Drive a Fire Engine? My Review of This Unique Gift Experience
Looking for unique gift ideas that are truly unforgettable? Tired of the same old vouchers or gift baskets? Have you considered a Fire Engine Driving Experience! Recently, my 19-year-old son Ben received this as a Christmas gift from his grandma, and let’s just say, he loved it. I’m here to share why this experience is perfect for anyone aged 10 to 100, whether they can drive or not, and why it’s one of the best gift ideas out there. This isn’t in any way sponsored, we just thought it was great and wanted to share!
What Is the Fire Engine Experience?
Remember wanting to play hero as a child? Now extend that dream into reality. The Fire Engine Experience, lets people get behind the wheel of an actual fire engine! This isn’t your average thrill-seeking activity, there are no skids and supercars, it’s a chance to experience the power of driving a real emergency vehicle in a safe, controlled environment.
How It Works—Booking & Venues
The experience is brilliantly organised and can be booked through Virgin Experiences, or directly from Young Driver. Sessions are held at various locations across the UK, making it easy to find a venue near you. I did notice that other experience companies had similar experiences but through a different company so I can’t vouch for if they are of similar quality.
When booking, you’ll receive all the essential details, and the process is straightforward. The company is known for delivering a premium setup, so you’ll be confident your gift is going to make the recipient’s day.
Why This Makes a Great Gift (even for non drivers)
One question I had before booking was whether this would suit Ben, who doesn’t have a driver’s licence. Spoiler alert—it was an absolute success! Here’s why this experience works for just about anyone over the age of 10:
- Beginner or Pro: With dual controls in the fire engine and trained experts on hand, participants are in safe hands whether they’re seasoned drivers or complete beginners.
- Fun to Watch: If you’re attending as an observer, you won’t be bored! Seeing a loved one carefully manoeuvre an enormous fire engine is fun too.
- Confidence Boosting: For non-drivers, this experience offers an empowering taste of driving something extraordinary.
Picture this, you’re sitting in the cab, lights flashing, steering massive wheels with ease (well, maybe with some guidance). For Ben, it was thrilling, even without previous driving experience.
What to Expect on the Day
On arrival, the experience is seamlessly managed. Here’s how it all went for us:
- Warm Welcome: From the moment you arrive, the team makes both participants and spectators feel comfortable. Their balance of professionalism and friendliness is fantastic.
- Safety Briefing: A short, clear introduction ensures everyone feels secure and ready. This is great for anyone feeling nervous!
- Time to Shine: Participants enjoy hands-on time driving the fire engine while the instructor guides them through every twist and turn. Ben’s experience was in a large car park area with plenty of space!
- Photo Opportunities: Expect plenty of picture-perfect moments as your loved one takes the wheel.
Ben was grinning from ear to ear the whole time, and watching him from the edge of the driving area was just as exciting for us.
Buying as a gift
Here are the reasons this would make a perfect gift for anyone you are struggling to buy for whether a huge fire engine fan or just someone who likes to try something different.
- Memorable: It’s not every day you get to drive a fire engine! This is a lasting memory that’ll be talked about for years.
- Suitable for All Ages: From kids to grandparents, it’s an inclusive experience.
Where to Book
You have plenty of options to lock in your experience. Go straight to Virgin Experiences where the voucher lasts or go directly to Young Driver.
Each offers clear details and often promotions, so you might grab a bargain while gifting something unique!
Is the Fire Engine Experience Worth It?
Absolutely. Watching Ben’s huge grin as he navigated turns in a towering fire engine was priceless. It’s a perfect way to give someone a slice of excitement wrapped in novelty and adventure. The Fire Engine Experience is a must-consider option when thinking of unique gift ideas.
Whether it’s for a milestone birthday, Christmas, or just because, this experience checks all the boxes for a fun, exciting, and memorable gift.