Events at Donington Park: Your Trackside Stay Guide

Donington Park Racing Circuit, situated in Leicestershire right on the edge of the East Midlands, stands as one of the world's most historic and exhilarating motorsport venues. From the legendary 1993 European Grand Prix where Ayrton Senna demonstrated his mastery in the rain to the edge-of-your-seat two-wheeled battles of modern superbike racing, Donington is etched into racing history. For trackside spectators, racing teams, and petrolheads traveling from across the UK, securing comfortable lodging nearby is an essential part of any race weekend.

Situated just over 15 miles away along the convenient A38 corridor, the Three Queens Hotel & Lodge in Burton upon Trent provides an ideal base for your trip. With 62 comfortable rooms, free on-site parking for cars and vans, and quick access to regional transit routes, you can experience all the thrills on the track and unwind in comfort afterward.

Major Motorsport Events at Donington Park

The Donington Park racing calendar is packed from spring through autumn with world-class championships, historic showcases, and dynamic track days. Here are some of the premier events you will not want to miss:

The Bennetts British Superbike Championship (BSB)

Donington Park typically hosts two rounds of the British Superbike Championship each season, once on the flowing National Circuit and once on the full Grand Prix loop. Featuring bar-to-bar action, wheelies down the Starkey's Straight, and daring overtakes through the Craner Curves and the Melbourne Hairpin, BSB weekends attract thousands of passionate motorcycle enthusiasts. Having reliable accommodation within easy reach means you can arrive early to claim the best viewing bank on the circuit.

The British Touring Car Championship (BTCC)

If you prefer doorhandle-to-doorhandle saloon car racing, the BTCC at Donington Park delivers unmissable drama. With three headline touring car races on Sunday alongside a packed support package featuring Porsche Carrera Cup, Mini Challenge, and British F4, it is an action-packed weekend for sports fans and families alike.

Donington Historic Festival

Step back in time at the Donington Historic Festival, one of Europe’s flagship historic motorsport gatherings. Spectators can admire hundreds of iconic racing machines spanning decades, from pre-war sports cars and vintage Grand Prix racers to 1990s Super Touring machinery. The open paddock access allows you to get close to these historic vehicles and speak directly with the drivers and mechanics.

British GT and GB3 Championships

Witness precision endurance racing as thunderous GT3 and agile GT4 supercars from manufacturers like Aston Martin, McLaren, Porsche, and Mercedes-AMG battle for supremacy. Sharing the bill with the single-seater GB3 Championship, this event showcases top-tier GT machinery alongside future Formula 1 hopefuls.

Festivals and Non-Motorsport Spectacles

Beyond motor racing, Donington Park is celebrated internationally as the home of Download Festival, the UK's leading rock and heavy metal music festival held each June. The park also hosts commercial vehicle shows, running events, car club track days, and automotive exhibitions throughout the year. Whatever brings you to the circuit grounds, planning your travel and overnight stay early is crucial, as regional accommodation often fills quickly during major event dates.

Getting to Donington Park from Burton upon Trent

Three Queens Hotel & Lodge sits on Bridge Street in Burton upon Trent, DE14 1SY. The hotel offers quick access to the A38, connecting seamlessly via the A50 or A42/A453 toward Castle Donington. Under typical driving conditions, the journey between the hotel and the circuit gates takes around 25 to 30 minutes, allowing you to beat the heavy motorway bottlenecks around the East Midlands hub.

For those travelling by public transport, Burton upon Trent railway station is just 1 mile away, offering regular connections across the Midlands, while East Midlands Airport sits right adjacent to the racing circuit itself.

Dining Out in Burton upon Trent

After a full day in the fresh air at the track, you will find plenty of great spots to eat and drink in the local area. While Three Queens Hotel does not have an on-site restaurant or bar, its prime location puts you just a 5-minute walk from Burton upon Trent’s town centre. Known globally as the capital of British brewing, Burton features a fantastic selection of traditional historic pubs, microbreweries, high-street restaurants, and independent eateries where you can enjoy evening meals, quick bites, and local ales before turning in for the night.

Stay with Us at Three Queens Hotel & Lodge

When you return from the circuit, Three Queens Hotel & Lodge provides a welcoming, fuss-free place to recharge. We offer free on-site parking, which is an invaluable benefit for event-goers, track-day participants, and marshals bringing their own vehicles and kit.

Our 62 bedrooms cater to solo visitors, couples, friend groups, and families. You can explore our full selection of comfortable hotel rooms, which include:

• Single rooms for solo spectators and officials
• Standard and Executive Double rooms
• Standard and Executive Twin rooms for friends sharing a race weekend trip
• Spacious Family and Quadruple rooms
• Mews Apartments and a unique four-poster Suite

Every room is fully en-suite with a private bathroom, complimentary toiletries, a hair dryer, a flat-screen TV with Freeview and radio, a direct dial phone, and tea and coffee making facilities to help you get your morning going. Guests also enjoy free WiFi throughout the property and daily housekeeping services. For visitors staying over multi-day race meetings or long festivals, a 24-hour dry cleaning and laundry service is available. Our reception is staffed from 8:00 AM until 10:00 PM, supported by a night porter between 10:00 PM and 8:00 AM to ensure assistance around the clock.

Track event dates fill up rapidly across the region. Check your motorsport calendar and book your stay online with Three Queens Hotel & Lodge to secure your base for the next Donington Park event.

Planning a visit? Book your stay at Three Queens Hotel & Lodge.