Some other off-the-wall activities

Mush, mush - husky is the only way to travel this winter. If a spot of dog racing appeals to you, why not contact the British Siberian Husky Racing Association? The group organises races and gives tips to wannabe sledge drivers, though surely it's the poor dogs that do all the work. For more details, visit their website

Full steam ahead

Although little boys now dream of becoming a footballer with a model-girlfriend-and-fast-car lifestyle, once upon a time the ideal job was a train driver. Middle-aged men can relive their fantasies at the West Somerset Railway in Minehead. A two-day workshop learning to drive a steam train costs £229 - and you even get to shovel the coal. Call 01643 704 996 for further details.

All tanked up

The best way to beat the shopping crowds this Christmas? Don a tin hat, slap on some camouflage paint, and cruise down Oxford Street in a tank. A two-hour session in a genuine army tank costs from £150. There are six training areas - unfortunately not any of London's main shopping areas - across Britain. For more details, click onto their website

Get spaced

Flashy geezers can now promise a girl the moon... and mean it. Rocket men - and women - can book their ticket to the stars for a mere £60,000. Bristol-based Wildwings is a specialised travel agency that will sell you a seat on the first private space rocket operated by Zegrahm Space Voyages in Seattle. It leaves in 2002 - so you'd better start saving those pennies right away. For more information, visit their website