Best driving experiences: UK classic, karting and supercar experiences to try in 2023
Got the need for speed? Head on down to the most iconic tracks across the UK to drive the world’s fastest cars, from supercars and an Ariel Atom to a classic MINI Cooper S.
Get 2023 off to a flying start with our pick of the top driving experiences to try in the UK.
Whether it’s yourself who is a car lover and thrill seeker or a loved one, the gift of a driving experience is not one to be missed out on. With film and TV-themed experiences, like The Italian Job, as well as a whole host of vehicles to choose from, such as motorbikes, go karts, supercars, and more, there truly is something for everyone.
All of our chosen experiences have complete safety briefings before you step inside the vehicle, and if needed, you’ll be fully kitted out with safety gear.
The RadioTimes.com team have a knack for bringing you the best activities in the UK to try. Whether we’re suggesting alternative days out like the best UK zombie experiences and the best escape rooms, London-centric experiences such as the best West End shows and London experience gifts, or popular events like best immersive experiences and top London walking tours, if you’re wanting to try it, we have a best list for it.
So, you can be sure that these driving experiences will provide you with an unforgettable day, and are chosen from reputable companies like Virgin Experience Days and Buyagift.
Petrolheads, start your engines. Here are the best driving experiences to try this year.
Save 70% on The Ultimate Italian Job Driving Experience
There will be no blowing the bloody doors off in this driving experience, but there is a fantastic discount: for a limited time only, you can purchase The Ultimate Italian Job Driving Experience for £120 instead of £397.
Spend the day driving a Jaguar E-type, MINI Cooper S (complete with the HMP number plate, of course), and the iconic Harrington bus.
Buy The Ultimate Italian Job Driving Experience for £397 £120 at Virgin Experience Days | (save £177 or 70%)
Does petrol run through your veins? Well if you love racing you might also want to check out the best F1 experience days.
Best driving experiences at a glance:
- Drive a Supercharged Ariel Atom with a High Speed Passenger Ride in a Radical Race Car,
£99£59 - Karting Open Sprint Race at Three Sisters Outdoor Circuit, £59
- Ford Classics Four Car Driving Experience,
£297£79 - Tank Driving,
£199£99 - Triple Mustang Driving Blast Experience, £99
- The Ultimate Italian Job Driving Experience,
£397£120 - Harley Davidson Pillion Ride Tour, £125
- The Big One - Monster Truck Driving Experience, £165
- Five Supercar Blast plus High Speed Passenger Ride,
£309£209 - 4x4 Off Road and Rally Taster Driving Experience, £210
- Yamaha Motorcross Experience Day, £230
Best driving experiences in the UK to try in 2023
Five Supercar Blast plus High Speed Passenger Ride
Got the need for speed? Then this is the experience for you. You’ll take your pick of the world’s top supercars, such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Porsche, and more, and drive up to 15 miles in your chosen vehicles. As well as driving yourself, you’ll strap in for a high speed passenger ride with a professional driver, and remember to smile for the camera as you’ll receive a photo to remember your day.
It’s worth mentioning that not all supercars are available in each location, but with 37 race tracks to choose from, you’re bound to find a location that has your favourite supercar.
Buy Five Supercar Blast plus High Speed Passenger Ride for £309 £209 at Virgin Experience Days
Drive a Supercharged Ariel Atom with a High Speed Passenger Ride in a Radical Race Car
Another high speed escapade is this one from Virgin Experience Days. The day is split into two parts: you’ll drive six miles in a 325bhp supercharged Ariel Atom (a high performance, open wheel car), then you’ll meet a former European Champion driver who will whiz you round the track in a Radical race car.
Triple Mustang Driving Blast Experience
The ultimate tyre-screeching experience: choose three cars to drive from a 1965 GT350 Mustang Race Car, Shelby Mustang GT500 'Eleanor', 'Speed' Ford Mustang, and Roush Mustang GT V8, then whiz around the track. There’s the option to hop in for a super speedy passenger ride with a professional driver, too.
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Buy Triple Mustang Driving Blast Experience for £99 at Buyagift
The Ultimate Italian Job Driving Experience
There will be no blowing the bloody doors off in this next driving experience (well, we hope not, anyway!). You’ll take to the track in a Jaguar E-type, MINI Cooper S — branded with the ‘HMP’ number plate — and the iconic Harrington bus. Once you’ve completed your drives, you’ll take the passenger seat in the MINI Cooper S as your driver chases down and boards the moving Harrington bus.
Buy The Ultimate Italian Job Driving Experience for £397 £120 at Virgin Experience Days
4x4 Off Road and Rally Taster Driving Experience
Now when we say this is an ‘off road’ experience, we really mean it. Get strapped into a 4x4 and plough through five challenging areas, from rugged terrains and woodland to balancing on seesaws, tilting over steep inclines, and driving up steep sides as you go.
Once you’ve mastered the 4x4, get behind the wheel of a rally car to perform power slides, draw a figure of eight, and attempt an arched 200m sweeping bend.
Buy 4x4 Off Road and Rally Taster Driving Experience for £210 at Red Letter Days
Ford Classics Four Car Driving Experience
Ford is a huge part of motoring history, with Henry Ford inventing one of the most famous vehicles of all time: the Model T. Now, it’s your turn to get involved. Drive four of Ford’s Classics, choosing between the MK1 Escort, Gran Torino, Lotus Cortina, Mustang GT350 and GT40, then experience an electrifying high-speed passenger ride.
Buy Ford Classics Four Car Driving Experience for £297 £79 at Virgin Experience Days
Tank Driving
For a truly unique driving experience, look no further than this one. Head on down to Bicester to drive either a 15-tonne 1960s FV432 with a Rolls-Royce petrol engine, or an agile 1980s CVRT Spartan. You’ll drive on both grass and tarmac, just because you deserve the challenge!
Buy Tank Driving for £199 £99 at Buyagift
The Big One - Monster Truck Driving Experience
Live out your childhood fantasy and drive Grizzly, East Grinstead’s ginormous monster truck. The full size, American-spec monster truck comes armed with a 7.5 litre engine and 66-inch terra-tyres — you’ll need a step ladder to even get into this thing!
After a few practice laps, including learning how to reverse, you’ll power the monster truck over the top of two police saloon cars.
Buy The Big One - Monster Truck Driving Experience for £165 at Red Letter Days
Karting Open Sprint Race at Three Sisters Outdoor Circuit
Go Karting is the perfect experience for any budding F1 star or fan. At this circuit in Wigan, you’ll get behind the wheel of a Biz Honda powered Le Mans Twin 200GX kart, and compete in two heats and an all-important final race. Just like in the real deal, there are awards for the top three drivers. Will it be you?
Buy Karting Open Sprint Race at Three Sisters Outdoor Circuit for £59 at Virgin Experience Days
Yamaha Motorcross Experience Day
Perfect for beginners and experienced off-road enthusiasts alike, this experience gets you up to speed with riding the latest Yamaha Motocross and Enduro bikes on a purpose-built, off-road track. There’s no licence required for this experience, just make sure you’re confident on a bicycle.
Buy Yamaha Motorcross Experience Day for £230 at Virgin Experience Days
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Harley Davidson Pillion Ride Tour
If you’d still like the motorcycle experience but would prefer to be a passenger rather than a driver, then the Harley Davidson Pillion Ride Tour experience is the one for you. Feel the rumble of a genuine Harley Davidson Fat Boy beneath your pillion seat in this 30-mile round trip, which includes a photo opportunity from a vantage point on the South Downs.
Buy Harley Davidson Pillion Ride Tour for £125 at Virgin Experience Days
For more exciting things to do in the UK, stay up to date with our Going Out section where we have recommendations on the best UK stadium tours, things to do in Liverpool and how to get cheap football tickets.
