The 10 best driving experiences you can buy

Looking for the ultimate gift for the motoring enthusiast in your life? Or maybe you just don’t fancy wrapping up yet another novelty car air freshener?

Why not treat your loved one to a driving experience day? There are great adventures out there for all tastes, no matter what their motoring interests.

To help you rev up some inspiration, here are some of our favourites.

1. Go off-roading in a Land Rover

Do you know someone who’s grown bored of suburban driving? Or perhaps they want to take a car to the absolute limits? Why not treat them to day off-roading in a great British icon — a Land Rover.

Off-roading in a Land Rover is one of the ultimate driving experiences and the UK countryside has acres of great terrain to make it extra special. So, think outside the road this birthday or Christmas, and get muddy with your gift ideas.  

2. Get tickets for the British Grand Prix

Get up close and personal with Hamilton, Lando, and the rest of the world’s best drivers by soaking up the glamour of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Taking place over a weekend in July, tickets are available for practice sessions and qualifying, as well as the race itself.

Judged by fans to be one of the best F1 circuits in the world, Silverstone also puts on concerts and entertainment throughout the weekend for spectators, so it really doesn’t get much better than this for lovers of high-speed action.

READ MORE: Ten of the best road trips in the UK

3. Hire a Harley Davidson

Has your loved one always fancied themselves as something of a Hells Angel? Well, why not help their dream become a little bit closer to reality by giving them the chance to ride a Harley for the day?

With a guide leading the way, riders will get to focus on the unadulterated thrills of feeling the power of a Harley Davidson engine between their legs as they glide through the countryside.

They’ll be looking to do the same on Route 66 in no time.

4. Go to a classic car show

Whether it’s their deep-rooted history, the sound of their engines, or their enduring style, classic cars have an undeniable charm.

Fortunately, the UK boasts some of the world’s most iconic classic car shows, featuring the finest vintage vehicles from both near and far.

To help you experience these stunning machines up close, here’s our guide to the top classic car shows happening near you.

5. Soak up some motoring history

Source: National Motor Museum Beaulieu

Set in the stunning surroundings of the New Forest, Beaulieu’s National Motor Museum is home to one of the finest collections of cars, motorbikes and automotive memorabilia in the world.

The museum contains over 250 vehicles, an exhibition showcasing the greatest moments from Top Gear, and even a secret army presentation celebrating Beaulieu’s role during the Second World War. Tickets also include entry to the nearby ruined medieval abbey and Beaulieu Palace House.

6. Sample a supercar

Does your partner think of themselves as something of a high roller? Do they dream about swapping in their modest hatchback for a motor that will take them from 0-60mph in a matter of seconds?

Don’t worry - while a supercar might set you back a few hundred thousand pounds, you can turn a potentially expensive midlife crisis into an unforgettable day. One of these experience days will give them a taste of life in the fast lane.

Most of these companies let you pick from a range of jaw-dropping supercars that would make Jay Leno jealous. A couple of laps around the track will make anyone feel like The Stig.

READ MORE: Speeding fines — how much you now have to pay

7. Race a classic Morgan

Morgan has been crafting some of the UK’s finest sports cars for over a century, and while your bank balance might not stretch to putting one under the tree, you can still treat that special someone to the ultimate Morgan experience.

As well as tours of its factory, Morgan also offers enthusiasts the chance to take one the legendary motors out for a spin, so they’ll be able to feel the wind whip through their hair as they drive through the stunning Malvern Hills.  

8. Get muddy dirt biking

If you know someone who prefers two wheels to four, why not get something that pushes them to their limits by treating them to a Motocross experience day?

Available at various locations across the UK, riders can throw themselves into the fast and filthy world of dirt biking, perfect for those looking for something altogether a little more full-throttle in their stocking.

GET A QUOTE: Motorbike insurance

9. Drive on a Formula 1 circuit

If watching the British Grand Prix doesn’t rev your engines, how about driving on a Formula 1 circuit yourself? Since 1963 Silverstone, Brands Hatch and Donnington have all hosted F1 races — and you can race on all of them!

Whether your loved one wants to speed through chicanes like Kimi Räikkönen or take corners like Fernando Alonso, this is their chance. Choose from a range of cars and let them practise taking the chequered flag.

10. Ride in a rally car

Do you know someone who’s spent years playing various Colin McRae rally video games into the early hours of the morning? Why not turn their heroics into reality with a day behind the wheel of a rally car?

On a rally day experience they’ll be able take in the epic twists and turns of some championships courses. Or, if they fancy seeing what life is really like at top speed they can even be a passenger to a professional rally driver.