Events at Donington Park: Your Ultimate Race Guide

The Thrill of Donington Park Racing Circuit

Situated in the heart of the East Midlands, Donington Park is one of the United Kingdom's most iconic and revered motorsport venues. Boasting sweeping corners like Craner Curves and the Old Hairpin, Donington has played host to legendary motorsport moments for decades, including the unforgettable 1993 European Grand Prix. Today, the circuit continues to welcome top-tier national and international championships, attracting thousands of petrolheads, families, and racing enthusiasts throughout the spring, summer, and autumn months.

Whether you are visiting for the deafening roar of two-wheeled superbikes, the precision engineering of GT endurance cars, or the nostalgic charm of vintage racing machinery, Donington Park delivers high-speed drama in an electric atmosphere. When attending a major race weekend, having comfortable, reliable accommodation nearby makes all the difference to your trip.

Major Motorsport Events at Donington Park

The annual racing calendar at Donington is packed with headline meetings that draw visitors from across the globe. Some of the most popular fixtures include:

• British Superbike Championship (BSB): Donington Park regularly hosts two rounds of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship each year. Spectators gather across the spectator banks to watch the UK's premier motorcycle racers battle shoulder-to-shoulder at blistering speeds through Hollywood and Starkey's Bridge.
• FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK): When the international stage visits Donington, WorldSBK brings world-class riders and manufacturers together for elite superbike and supersport action.
• British GT and GB3 Championship: Showcasing stunning supercars from brands like Aston Martin, McLaren, Porsche, and Lamborghini, the British GT Championship provides thrilling multi-class endurance sports car racing.
• Donington Historic Festival: A firm favourite among vintage racing aficionados, this spring festival celebrates classic touring cars, historic sports cars, and pre-war racers, allowing visitors to experience historic machinery driven at full throttle.
• Convoy in the Park: Combining the British Truck Racing Championship with a celebration of life on the open road, this family-friendly weekend features monster five-tonne racing trucks, live stunt shows, and extensive truck displays.

Download Festival and Special Gatherings

Beyond motorsport, Donington Park is internationally renowned as the spiritual home of rock and metal. Every June, tens of thousands of music lovers descend on the Donington Park estate for the massive multi-day Download Festival. Furthermore, the circuit grounds regularly host car club rallies, auto jumbles, and automotive exhibitions, making the area a constant hive of activity from spring through to late autumn.

Why Burton upon Trent is the Perfect Base for Donington

Donington Park is situated just a short, straightforward drive from Burton upon Trent. By staying slightly west along the A38 and connecting trunk roads, you can conveniently avoid the severe congestion and inflated room rates that frequently affect the towns directly bordering the track gates.

Burton upon Trent provides an effortless commute of roughly twenty to twenty-five minutes to the circuit paddocks. After an exhilarating, action-packed day trackside, returning to Burton allows you to unwind in a historic market town known worldwide as the capital of British brewing. The town centre, located just a gentle five-minute walk from Three Queens Hotel, features a wide variety of traditional real ale pubs, independent bistros, and diverse restaurants where you can enjoy an evening meal and a pint of world-famous local ale.

Stay in Comfort at Three Queens Hotel

When you need restful accommodation after long hours trackside, explore our range of rooms at Three Queens Hotel & Lodge. Conveniently situated on Bridge Street along the A38 corridor and just one mile from Burton train station, our 62-room property caters to individual visitors, racing teams, couples, and groups travelling together.

We offer a broad selection of room layouts, including Single, Standard Double, Executive Double, Standard Twin, Executive Twin, Family, and Quadruple rooms, alongside a spacious Mews Apartment and a feature four-poster Suite. Every room features its own en-suite private bathroom, complimentary toiletries, a flat-screen television with Freeview channels and radio, tea and coffee making facilities, a hair dryer, and a direct dial telephone.

To make your travel experience smooth and hassle-free, our hotel offers:

• Free On-Site Parking: Travelling with your own car or towing track gear? We provide free parking right on the premises for hotel residents, taking the stress out of vehicle storage during busy event weekends.
• Free High-Speed WiFi: Keep up to date with live timing screens, share your race photos, or plan the next day's travel with complimentary internet access throughout the hotel.
• Flexible Reception Cover: Our reception desk is open from 8:00 am until 10:00 pm, supported by an on-duty night porter between 10:00 pm and 8:00 am, ensuring assistance is available around the clock.
• Daily Housekeeping: Enjoy a clean, tidy space every day of your stay.
• 24-Hour Dry Cleaning & Laundry Service: Ideal for freshening up your gear during longer multi-day events or extended track-day visits.

Dining in Burton upon Trent

While Three Queens Hotel focuses strictly on providing comfortable overnight accommodation, you will find fantastic dining choices directly on our doorstep. Burton upon Trent's bustling town centre is a simple five-minute walk away, presenting a wide spectrum of culinary options. Whether you are searching for an authentic gastropub serving local ales, an Italian trattoria, an Indian curry house, or a quick bite before heading back out, the local town centre has something to suit every palate and budget.

Book Your Donington Park Racing Break

High-profile race weekends such as British Superbikes, WorldSBK, and the Donington Historic Festival sell out quickly across the East Midlands. Secure your accommodation early to guarantee the best room type for your trip.

Ready to plan your motorsport getaway? You can book your room directly online or reach out to our team at Three Queens Hotel & Lodge, 1 Bridge Street, Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, DE14 1SY. Call us directly on 01283 523800 or send an email to frontdesk@3queenshotel.co.uk to arrange your upcoming stay.

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