Anglesey is often thought of as being a tranquil island of stunning natural beauty. However, this reputation does not reflect the many adrenaline fuelled sporting activities which are available to enjoy on the island throughout the year.

Whilst watersports such as surfing and kayaking are relatively well associated with Anglesey, a surprising number of holidaymakers are unaware that the island is also home to one of the UK’s most modern motoring racing circuits!

Anglesey circuit is located in Ty Croes, which is approximately a 30 minute drive away from our Silver Bay Holiday Park. The current iteration of the circuit opened its doors in 2007, at which point the former British Army facility was transformed into a modern racing circuit capable of hosting almost every kind of motorsport activity. These activities can range from single seater racing car and motorcycle races, all the way through to stage rallies and private track days for those who want to get behind the wheel for themselves.

Read on to learn more about the events and experiences that are on offer at the venue and to find out why North Wales has a more prestigious motor racing history than you might think.

What Do Drivers Think of Anglesey Race Circuit?

Who better to rate the circuit than a fully fledged motorsports star who has competed against the very best in prestigious events such as the Isle of Man TT?

Motorcycle racer Peter Williams declared the circuit to be “the most scenic in the UK”, with the 1971 Ulster Grand Prix winner also citing the scenic drive to the venue as being one of the many highlights. He isn’t alone in that opinion, with countless petrol heads choosing Anglesey race circuit as their venue of choice for track days throughout the year.

The landscape has been fully exploited here to create an undulating layout which even features a 10% banked corner in addition to fast sweeps and hairpin bends which are intended to really test the skills of car and motorcycle racers alike. Not many circuits can please both categories, but Anglesey Race Circuit is one of the exceptions.

Anglesey Circuit Events

Anglesey circuit has sadly not yet attracted the attention of the major international championships that its licence permits it to host. The general consensus in the industry seems to be that the off the beaten track location proves off-putting for those who reside in motorsport valley (Oxfordshire and the Midlands).

Nevertheless, Anglesey circuit has an eclectic and ever changing calendar of on-track events made up of Anglesey circuit track days and various national championship races. You can keep up to date with this eclectic calendar by visiting the Anglesey circuit website.

There are also occasional one off events such as the 2019 Tom Pryce Memorial Trophy which drew motorsport fans from across the country. Pryce became the first and, so far only, Welshman to have won a Formula 1 race when he triumphed at the 1975 Race of Champions event in Brands Hatch. Although this race was not an official round of the F1 championship, the grandeur of the race enticed some of the sport’s very best drivers to take part. The prestigious line-up included double F1 world champion Emerson Fittipaldi and 1979 champion Jody Scheckter.

Despite having inferior equipment to these more accomplished racers, Pryce mastered the wet conditions to come out on top. Many more wins were expected, but Pryce sadly lost his life at the 1977 South African Grand Prix. The memory of the Welshman was honoured at this Anglesey circuit event with his 1972 Formula 3 car being put through its paces in front of spectators.

Driving Experiences at Anglesey Circuit

If you fancy yourself as a bit of a Tom Pryce, then you too can get behind the wheel at Anglesey circuit in a choice of thrilling racing cars. You can choose from touring cars and sports cars, all the way through to single seater race cars.

These driving experiences start with a complete briefing and lap familiarisation sessions with a fully qualified racing instructor before you get the chance to burn some rubber for yourself. One of the most impressive vehicles you have to choose from includes a Formula Ford 1600 car similar to those which were once driven by aspiring young F1 drivers such as Ayrton Senna and Nigel Mansell on their journey to the pinnacle of the sport.

If you aren’t quite comfortable enough to take the wheel for yourself, then you can opt for a thrilling passenger ride in a Ford Fiesta touring car or Lotus Elise sports car.

Anglesey Circuit Track Days

If you are lucky enough to own a high performance motorbike or car yourself, then you can also test the limits of your machinery on one of the many Anglesey circuit track days.

Track day participants are required to arrive at the circuit at 07:30 to collect their wristbands in preparation for sighting laps between 09:00 and 09:30. The circuit is then your oyster before the pitlane closes at 17:00.

The on-site cafe is usually open throughout each track day serving everything from light bites and drinks, all the way through to most substantial meals such as their highly rated pie of the day. Just make sure not to overfill yourself before heading back on track!