Frequently asked questions

Following coronavirus we made balaclavas mandatory. If you are wearing one of our helmets you will need a balaclava. You can buy a reusable cotton balaclava and gloves on arrival, or use your own. If you bring your own helmet it is your choice.

Unfortunately not. Following guidance from the National Karting Association we no longer allow any cameras for onboard filming. The NKA followed a ban by the Motor Sport Association due to various safety issues.

We have very few accidents here and our safety record speaks for itself. The design of the circuit, the safety barriers, the design of the karts, the ongoing preventative maintenance programme, the safety briefing and video, staff training and monitoring, the protective racewear, vigilant marshalling and a safety first culture among all staff all go towards making us 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 change all the time as parts are replaced daily, and the numbers are constantly changed.

You will be given an arrival time when booking. For events this is 1 hour before your track time, for practice sessions 45 minutes beforehand. If you arrive after this time, even by 5 minutes, it may affect your time on the circuit. If you are more than 10 to 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, it is 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 not having to sit through another video briefing.

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

We operate a zero alcohol and drugs policy. If any member of staff suspects someone is under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, they will not be allowed to drive. This is for the safety of everyone.

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

Not in general. 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 of theory and two 15 minute driving sessions, with former British Kart Champion Scott Law.

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

Yes. The Ibis Hotel, Thurrock and 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.

Restaurants such as TGI Friday's, Frankie and Benny's and Nando's are on the retail park. La Tasca, Bella Italia and Wagamama are on The Boardwalk at Lakeside Shopping Centre, along with numerous bars.

Yes. As long as we have reasonable notice we can arrange transport 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 to larger trophies and Moet champagne. Alternatively, we can arrange for every member of your party to leave with a memento of the day.

Yes. To hire the whole circuit for a weekday is £10,000, and for a weekend day £15,000. Please call for bespoke packages.

Our public liability insurance cover is up to £5m.

Yes, please do. If you get any good ones, email them to 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 if you ask one of the marshals or track staff.

We are renovating the shower room in the gents' changing room, so there are currently no showers for men. The ladies' showers are fully operational. Please bring your own shower gel and towel.

Yes, for practice sessions. As long as the circuit operators are made aware, they can use written boards and hand signals instead of coloured flags.

Your safety is paramount. For any situation other than the norm we conduct a risk assessment. If we can be sure you pose no added danger to yourself, other drivers or staff, we will allow you to drive, though there may be some limitations. You are often the best judge of your own capabilities, so please be honest and responsible, and consult a manager.

Yes. LetsGoActive gift vouchers are available in £5, £10, £20, £50 and £100 denominations, 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 it may not always be possible to book at our peak times.

We have had lots of drivers of that weight and height, but we cannot guarantee it as everyone is a different shape. If you are unsure, come down before booking and try our karts for size.

Take the c2c line from Fenchurch Street or Liverpool Street, London. See our Find 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 and pay for extra drivers or teams on the day, unless the circuit maximums have been met. For open race events it may be possible, but unlikely, as we often sell out our open races.

For practice sessions and open events, no. We only put paid bookings in the diary because in the past people have not shown up and we have turned customers away. For exclusive race events, yes. We will take your details and put them in the diary. We ask for a deposit to secure the booking and full payment 14 days prior. No event takes place without full payment, and your event, team or place is at risk if you do not pay your deposit or 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 turn up on the day and take your chances on availability. If there is space, you can pay on the day. We cannot hold any places without full payment. For exclusive race events, no. All events must be pre paid as we have to arrange staff and book out your time slot.

No. Many of our regular customers hold no licence at all. We provide full instruction, and all drivers must attend a safety briefing and view the National Karting Association safety video.