Carlisle Racecourse

The roar of hooves on turf, the smell of freshly cut grass, the sudden collective gasp from the stands when the favourite stumbles - that's what Carlisle Racecourse delivers. It's a working thoroughbred racing venue on the outskirts of Carlisle, hosting fixtures throughout the year, and it's proper racing, not the manicured show of somewhere like Ascot.

You can either attend race days as a spectator (check the website for the fixture list and admission prices, which vary) or, if you're not bothered about the racing itself, simply walk the grounds on non-race days for a look at the paddocks and parade ring. Race days bring a buzz - families in the cheaper enclosures, serious punters studying form, people in hats having a day out. It's social and chaotic in equal measure.

Historically inclined types will appreciate that this course has been running in some form since 1717, though the current setup is modern enough to be comfortable. It's not a long visit - two or three hours if you're watching, half an hour if you're just curious about the setting.

If you're based at one of the nearby glamping pods at Thornfield or Pasturewood, or camping at Englethwaite Hall or Eden Valley, the racecourse makes an easy afternoon diversion from Carlisle itself. It won't appeal to everyone, but if you enjoy a flutter or simply watching horses go fast, it's worth the trip.