025).
- All-time Fastest Lap (Qualifying): 1:32.948 — Bradley Ray (Yamaha R1, 2022).
- Top Speed: Approximately 160.9 mph (recorded over the Clay Hill rise).
Click here to jump to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Snetterton, e.g. are there garages/electrics, can you camp and is there any hook-up, can you buy fuel at the circuit or nearby?
Location & Directions📍
OWNER: MotorSport Vision (MSV)
CIRCUIT ADDRESS: Oulton Park Circuit, Little Budworth, Tarporley CW6 9BW
CIRCUIT LOCATION: Link to Google Maps
TDA Track Day Calendars
Check out the TDA Track Day Calendars for events to book at this circuit or any other UK or European circuit from the various track day organisers, all in one place for your convenience:
Circuit History
Oulton Park’s history is as rich as the soil it's built on. Originally developed as a tank training ground during WWII, it hosted its first motorcycle race in 1953. Since then, it has become a staple of the British Superbike (BSB) calendar and is often cited by riders as their favourite track in the country.
It has maintained its old-school character, with minimal runoff in certain areas and a layout that follows the natural contours of the estate’s valley. Putting it simply, it’s a terrific and testing tarmac rollercoaster - get it ridden.
MotorSport Vision (MSV) also own and operate Bedford Autodrome, Brands Hatch, Cadwell Park, Donington Park and Snetterton in the UK – as well as Circuito de Navarra in Spain.
Circuit length and layout
Oulton Park offers three configurations, though for motorcycle track days, you will almost exclusively be riding the International Circuit or you’ve made a wrong turn…
The International Circuit (2.692 miles): This is the full loop, including the technical "Hislop's" chicane and the terrifyingly fast run through "Knickerbrook." It is a physical workout that tests your fitness and your bike's suspension - so lay off the pies.
The Island Circuit (2.26 miles): This layout cuts out the Shell Oils corner and the Britten’s section, taking a shortcut through the "Island" hairpins. It’s faster and more flowing but less common for bike days.
The Fosters Circuit (1.66 miles): A short, punchy loop that is rarely used for full track days but is great for testing and smaller club events.
What’s the best bike to ride at Oulton Park?
Hard to say. Oulton Park is a "rider's track" where confidence and flow outweigh raw horsepower. But saying that, riding a litre bike round here is a whole heap of fun, even if you find yourself fighting to keep the front end down over Clay Hill and through the Avenue.
Many swear by a Supersport as the agility of a middleweight bike allows you to flick through the Britten’s chicane and maintain higher mid-corner speeds at Old Hall and Cascades.
Even a well-ridden sport bike can embarrass bigger bikes here because of how much time is spent on the side of the tyre.
Advice for riding fast round Oulton Park
Racing legend Mike ‘Spike’ Edwards offers a popular How I Ride - Video Guide for Snetterton and you can preview Mike Edward’s circuit guides on his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MikeSpikeEdwards
Tim Neave from Fast Bikes provides expert guidance on navigating the Oulton Park circuit, detailing optimal braking zones, gear selections, and racing lines. Using a Yamaha R1 equipped with Dunlop GP Racer slicks... You can watch that here:
Oulton Park: Corner-by-Corner Guide
A technical, rider-focused breakdown of the UK's most rewarding rollercoaster.
Note for Riders: This guide outlines the full International Circuit layout. If you are riding the Island layout, you will bypass the Shell Oils banking after Cascades. If riding the Fosters layout, you will turn right directly after Cascades.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there camping at Oulton Park?
Yes, camping is normally available on-site at Oulton Park for track days, usually located in the dedicated camping areas within the circuit grounds.
It is ideal if you want to set up your van or tent the night before to avoid a rushed morning, though it is always best to check with your specific track day organiser to confirm gate opening times.
Can I get petrol at Oulton Park?
Oulton Park does have a fuel station located on-site in the paddock area, but it’s typically circuit fuel expensive and its opening hours during track days can vary (usually lunchtime).
If you want to avoid premium circuit prices, there’s a BP 1.3 miles away (Tarporley Road Service Station, Tarporley Rd, Cotebrook, CW6 9EE).
Are there garages at Oulton Park?
Yes, Oulton Park has pit garages available in the inner paddock area. Depending on the organiser you book through, these are either available to reserve in advance for a fee or are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis on the morning of the event.
They’re huge and are equipped with power, making them great for running tyre warmers if you don’t want to lug a generator with you under a gazebo.
