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In the past year and a half or two my biggest child (the one this blog was named after: Captain Bobcat as was his nickname as a baby) went through a major change. As you might know, he has autism and his special interest was always trains. As he grew, a lot of things changes but some remained constant: and one of them was the love of trains. So, about two years ago he started to show interest in car racing, specifically in Formula 1. Over time he of course learnt everything possible about Formula 1 (car racing in general), picked himself a favourite team and driver and generally never stopped talking about Formula 1. So much so that… well, trains all of a sudden are not the “special interest” anymore. It’s now Formula 1.
His birthday was approaching and his uncle gifted him a driving experience at Mercedes-Benz World. (Experience gifts are the best!) He was equally excited and anxious, as per normal. We decided to make a day out of it as we have never been before anyway – all four of us. And what a great idea that was!
What is Mercedes-Benz World?
Located in Weybridge, Surrey, Mercedes-Benz World is a state-of-the-art Mercedes museum, showroom and racetrack all-in-one: and more. It’s a destination dedicated to showcasing the luxurious and innovative world of Mercedes-Benz: its history, the present and the future are equally represented. Situated next to the iconic Brooklands racetrack, visitors can discover the Mercedes-Benz story, learn about technology and the science behind the cars, and of course: the thrill of driving. At Mercedes-Benz World, guests can explore interactive exhibits that highlight the brand’s rich heritage and commitment to excellence in engineering. There is also impressive array of classic and contemporary Mercedes-Benz models – ALL the icons! Plus there is a whole floor dedicated to the Formula 1 cars.
Like I said, the boy was gifted a test drive, better to say a driving experience, which anyone can book who’s basically the minimum of 150cm of height. The Mercedes-Benz World driving experiences is where visitors can get behind the wheel of various Mercedes models – you don’t know which one you will get, but most of them are the top range models, A Class, B Class, EQA and EQB (electric cars).
There are range of other facilities, including a restaurant and a cafe, arcade-like computer games and race car simulators, Scalextric track, viewing deck, souvenir shop with official merchandise, F1 viewing in season, small kids (3-5 years olds) race track with mini electric Mercedes cars, guided tours and temporary exhibitions. Like I said – it’s actually a great day out.
Where is Mercedes-Benz World?
Address: the Brooklands site in Weybridge, Surrey, UK.
Brooklands Drive
Weybridge
Surrey
KT13 0SL
Parking is free.
Mecedes-Benz World Opening Times
Opening Times
Monday to Sunday 10am – 6pm
Bank Holidays 10am – 6pm
Local school holidays everyday 10am – 6pm
Christmas Day & Boxing Day – Closed
What is the Young Driver Experience at Mercedes-Benz World?
There are a couple of options – and this is for non licence holders only (adults with licence have a lot more to choose from):
- 30 min driving experience with A Class, B Class, EQA and EQB (electric cars) which costs £70
- 1 hour experience with A Class, B Class, EQA and EQB (electric cars) which costs £120
- 1 hour experience 4×4 off road with G 450 d which costs £120
- 1 hour combo of A Class, B Class, EQA and EQB AND off-road 4×4 with G 450 which costs £130
To be able to drive, the kid needs to be the minimum of 150 cm tall (they don’t just believe you, they will check the height. Bobcat’s height was checked twice because he’s just above the minimum), have a good conversational English and wear proper shoes.
Our Review of the Young Driver Experience at Mercedes-Benz World
As a parent, I was obviously equally nervous and excited for him. This would be his very first driving experience! His also autistic and has ADHD – do I have to tell this in advance? Is it dangerous?
We were just give 2 pieces of advice in advance:
- On arrival, head to the track reception 30 minutes before your experience is due to begin
- No licence, no problem: all you need to bring for this experience is your booking reference
That was it – very straightforward, very German, if I may say (in a good way)!
The young drivers are going out to the side track to drive both on asphalt and bit of a dirt-road accompanied by an expert in a dual-controlled Mercedes-Benz. They start near the view point so you can watch the child taking a few laps on the dirt road, then the trainer takes them to the asphalt track that’s too far to see – so might as well go for a coffee and a mooch around which is what we did.
Back to pick him up 10 minutes before the hour driving is up: and we can watch him driving back and confidently REVERSE PARKING the Merz. Now that was the coolest. To me, who can’t park, let alone reverse park.
Him? He was absolutely buzzing. Did obviously very well as he was seemingly very happy with himself walking back to us with the trainer (Georgie) and high-fiving her. He did well – we received a little notebook with the trainer’s notes too, as well as a camera footage of the drive (this was an extra £10) to keep and take home on a hard drive (in a neat little, black envelope).
What Else is There to Do in Mercedes-Benz World?
Cafe and Restaurant
Since we had an 11am driving experience booked we checked in and headed to the cafe to pick up some coffees and cookies to watch the child drive off. We also had a light lunch in the same cafe (there is also restaurant for proper meals): baguette sandwich, burger, bacon butty and myself some honey halloumi fries with truffle chips. I just couldn’t face falafel baguette this time. My husband always says: you can never pick just normal food off the menu, you have to pick the weirdest! Guess who’s food is never touched or sampled by the others, though?? Mine! Touche. They were all good. Just decent cafe food, nothing fancy. Fresh and warm with veggie options. Plus they try to source as much as possible locally, therefore more sustainably.
Ground Floor
On the ground floor you can see various old and classic Mercedes-Benz Models on display from the 50’s to the early 2000’s, this is all free across all the floors.(you can also book guided tours for £4 per person, kids under 8 years of are free to join) as well as brand new cars for sale and sale/marketing suites.
Main Reception
You can enquire here about everything and ask for directions. The mini pocket money shop is also located here.
Shop
Mainly branded clothing (men, women, kids, baby) and other merch can be found in the shop, along with a few toys and books. By the reception are at the entrance, pocket money toys are also available, these are just a couple of pounds as opposed to the expensive branded merch and toys.
Recharge Cafe
As mentioned above, we had lunch in the Recharge Cafe on the ground floor and a (fairtrade) coffee when we arrived.
Driving Experience Reception
This is where you have to check in for your driving experience and wait at the designated waiting area for your host/ess to turn up and take the group of drivers hourly to the driving tracks. Kids’ heights will be double checked here, so don’t just put them down as tall enough when you book online!
Little Learners Track
Mini electric cars and driving track for 3 years on. £3 per child.
First Floor
Here we have other new car models that are for sale. We spotted fantastic and futuristic looking electric cars!
Second Floor
On this floor racing gets the main stage and everything racing related are located on the top, second floor: various famous Mercedes-Benz race cars, racers hall of fame from the very beginnings of motor sports, it’s definitely a must see place for all F1 enthusiasts.
Simulator Zone
All simulators are available for a fee – but visiting Mercedes-Benz World is free – so you can decide what you spend your money on.
14 GT-style simulators you can find here, driving a 10-minute race on the ever-changing track of the month. (£10) There os also Junior Racers or young kids from 3-10 years. It’s a ‘Go-Kart’ style simulator and race against A.I. opponents on the official F1 Game by EA. (From £6)
The Grid
We tried this one (well, husband and kids) they enjoyed it immensely. It’s their most realistic F1 simulator, complete with the latest hardware from Fanatec, on the official F1 tracks. You can race side-by-side against friends or family. (£15)
Scaletrix Track
Also had a go at this one, they call it FastTrax – and as you might know, Scaletrix is a a slot-car racing game for all ages, so this is the same. (£3)
The Bistro
This is the main restaurant: brunch or lunch with views of the tracks.