Prepare for the groundbreaking and immersive F1 racing experience that puts you in the driver’s seat. F1 Arcade London combines the thrills of Formula 1 with 69 state-of-the-art racecar simulators, an incredible selection of gourmet food and innovative cocktails, alongside a vibrant atmosphere perfect for a night out.
Spanning nearly 17,000 square feet and offering stunning views of St Paul’s Cathedral, F1 Arcade London is located at the One New Change shopping centre in the heart of The City of London.
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The simulator experience
Upon arriving at F1 Arcade London, you will be escorted by the staff to your designated simulator and receive a short introduction to how to use the machine. The simulators themselves consist of a driving seat, a steering wheel, and a speeder/break pedal setup. It’s straightforward to adjust the seat position and distance from the pedals, ensuring a pleasant and comfortable experience for both adults and children alike.
The immersive experience is incredible, and especially the sound design caught me off-guard in a positive way. There are speakers integrated into the driving seat, surrounding you while you drive, resulting in an incredibly realistic feeling. The simulator reacts to your movements and perfectly alters the sound, from the roaring of the engine to the crunch of the gravel under the tyres.
But it’s the physical sensations that make this experience truly incredible. The simulator simulates vibrations and g-forces and gives real-life tactile feedback to the driver. While driving, I remember feeling the subtle jerk of acceleration and the tug of gravity as I took sharp turns. The simulator started inclining while driving uphill and the porpoising on the straights made the seat shake.
Admission
The pricing starts at £17.95 for a 30-minute driving session at off-peak hours and goes up to £22.95 if you visit during peak hours. You can book in advance at the F1 Arcade London website, but walk-ins are also welcome.
Food and drink
Need a break? Don’t worry – if you are feeling hungry, F1 Arcade London offers a dining experience that’s as delicious as it is inviting. The food menu features a blend of contemporary dishes and snacks with global influences, ranging from homemade tacos to gourmet burgers and tuna sashimi. Complementing the culinary delights is an extensive drinks menu, including a broad variety of innovative cocktails with fitting names such as Formation Lap, Pole Position, and Box, Box, Box.
The perfect entertainment activity
F1 Arcade London is the perfect destination for you and your friends when looking to have a great time. The atmosphere is electric, and you can immediately feel the excitement and joy in the air, as you enter through the doors. The venue itself is decorated with a sleek and modern interior, creating a vibrant and immersive space.
When visiting as a group, you get to race against each other on the same track. This friendly competition makes every racing lap even more intense, as everyone pushes on for the podium. During race weekends, the F1 races are broadcast live on a giant screen, with countless people standing around, cheering for their favourite teams and drivers while having the time of their lives.
Opening hours
| Monday | 12:00-23:00 |
| Tuesday | 12:00-23:00 |
| Wednesday | 12:00-23:00 |
| Thursday | 12:00-01:00 |
| Friday | 12:00-01:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00-01:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00-23:00 |
Takeaway
Thank you for taking the time to read! F1 Arcade London is truly a great place to hang out and spend some time. In case you have any thoughts or questions, I would love to hear from you in the comments below. Oh, also – make sure to check out some of the many other things to do in London.
Until next time, take care!
