UK’s first BattleKarts launch in Kent

The chance to step inside a life-size video game is coming to the UK for the first time with the opening of BattleKart Sittingbourne in Kent.

BattleKart brings together the world of indoor karting and gaming, thanks to augmented reality technology and electric karts, which means there is no danger of fuel spills or environmentally damaging emissions.

The experience allows for between two and 12 drivers to bump, dodge and race without crashing on their way to victory, combining the physical thrill of karting with the strategy of video gaming.

BattleKart offers six individual games with players able to choose from BattleColor, BattleVirus, BattleSnake, BattlePool, BattleRace and BattleFoot. Each game has a different footprint projected from above, with tips and tricks available to enhance the experience.

BattleKart has been brought to the UK by Kent couple Paul Scriven and Carly Warner who came across it on social media a few years ago. They teamed up with Paul’s father Lee, who is no stranger to successful interactive visitor attractions, having developed the London Bridge Experience and London Tombs.

Ken Brennan, Director of BattleKart Sittingbourne, said: “We’re very excited to bring BattleKart to the UK as it offers something new and original, whether it’s for small groups of friends and family, birthday parties, hen and stag parties, or corporate team building events.

“Above all else, it’s great fun! If you’re old enough to remember playing Snake on your phone, you’ll love being inside the game, gathering fruits, blocking your opponents and aiming to be the longest snake at the end of the session.

“Or you might be a football fan but instead of sitting in front of the TV or on a cold pitch, the whole family can come along and play BattleFoot. Although the field is virtual, the ball will react perfectly to all your dribbles and shots. Obviously the winning team is the one that has scored the most goals when the whistle blows!”

Originating in Belgium, BattleKart now operates in France, Germany, Netherlands, as well as Australia, Saudi Arabia and Dubai.

Ken Brennan continued: “BattleKart is at the heart of our new Battle Games Kent concept, which will also see the arrival of VR and arcade gaming later this year combining the latest technology and games, with arcade nostalgia that will allow visitors to take a trip down memory lane.”

Open to people of all ages taller than 145cm or 4’ 9.1” inches, BattleKart Sittingbourne is based at Hooks Hole Farm, Chestnut Street, Borden, and is open from noon to 10pm from Monday to Thursday, and from 9am to 10pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

To book a session or hire the venue, which also includes a drinks bar, visit www.battlekart.com/en/sittingbourne