I do get rather perturbed by this idea of the "wrong side" of the road.

Language is a powerful tool and should be used with respect and care. In the UK we drive on the left. This is neither wrong side, nor indeed the “right” side.

Australia and Japan are two major countries which also drive on the left. By stating the "wrong" side (whilst I understand your meaning) I would respectfully suggest that it would be more sensitive and appropriate to use the term left side rather than "wrong" side.

Having said that, I agree with Aviatrix if you are not familiar with driving abroad that you may not want to drive after a flight. However as long as you stay off the free drinks on the plane, it is after all only NYC from which you are coming which really is not all that long a flight.

And if you can handle Long Island driving, UK motorways should be a breeze, particularly if you get SatNav and an automatic transmission. It is mostly motorways and country roads to Silverstone; very easy to navigate out of Heathrow and you can always drive the car back to the airport (exactly the way you came), drop it off there and train into London the rest of the way after your conference. At least then you have mobility near Silverstone so you have an option of eating elsewhere than the hotel restaurant and can get out in the evenings.

Although helpful I would not recommend the coach - if you on expenses and need to get somewhere to have a proper rest after your flight you are likely to fin the bus times obstructive; there is a whole load of schlepping over to the bus stop with luggage, and you are still landed with a cab cost the other end.