As many of you know we are planning a trip to England this summer to tour the MINI factory in Oxford.
The tour is called MINI Addicts Tour and it is 2 hours 30 minutes, it is open to 14 year olds and above only.
No pictures are permitted inside the plant and it is recommended that you bring comfortable shoes (NO Pumps or open shoes- Trudee ).
The admission fee for the plant tour is 20 pounds ($35 USD roughly).
There is a shorter (90 minute) tour offered for 12 pounds called MINI Friends Tour for those that don't want to spend 2 1/2 hours at the plant.
What some may not know is that we are trying to combine the trip with the MINI United event at Silverstone.
Silverstone is approximately 50 kms away from the plant so it is relatively a short drive between the two locations.
If you are interested in making this trip keep your eye on this post for updates on exact dates, travel plans and accommodations.

MINI United runs from May 22nd-24th (Friday thru Sunday) and the grounds open at 9am.
Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the event itself, the cost is 35 pounds (roughly $60 USD) NON-Refundable.
To download a MINI United program click here.
Camping is available for anyone interested in roughing it at Whittlebury Park Golf & Country Club.

There is more information available about MINI United at their website or you can email them.


MINI United 2005


MINI United 2007


Special NOTE: While this is primarily a Upstate MINIs club function everyone is invited regardless of club affiliations.
And as always Upstate MINIs continues to be a club open to all MINI owners with no dues required.

 

I'm in! Where do I sign up and who do I need/get to kill for a ticket?

 

Well there goes my savings. WHEE!

 

Are you arranging any kind of group rates for lodging or airfare or anything?

 

I'm currently working on a the reservations for the Plant Tour and a few other things that will more than likely not be resolved until after the Holiday season.
As soon as I have more details on any discounts I will post them here.
As of right now I have no particular hotel picked out and I'm wondering if with MINI United going on at the same time if it might end up being rustic camping.
There is a list of hotels in the vicinity of the Silverstone track listed on the MINI United website but I'm pretty sure those will end up being pretty pricey.

 

Just a side note - my wife and I did the full factory tour this summer and it was a lot of fun! We were staying in London and took the bus out there (about 1 - 1.5 hours each way). If you have any specific questions about the factory or transportation, I will do my best to help out.

 

You know! I never thought about reaching out to our MINI community in Europe.
Maybe there is someone in the UK right now that is reading this forum and thinking that maybe they could put us (10-30) up in their house while we visit.

In return I offer up my house for visitors that want to visit the American BMW Plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

 

I have some VERY comfortable pumps I can wear. Just try and stop me!

 

So....any updates on group rates at hotels and/or airfare? I REALLY want to do this, but need to cut as many costs as possible.

 

Floyd & I would also be interested in this....just got an announcement on the 50th birthday celebration. Is it still on?

 

I know I won't be able to make it now, but I hope anyone that goes has a blast!

 

Due to costs and scheduling issues the trip as a group has been cancelled. Feel free to use any of the resources provided here though, if anyone does go you have to post pictures.