Whether you’re new to drifting and keen to learn the fundamentals, or a seasoned driver looking to push your limits, finding suitable venues can be challenging. Many circuits only offer drifting on a limited basis, making it difficult to know where to go.
Before heading out on track, it’s important to make sure you’re properly protected with specialist track day car insurance, as standard road insurance typically won’t cover you if something goes wrong. Our modified and performance car expert, Gary Moulson, organises track day insurance and is always happy to share his insight on some of the UK’s best circuits.
So, without further ado, and in no particular order, here’s some of the top drift tracks in the UK!
UK Drift Tracks
1. Oulton Park
Based in Cheshire, Oulton Park has been a staple in British motorsport for over 60 years. Once a month, they run a wet grip drifting day for drifters to take to Oulton Park’s two purpose built tarmac rally stages. Running from 9-5, with a break for lunch, it’s an open pit lane style day, which makes for an enjoyable time.
Drift Skill Level: Anything but novices. Instructors are on hand to help with your skill, but too much spinning out will be frowned upon.
Cost: £139 for the full day
License requirements: Your normal car license (unrestricted only) or your Motorsport UK Race Interclub (National B) (or higher) race license.
Under 18s allowed? Anyone aged 16-18 must book by phone and have their car and license approved in advance. Those aged 15 to 16 must also phone in advance and meet the additional requirements.
Noise Limits: 105dB(A) static, 92dB(A) drive-by.
Spectators: Free, unless otherwise specified.
2. Ringwood Raceway
Ringwood Raceway is a popular track to watch UK motorsports as well as regular Wednesday night practices. These are open to a huge variety of car types, including drifters. You’ll have the team on hand to help, and it’s always a friendly atmosphere. The below information is for their Wednesday night practices.
Drift Skill Level: All kinds, unless specified on their Facebook.
Cost: £30 per driver
License requirements: Not known
Under 18s allowed? For some formulas, best to check with Craig (track owner) before you arrive.
Noise limits: Not known
Noise limits: Not known
Spectators: Depending on whether there are other events going on, there can sometimes be a spectator cost, but it’s normally minimal.
3. Birmingham Wheels Park
Currently under threat from Birmingham City Council, Birmingham Wheels Park is a popular track that is sadly not available for use at the minute.
However, it is a fantastic drift track to learn to drift on with rally stage tracks, regular instructor visits, as well as intermediate days. You can learn more about the fight to save Birmingham Wheels here.
4. Buxton Raceway
Famed by drifting lovers, Buxton Raceway run both drift practice days and drift competitions. It’s a simple oval track, but one that is perfect to hone your skills on.
In October, they’re hosting Round 5 of the British Drift Championship, so you know it’s a good track!
Drift Skill Level: On drift days, anything goes, unless specified.
Cost: From £40, although cost can vary depending on the day.
License requirements: Not known
Under 18s allowed? Please check with the organisers.
Noise Limit: Not known
5. Driftland
We couldn’t have a top UK drift tracks piece and not mention Driftland, which is the first dedicated drift track in the UK!
With a configurable track based on the type of event, the track has been designed to feature some of the best drifting configurations in the UK.
Drift Skill Level: There are separate days for beginners and open practice days.
Cost: £80 for open practice days, £35 for a two-hour beginner session.
License requirements: If you have never held a UK DVLA license, then you must complete a minimum of three hours driving on the track to demonstrate proficiency. This can be replaced by a Driftland license at a cost of £36 if there is experience shown, such as competition experience or previous training.
Under 18s allowed? As per the license requirements and with advanced booking.
Noise limit: 102dB tested at static
Spectators: For most events, costs are as follows:
Adults £12 (12yrs upwards)
Child £5 (5-11yrs)
Under 5s free
6. Santa Pod Raceway Drift What Ya Brung (DWYB)
Santa Pod is a huge raceway in UK motorsports and is host to a wide variety of racing types. They regularly hold DWYB days for beginner, intermediate and advanced drifters at the same time. There’s tuition available, and it’s always a good day out. Twinning is allowed but you have to prove your competency as a solo driver first.
Drift Skill Level: Any!
Cost: £110 per driver for one day.
License Requirements: Full UK
Under 18s allowed? Must be the holder of a full UK driving license, but yes.
Noise limit: 105dB
Spectators: from £10.
7. Teesside Automotive
Teesside are one of the biggest drift tracks in the UK and offer everything from drifting tuition to drifting practice days! Teesside Drifting run the drifting days, and they’re hugely popular and well-run events.
At Teesside, you’ve got the famous South Bank Bend, which is sure to test your drifting skills! They’re also the birthplace of the British Drift Championship in 2008, so you’re driving on heritage.
Drift Skill Level: Everything but novices, as it can get competitive.
Cost: £90 per car with one driver
License Requirements: Either full UK DVLA or “An MSA race license and experience in Motorsports combined with tuition days at PH Drift and/or a personal reference from Yohann at PH Drift – made prior to the practice day to Kat at Teesside Karting.”
Under 18s allowed?: As per license requirements, yes.
Noise Requirements: Not known
Spectators: Free
8. Three Sisters Circuits
Three Sisters Circuit is a complex circuit with plenty of twists and turns! It’s also home to one of the British Drift Championship events this year and is popular from novices to beginners. Since 2015, Three Sisters have been hosting regular drift days which are well respected locally.
Drift Skill Level: There’s two drift level days, novice and big boys, so choose accordingly. Three Sisters offer a RDX Academy drift school, which is recommend for complete beginners!
Cost: Novice at £85 for the day, Big Boy’s at £99 for the day.
License Requirements: Unless agreed prior, all drivers must have a full valid driving license.
Under 18s allowed? Unless agreed in writing prior, no.
Noise Limit: 105dB static, 95 dB drive by
Spectators: Welcome, cost depending on day.
Which Drift Track Will You Be Trying?
If you’re wanting to take your drift car on a track, let us know and we can organise your track day insurance (existing Keith Michaels customers only). Get in touch today.
Drift Tracks In The UK FAQs
What are drift tracks in the UK?
Drift tracks in the UK are dedicated circuits or motorsport venues where drivers can legally practise drifting in a controlled environment. These tracks are designed with wide corners, skid pans or open layouts that allow cars to slide safely at speed.
Can anyone drive on drift tracks in the UK?
Yes, most drift tracks in the UK are open to the public during organised drift days. You usually don’t need a racing license, but you must meet safety requirements such as wearing a helmet and driving a road-legal or track-prepared car.
Where are the best drift tracks in the UK?
Some of the most popular drift tracks in the UK include venues like Santa Pod Raceway, Teesside Autodrome, and Driftland Scotland. Availability depends on event schedules, so it’s best to check each venue’s drift day calendar.
Do you need a special car to drift on UK tracks?
No, you don’t need a professional drift car to use drift tracks in the UK. Many beginners start with rear-wheel-drive road cars, although some tracks may require limited modifications such as a welded differential or upgraded brakes.
How much does it cost to use a drift track in the UK?
Drift track prices in the UK typically range from £80 to £150 per day, depending on the venue and event type. Additional costs may include tyre wear, fuel, and optional tuition.
Are drift tracks safer than drifting on public roads?
Yes. Drift tracks in the UK are far safer than public roads because they are closed environments with marshals, safety rules, and no pedestrians or traffic. Drifting on public roads is illegal and dangerous, so you should always look for a legal drifting track to practice.
Can beginners use drift tracks in the UK?
Absolutely. Many UK drift tracks welcome beginners and offer novice sessions or drift tuition. These sessions focus on car control, safety, and basic drifting techniques.
Do UK drift tracks run events all year round?
Some drift tracks in the UK operate year-round, while others run seasonally due to weather conditions. Winter months may have fewer events, especially at outdoor circuits.
Is drifting legal in the UK?
Drifting is legal in the UK only on private land or approved drift tracks with permission from the venue. Drifting on public roads can result in fines, penalty points, or vehicle seizure.