Grendon Lakes

All that paintballing and wakeboarding got you fired up for other adrenaline-fuelled activities? Set off for the Santa Pod Raceway (20 minutes’ drive) to survey the drag races at Europe's first permanent complex for 1/4 and 1/8 mile racing, or encounter more motoring history at Silverstone (40 minutes) – home to both the British Grand Prix and a driving experiences centre where you can sign up for all sorts of speedy thrills. Thrill-seekers may also like to schedule a visit to Wicksteed Park (half an hour) for 30 rides and activities, including one of the longest ziplines in the UK. Not got a head for heights? Laze about on the lake boats or wander through the bird-filled Woolloomooloo Aviary (half an hour) instead. For other sedate ways to spend the day, Althorp Estate (40 minutes, open July and August) is a countryside spot made up of cottages, farms, woodlands and villages to wander around. It’s also the final resting place of Princess Diana, for those who’d like to pay their respects.