Spa is one of Belgium’s most popular tourist destinations, with natural mineral springs and a Formula One track: the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. Galen has been to two open pit lane track days, that have been excellently run. The facilities are great – there’s a restaurant above the pit boxes, and being in a little town with hotels it’s easy to get away from the track if needed (unlike many tracks, which are more isolated). He liked the track itself better on trip two, but while technical, there aren’t as many curves as he would like.

Hotels

• **Manoir de Lébioles: very beautiful, fancy setting. Weirdly had carpet and some of the furnishings were veering towards tired, but not to the degree of diminishing the ambiance. Would definitely stay here again, particularly if you’re going to the track. Galen had less time to explore than he hoped, and unfortunately he did not get to try dinner. The service was great, in the bar. Plenty of parking in the courtyard with fancy cars. And a back garden with a fountain and view of the Ardenne mountains.
• Hotel De La Source: friends stayed here. A corporate place in design, but perfectly fine for a track day if you’re looking for a more budget option.