The best UK driving experiences

Whether you’re picking up your new car for the first time or hitting the road in an old favourite, there’s no feeling quite like driving.

If you’re ready to take it to the next level, there are a whole host of incredible driving experiences to explore in the UK.

From super car experiences and off-road rallying to epic roadtrips through stunning scenery, there are so many ways to ramp things up from behind the wheel.

That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best driving experiences in the UK. Whether you want to treat yourself or looking for the ideal gift for the car lover in your life, we’re here to help.

The ultimate battle of the super cars

It’s the battle of the ultimate super cars as Ferrari takes on Lamborghini. And in this BuyAGift super car driving experience, you’re the judge.

You can book a six-mile drive in each car from one of 33 locations to put this old battle to bed and enjoy a supremely indulgent, and eye-wateringly fast, driving experience around a circuit designed to cater for petrol-heads.

You’ll be greeted by a qualified safety instructor, who’ll give you the full lowdown, before you hit the track.  

Choose from A Ferrari F430, 360, 355 or California and pit it against the classic Lamborghini Gallardo for the ultimate match-up.

Tanks? You’re welcome

So, we gave the speed junkies something to chew over, now it’s time to size up and speed down with this experiential 3-lap tank driving experience, available from Virgin Experience Days.

It gives you the opportunity to manoeuvre a 17-tonne armoured tank, using a periscope for guidance or with the hatches fully down. You’ll be assisted by an instructor as you steer your way across a former World War 2 bombing range.

This experience is as much about driving the tank as it is about the history behind it as it also comes with free entry to the on-site military museum.

Who said learning couldn’t also be fun?

The home of racing legends

Have you ever dreamed of driving on the same track as the likes of Hamilton, Schumacher, and Vettel?

Well here’s your chance.

Silverstone race days let you hit the Stowe circuit in a single seater F1 car that’ll reach 60mph in under five seconds to give you a truly authentic F1 driving experience.

You’ll enjoy two driving sessions, the first a 10-minute practice session, before the shackles then come off for a 20-minute self-paced session – the ideal gift for adrenaline junkies.

Oh, and did we mention? There’s no speed limit…

Twists, turns and wheels to burn

Want less road and more dirt? This Red Letter Days’ rally driving experience might be the one for you.

Get behind the wheel of a Ford RS2000 or Subaru Impreza and fly around 900 acres of twisty Welsh woodland for an adrenaline-pumped ride that’ll unleash your wild side.

You’ll be welcomed by a trained instructor who will give you some handy pointers and a safety briefing before you’re let loose behind the wheel.

And if you’ve got a competitive streak, you’ll love the fact that this driving experience pits you head-to-head against other drivers to see who can beat the track fastest.

We’d say enjoy the scenery, but there won’t be any time for that!

The best things in life are free

OK, so we’ve given the adrenaline junkies more than enough to choose from. How about a drive that’s not just about the car you’re in?

The North Coast 500 will take you on one of the most beautiful adventures the UK has to offer. Cruise your way across 500 miles of incredible scenery; breath-taking mountains, wonderful wildlife, romantic backdrops, and historic architecture.

You’ll cross six regions of Scotland, all offering something unique, including Black Isle, Caithness, Easter Ross, Inverness, Sutherland, and Wester Ross.

Make sure you plan ahead though, as the official NC 500 website recommends you take a full five days to explore everything this amazing route has to offer.

Best get those sandwiches packed.