With the British Grand Prix at Silverstone this week, many motorsport fans will be tuning in to watch Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen fight it out for 2025 Formula One World Championship. But did you know that Formula One cars once raced just a few miles from Bude?
Not many people realise that Davidstow Airfield, just off the A39 between Bude and Camelford, played host to a short but remarkable chapter in motorsport history. So, if you’re staying at Trevalgas Cottages, it’s well worth a visit.
From RAF to Racetrack
Originally built as an RAF station during World War II, Davidstow Airfield opened in 1942 and served mainly as a Coastal Command base, helping patrol the Atlantic for U-boats. After the war, the wide concrete runways and flat moorland setting made it a tempting venue for something completely different…
In the early 1950s, the old airfield was transformed into a motor racing circuit. Between 1952 and 1955, it hosted a number of events. This included three races intending to feature Formula One cars, though in reality only the final race at the track in 1955, (see programme cover above) could be described as such.
Further details of these races can be found in this article
and also in Peter Tutthill’s book whose cover is shown.
Still visible today
The track itself used parts of the existing runways and taxiways, and you can still make out the layout today. This is marked in red on the wartime airfield photo. It’s a slightly surreal experience to walk around it — imagining single-seaters flying past, surrounded by wild moorland and sheep.
The site is open to the public and worth a little detour if you’re interested in local history or motor racing. There’s also a small Davidstow Airfield & Cornwall at War Museum nearby, which tells the wider story of the site’s military and racing past.
A perfect outing from Trevalgas
Whether you’re a motorsport enthusiast or just curious about Cornwall’s hidden stories, Davidstow is an easy drive from Trevalgas Cottages — and a great example of how much history is tucked into this corner of the country.
So if you’re staying with us during the British Grand Prix weekend (or any time of year), why not take a break from the beach and follow the trail of Cornwall’s very own Grand Prix past?
🚗 Around 35 minutes from Trevalgas 📍 Search “Davidstow Airfield” on your map 🎟️ Airfield museum open seasonally (check local info before visiting)
Alternatively, to book a break in our cottages do check availability on our website here
