There are driving venues, and then there are driving venues. Some are little more than a stretch of tarmac in the middle of nowhere with a few cones scattered about and a bloke holding a clipboard. Then there is Carlisle Lake District Airport.
Nestled against the stunning backdrop of Cumbria's rolling countryside, this former RAF airfield provides the sort of wide-open space that performance cars, classic motors, pursuit vehicles and even giant trucks absolutely adore. It is a venue where horsepower is allowed to stretch its legs properly, giving drivers room to experience machines in a way that simply is not possible on the public road.
Our range of Carlisle Lake District Airport Driving Experiences offers something for almost every kind of motoring enthusiast. Whether your dream involves chasing criminals in a police interceptor, sampling a collection of supercars, reliving the golden age of motoring or climbing into the cab of a huge truck, there is an experience waiting for you.
To help narrow down the options, we have selected five of our favourites available at this fantastic Cumbrian venue.
UK vs USA Police Pursuit Driving Experience
Most of us have watched police pursuit programmes and wondered what it would be like to sit behind the wheel instead of sitting on the sofa. The Police Pursuit Driving Experience gives you the chance to find out.
This unique experience puts drivers behind the wheel of two very different pursuit vehicles inspired by British and American police forces. It is a fascinating opportunity to compare their performance, handling and character on track.
The contrast is what makes this experience so entertaining. One vehicle delivers the sort of muscle and presence associated with American law enforcement, while the other showcases the agility and precision often found in British pursuit cars.
If you have ever debated which side of the Atlantic builds the better police vehicle, this is your chance to settle the argument from the driver's seat.
The Ultimate U Drive 3 Supercars Track Day
For some people, choosing a favourite supercar is impossible. Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche and many others all bring something different to the table. Thankfully, The Ultimate U Drive removes the need to choose just one.
This experience allows participants to drive three incredible supercars from an extensive fleet, experiencing a variety of engineering philosophies and performance characteristics in a single day.
One car may impress with razor-sharp cornering, while another leaves you grinning thanks to its explosive acceleration. That variety is what makes this package so appealing.
It is an ideal experience for anyone who wants to make the most of their track time and sample some of the world's most desirable performance cars.
The Icons - 2 Car Driving Experience
Some cars become more than just modes of transport. They become legends. The Two Car Icons Experience celebrates those automotive heroes by giving drivers the chance to get behind the wheel of two truly memorable machines.
Participants can enjoy driving two iconic performance cars and discover for themselves why these vehicles have earned such devoted followings among enthusiasts.
What makes this experience particularly enjoyable is the opportunity to compare different generations, styles and approaches to performance. Every icon has its own story and personality.
This is not just about speed. It is about experiencing the cars that helped shape motoring culture and continue to inspire drivers around the world.
Modern cars may be quicker, smarter and packed with technology, but classic cars possess something many modern vehicles struggle to match: character. The Double Classic Car Choice experience is a celebration of that charm.
Drivers can get behind the wheel of two classic cars and enjoy a motoring experience that feels refreshingly different from today's technology-heavy machines.
From the distinctive styling to the more mechanical driving feel, every moment serves as a reminder of a golden era of motoring. These cars demand involvement and reward drivers with an experience full of personality.
For anyone who appreciates automotive history, this is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy two timeless classics in one memorable session.
Supercars often steal the headlines, but there is something undeniably impressive about a full-sized truck. The Truck Driving Thrill offers a completely different kind of driving challenge.
Two participants get the chance to climb into the cab of a Volvo truck and experience what it is like to control one of the largest vehicles on the road.
The elevated driving position provides a commanding view, while the sheer size of the vehicle quickly gives you a newfound respect for professional truck drivers and the skills they use every day.
It is fun, surprisingly educational and a brilliant experience for anyone looking to try something a little different from the usual performance driving day.
Final Thoughts
Carlisle Lake District Airport is one of those rare venues that offers enough space, variety and atmosphere to make every driving experience feel special. Whether you are chasing suspects in police pursuit vehicles, comparing exotic supercars, exploring motoring history through iconic classics or taking command of a huge truck, there is an experience to suit almost every taste.
What makes this venue stand out is the sheer diversity of experiences available. Few locations allow you to move from a supercar to a classic car, then from a police pursuit vehicle to a heavyweight truck, all within the same venue. It creates a driving destination that appeals to newcomers and lifelong petrolheads alike.
Each of these experiences offers something unique, but they all share one important quality. They provide memories that last far longer than the time spent behind the wheel.
If you are looking for an unforgettable driving day in Cumbria, these five experiences represent some of the very best ways to enjoy everything Carlisle Lake District Airport has to offer. The only real problem is deciding which one deserves a place at the top of your wishlist.
