Lewis Hamilton-inspired active holidays

If Lewis Hamilton's victories on the world's most challenging racing circuits is giving you the urge to get behind the wheel yourself, why not take up the challenge with an active holiday on a real grand prix circuit?

While there may be no chance of being in the British grand prix itself at Silverstone on July 8th, you could be book yourself into the driving seat with a day out at the circuit.

Once a wartime airfield, Silverstone has gained a reputation as one of the world's most famous motor racing tracks, holding its first major events - the RAC Grand Prix and the Formula One Daily Express International Trophy - in 1948 and 1949 respectively.

Located in the rural English county of Northamptonshire, Silverstone can be experienced first-hand with a day-out complete with car hire, driving lessons and a chance to race around the track.

Among the tour operators offering the Silverstone experience are DoSomethingDifferent.com, who have a day at the track available for £155 per person.

The Formula First Single Seater experience includes a 30-minute session on driving techniques and safety in the car, and two 20-minute drives with and without a pace car.

If that is nowhere near enough driving, you can opt for the Grand Prix Challenge, which includes six on and off-track experiences for £699 per person.

The trip includes safety and driving techniques sessions, followed by racing with a Ferrari 355, a Formula First Single Seater, an Audi RS4, a Lotus Exige, a Ford Fiesta ST Group N Rally Car, a Caterham 7, a Land Rover Defender and Quad Bikes as well as a buffet lunch.

Once you have satisfied your urge to drive at high speeds, you could head over to one of the county's many stately homes, where you can enjoy walks in the grounds, see lavish interiors and plenty of artworks.

There are also waterways, winding country lanes and footpaths to explore, along with charming historic villages and market towns where you can find antiques, locally produced food and drink and other speciality shops.

From Northamptonshire it is also easy to get to Warwickshire, where Stratford-upon-Avon, famous for its associations with Shakespeare, and Warwick Castle can be visited.

For more information, including accommodation listings, see www.visitbritain.com