Mansell Raceway

Go-kart racing in Devon isn't something that immediately springs to mind, but Mansell Raceway near Honiton delivers genuine thrills on a proper circuit. This is indoor racing at its most accessible - you're in a go-kart, you've got pedal control, and there's genuine competitive tension between laps. It's the sort of place that gets under your skin quickly, especially if you've got any petrol-head tendencies.

Families with kids aged eight and up will find real value here. The karts are responsive enough to feel rewarding but forgiving enough that novices don't crash into walls every thirty seconds. Adults often discover they're more competitive than expected - there's something about a leaderboard that brings out the worst in people. You'll easily lose two hours without noticing.

The circuit itself is tight and technical rather than sweeping and fast. It rewards smooth driving and decent racecraft, which means that single lap your mate did on a stag do five years ago suddenly feels less impressive than they claimed. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter if you're trying to avoid school groups.

If you're basing yourself at Hartridge Springs Spa Glamping down the road, this makes a solid half-day activity that doesn't require driving far. It's not going to define your holiday, but it's the kind of thing that sticks in the memory - especially if you manage to beat whoever you came with. Worth the detour if you've got competitive spirits in your group.