Honiton Hill Rally

The roar of engines and screech of tyres on tarmac - that's what draws people to Honiton Hill Rally, a proper petrolhead's day out on the Somerset side of the Devon border. This is grass-roots motorsport at its finest: drivers hurling everything from classic Minis to modern hot hatchbacks up a challenging hillclimb course, spectators lined up on the banks cheering them on. It's raw, it's loud, and it's genuinely brilliant if you're into cars.

You'll spend most of your time standing about watching runs take place in quick succession. Bring a camping chair, sunscreen, and patience - hillclimbs aren't continuous action like circuit racing. But the atmosphere is friendly and you'll get properly close to the action, which beats watching from a grandstand miles away. Families with older kids who won't be bored by the waiting usually have a cracking time.

For the best experience, go early, stake out a good spot, and plan to stay the afternoon. Bring a picnic because trackside catering is what it is. If you're camped at Hartridge Springs Spa or one of the other glamping spots nearby, you could easily pop over for a day without it feeling like a mission. Honiton itself is only a short drive, so you can sort supplies and grab lunch in town if needed. Just check when the rally's scheduled - it's an annual event, so dates matter.