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3 Best Go-Kart Tracks in Manchester for the Real-Life Mario Kart Experience
My nephew’s birthday is coming up soon, and I, the genius aunt, have only gone and cracked the best way to celebrate that’s both fun and meaningful.
He’s a massive Fast and Furious fan, and he absolutely wipes the floor with Mario Kart. So naturally, I had a quick gander for the best go-karting experiences in and near Manchester.
I wanted to do my due diligence and check them out myself before I brought my nephew. I went last weekend, and I had such a brilliant time that I just needed to share it with you.
So if you’re looking for an exhilarating weekend activity or just fancy a bit of speed without getting a nifty fine (ha!), here are the most awesome race tracks in and near Manchester you can check out.
TeamSport Go Karting
Media Credit: teamsportkarting
- Manchester – Victoria Branch: Victoria Station Approach, Hunts Bank, Cheetham Hill
- Manchester – Trafford Branch: 4, Wharfside Wy., Trafford Park
Business Hours: Daily (9 AM – 11 PM)
Contact: +44 1252 732300
TeamSport Go Karting is an absolute behemoth in the indoor karting scene, with over 37 branches nationwide. Lucky for us, we’ve got two handy spots right here in Manchester: one in Victoria and the other in Trafford.
The Victoria track is the larger of the two at 550 metres, while the Trafford circuit comes in at a tidy 450 metres. Both tracks run karts that can seriously brisk 45 karts in both branches have a speed of 45 mph, so you can really enjoy adrenaline-pumping speed.
What’s brilliant is that the minimum age requirement is just 8 years old – perfect for the entire family. Parents don’t need to fret, though, because certified professionals give ample training and guide young ones on the track.
Just note that anyone under 16 should always have adult supervision with them at all times.
You also need to hit the minimum leg measurement requirement to reach the pedals: the length from crotch to heel should be 25 inches. If you’re shy of that, you won’t be allowed to participate in the activity.
They’ve got a fantastic restaurant on site as well, where you can grab burgers, snacks, milkshakes, and other refreshments. You’d be fueled (forgive the pun) up and ready for the race!
| Pro Tip: Give yourself at least 30 minutes before your scheduled slot. That’ll give you enough wiggle room to look for parking and get through the check-in counter. |
Chaos Karts
Media Credit:chaos.karts
Address: Lower Byrom St.
Business Hours:
- Monday-Friday (12 PM – 10 PM)
- Weekends (9 AM – 10 PM)
Contact: +44 161 791 0727
Now, if you want something a bit different, Chaos Karts is the proper spot. It’s basically like jumping straight into a real-life video game with its augmented reality experience. You’ll be immersed in virtual themed tracks complete with fun power-ups, obstacles, and cartoon weapons – think laser guns, hammers, and bombs!
It’s such fun, especially when you’re racing your mates for that healthy dose of competition. And don’t you worry about safety! The electric go-kart has collision-reduction technology along with its built-in safety features, plus the usual: a headrest, a seatbelt, and a safety barrier.
As for the age and height requirements, you’ll need to be 11 years old and at least 1.5 metres tall to get on the track. If you’re only just scraping the height restriction, they’ll have you test out the kart first just to make sure you can easily reach the pedals and drive safely.
One last thing to note: they don’t serve food here, so it’s important to eat before going here or just grab a quick bite after at a nearby restaurant.
| Pro Tip: They have discounts for students, teachers, and the military. You just need to verify your status through your online registration before checkout. |
Three Sisters Race Circuit
Media Credit: Three Sisters Circuit
Address: Unnamed Road, Three Sisters Rd, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan
Business Hours: Daily (9 AM – 10 PM)
Contact: +44 1942 719030
The Three Sisters Race Circuit is an outdoor race track in Wigan that’s about 1.5 kilometres long. Now, this one’s a bit of a trek, as it’s halfway between Liverpool and Manchester. You’ll need to factor in a longer trip than the first two tracks we mentioned. But it’s absolutely worth the drive.
This circuit is brilliantly versatile, offering separate programmes for both adults and children. They hold open races for adults where enthusiasts can enter and compete, properly living out their Fast and Furious dreams.
They also run standard adult karting sessions for those 16 years of age and above, and the karts come fitted with GoPro cameras to document your progress – a great little souvenir!
For the kids, the circuit runs special ‘Arrive ‘n’ Drive’ sessions during the school days for ages 8 to 15. These sessions are only about 20 minutes long and don’t require any prior experience.
They even have separate circuits per age group, so your kids will be happily engaged and challenged.
Aside from these karting sessions, they also hold karting lessons for children as early as 6 years old. These sessions involve training from licensed instructors, and all equipment is provided – just make sure to book and pay for the sessions well in advance.
| Pro Tip: Be sure to be at the reception area at least 45 minutes before the call time. You need time to get into your race gear and listen to the mandatory safety briefing. |
