Getting to the circuit is simple enough by car via the M20 and onto the A20, clearly signposted from the M25 too. If you are approaching the circuit from the north on the M25 make sure you take the juction for the A20 and not the juction for the M20 as the brown signs for Brands Hatch are slightly misleading.

If you are attending on a big meeting race day allow plenty of time for getting into the car parks as the queues can be horrendous if you arrive at peak time. However arriving between 7 and 8 rarely presents too many problems.

Facilities wise you will find there are ample toilet blocks both purpose built and porta-loo style, many fast food outlets which offer the usual menus, and a decent selection of shops for the motorsport follower to keep busy - including a newly furbished Brands hatch mega-store which is situated underneath the only permanent seating structure at the circuit at Paddock Hill bend.

For the best view of the Indy-circuit get yourself a seat at that grandstand. It's uncovered so be warned! The view from the higher part of the stand enables you to see around 90% of the circuit so if you want to see all the action pay the money and use that.

If like me you prefer to get a little closer to the action, generally speaking most of it happens coming into,through and out of Paddock Hill bend and up Hailwoods Hill towards Druids corner. The banks here are usually packed, steep in places and the ground is fairly uneven.

Other good viewing spots are at Druids hairpin itself where the cars are at their slowest point, and also towards the end of the circuit at Surtees, Mclaren and Clark curve.

Any photographers who stay the general public side of the fence will find that fences are quite high for the most part, but there are places that give unobstructed views such as at Mclarens - just at the point where the Grand Prix circuit disappears off into the woods.

Sadly the GP circuit is much under-used in my opinion but if you get the chance to go to a meeting that incorporates the full circuit then go. If you are a fan that likes to see and hear the cars at full speed get yourself along-side Pilgrims Drop for an unforgettable experience of sheer noise as it echoes off of the surrounding woodland.

Dingle Dell corner is my favourite corner in the UK. Its bumpy and although it's a chicane drivers try and straight line it, often with spectacular results. Cars get airborne here - I'm sure you've seen the pics, its an awesome sight in the flesh.

The GP circuit does not have commentary speakers posts on it so if you like to know what's happening it's not the place to be...maybe they have or will sort that out soon !

That pretty much wraps up all you need to know, except to say that if you are attending Brands either in early spring or autumn, be sure to take clothing for all conditions. The surrounding North Downs can provide some awful weather conditions. Rain can sneak up at a moments notice and if the winds coming from the East you are in for a chilly day !

Enjoy it!

The circuit has lots of food outlets where everyone can get a meal, no matter what you're after, but be prepared to pay quite heftily for it - it is the nearest circuit to London.

The track itself it well known for Paddock Hill bend, which always guarantees some action and is a good point for photographers to get some impressive shots, and also the run up to Clearways is a popular place for the drivers to set each other up, as they approach at over 100MPH, and prepare for the run along the front straight, (but it is a little difficult to get the most dramatic photos because of the viewing restrictions around the circuit.)

For the spectators, the circuit is quite a treat because wherever you stand you are more or less guaranteed to see most of the circuit, only missing part of the lap due to obstructing buildings and the spectator is very close to the cars as they blast round because it is not built to accommodate F1 safety regulations, which adds to the experience. The cars look most impressive about 3/4 of the way up the back straight (nearest paddock hill) as the cars brake from speeds in excess of 125MPH for Paddock Hill, on the crest of the hill. The outside of Paddock Hill is another interesting place to watch especially on the opening lap as well."

Head down the station's access road, and turn left onto the main road. Follow this round until you reach a mini-roundabout at which point turn right. The road starts to go uphill and after about 500yds on the left is a Budgens which is the last stop for cheap food b4 the circuit. Keep going up the hill, over the M20 and as the road bears round to the left turn right and get onto the pavement. You'll pass in front of a few houses and then you can use the pedestrian crossings and a little ingenuity to get yourself anti-clockwise round the roundabout to plant yourself on the A20 sliproad heading for the circuit. Stay on the A20 for about a mile, mostly downhill (easy rolling, but you'll need the rest for the next bit!) and when you reach the next big roundabout, (Vauxhall dealers on the right, and a Fina Garage), take a right.

Time for some hilly stuff. Stay on this road until you reach one huge greet hill, at which point you will see the brown signs. I advise you not to be tempted to use the (empty) footpath as it is littered with glass and debris and you WILL puncture. If you have a paddock pass, halfway up turn left onto Scratchers lane, and the Paddock entrance is about 400yds on the right. Otherwise over the top of the hill and you'll see the BHL empire spread out on your left. Assuming you take the latter route (i.e. you're a punter or a masochist) stay left when you get through the border guards and you'll find the camping field at the top of the site, on the left (about 100yds). Try to avoid the spots in the very middle of the field with your tent as it gets waterlogged, but otherwise it's fine. The bike ride to this place is a little taxing, so take your time, but it shouldn't take more than about 35-40 mins from the station, possibly less if you get off at Eynsford (but there isn't a Budgens there!)

Grub in the Kentagon isn't cheap but if you ride out of the circuit, down the hill, and take the left for the village only, just before you get back to the Fina garage, turning right will reveal a nice country pub that does very good value nosh. Just remember your lights and bear in mind you have to ride back up the hill later."