In Britain we are blessed with a wide range of race tracks upon which we can ride our bikes on track days.

These track days are not races, but an opportunity to ride our bikes on circuits where the top racers do battle on weekends. A typical day sees the participants split into three groups (usually Novice, Intermediate and Advanced) with 20 minutes of riding each hour.

Most circuits offer such experiences in the summer and all represent an excellent opportunity to get to know your bike better, while developing your riding skills in a more controlled environment.

With Britain commonly regarded as one of the earliest homes of motorsport, many of our circuits are traditional, with roots dating back to the 1950s and earlier.

Circuits generally fall into two main categories: former airfield circuits (like Snetterton, Silverstone and Thruxton) converted to motor racing after the war, and circuits built on country estates (such as Cadwell Park, Donington Park and Oulton Park) where the lords of the manor had a real passion for motor racing.

With such great venues on our doorsteps, there’s no excuse not to get out and try a track day. But which track suits you best? We took a look at five of our favourites…

Oulton Park

Ask 100 British track day enthusiasts what their favourite circuit is and chances are Oulton Park will feature right at the top of the pile.

The Cheshire track combines all that’s good about the traditional British parkland circuit with modern facilities and easy access from the likes of Liverpool and Manchester, which are both just half an hour away.

It’s a classic British track with plenty of undulations, chicanes and fast corners to provide a challenge for all kinds of riders on all kinds of bikes. Current owners MSV (who also run Brands Hatch, Cadwell Park, Donington Park and Snetterton) have invested heavily in the circuit, meaning that the paddock and catering facilities are right up to scratch too.

There are also plenty of dates on throughout the year, run directly by MSV or by third party track day organisers like No Limits. As a longer circuit, with some decent straights, it’s also a bit less physically demanding than some other tracks here, but it shouldn’t be underestimated. Oulton Park is hugely technical circuit and even the most experienced track day fiends continue to learn with every lap they turn.

Knockhill

Scotland’s only permanent race track is a little cracker, with some devilish corners and a friendly team to look after you.

At 1.3 miles, Knockhill is the shortest track on the British superbike calendar. The drag out of the first gear hairpin is a real chance to open your bike up, as it climbs up the hill and down the long start/finish straight. The fastest bikes will lift their front wheels at over 100mph over the crest, before braking for the challenging ‘Duffus Dip’ – the UK’s answer to Laguna Seca’s iconic Corkscrew.

The track is narrow, undulating and physically demanding. Plenty of track days are run throughout out the year, with a mix of weekday, weekend and evening sessions.

Knockhill track days are popular with local club racers, but the track also runs some two hour evening sessions in the summer for beginners. Local hero Niall Mackenzie also runs some superbike schools over the summer, while TT legend John McGuinness has also been known to turn up from time to time and pass on his words of wisdom.

Being located on a hill in Scotland, the weather is notoriously fickle. Thankfully grip in the wet is good, while on a glorious day (and there are many) the views across the Firth of Forth are stunning.

Silverstone

As the home of the British Grand Prix it would be impossible not to include Silverstone on our track day list.

With large gravel traps and big catch fences designed to contain 200mph Formula One cars, the circuit tends to polarise race fans, who miss the intimacy of the venue compared to the classic British parkland circuits, but when it comes to riding this is a must-do experience.

Why? Well for many reasons really. Firstly, it truly is the only racetrack in the UK where you can follow in the tyre tracks of Marquez, Rossi et al, even using the same garages as the MotoGP heroes on your track day. Whether you love two wheels or four (or both), the place is literally steeped in history.

Secondly, the track itself is unique. Whereas most British tracks are tight, hilly and technically challenging, Silverstone is wide, flat and very, very fast. If have a modern day sportsbike and really want to stretch its legs, Silverstone is one of the few places you can give it the full beans.

Silverstone has three main circuit configurations: National, International and Grand Prix. National is the southern half of the circuit and is used in the British superbike championship. It’s just 1.6 miles long and easier to learn for novices, while the International layout runs out of the fancy new ‘Wing’ complex and uses the northern loop of the circuit, including the long Hangar straight. For the full fat experience, the Grand Prix circuit links the two halves and is the one used in MotoGP. It’s one of the most challenging circuits in the world, and quite different to the typical British race track. As a novice, it’s probably better to start out on one of the shorter configurations as they are easier to learn and less intimidating for rookies.

Silverstone typically runs two track days a month during the summer season. Instructors are always on hand to help out, while those looking for one-to-one tuition can sign up for the Masterclass, which is usually run by Grand Prix legend Niall Mackenzie.

Cadwell Park

Unique is an overused word in the English language, but it’s perfectly justified when it comes to describing Cadwell Park.

Located close to Louth, in Lincolnshire, it’s often compared to the Isle of Man Mountain course or Germany’s ferocious Nurburgring – indeed many scenes from the movie Rush – telling the story of James Hunt and Niki Lauda on the 1970s Formula One circuit were shot here.

In many ways that explains the charm of Cadwell in a nutshell. It’s a throwback to the halcyon days of 1970s racing, with little of the modifications to accommodate increasingly more powerful cars and bikes that have taken place at many other circuits.

That means that run off is limited in places and facilities like garages are far less than we have come to expect at more modern circuits. It doesn’t detract from the fact that Cadwell is thrilling to ride. The woodland section is tight and narrow, with little opportunity to pass, but that’s balanced with the fast right handers like Charlies, Park and Chris Curve.

Of course, it’s impossible to talk about Cadwell Park without mentioning the infamous ‘Mountain’ which is a kind of motocross jump on asphalt, where bikes charge up the Mountain and pop a wheelie over the crest. Incredibly British superbikes still race here and the sight of 200+bhp superbikes getting both wheels off the ground as they jump the Mountain attracts one of the biggest crowds of the year.

It’s also a favourite spot for track day photographers and a shot jumping over the Mountain is a cherished by every track day enthusiast. See, we told you it was unique!

Donington Park

As former home of the British Grand Prix and the venue for our current world superbike round, Donington Park is an elite level circuit that’s very popular for motorcycle track days.

It’s central location, just off the M1 and next to East Midlands Airport, makes it accessible for many riders, who enjoy the challenge of the infamous Craner Curves and the fast right hand corners through McLeans and Coppice.

The Leicestershire circuit is also home to the Carole Nash-backed Ron Haslam Race School, making it an ideal place for rookie track riders to learn the basics and hone their skills as they gain additional experience.

As well as track days, Donington Park has car and bike racing activity on most weekends during the summer. It’s particularly popular with classic car racing clubs and even hosts the annual Download music festival, making it one of the most versatile race tracks in the UK.