4x4 Off-Road Driving in England

Here you can find a top SIX of places to go off-road driving in England;

1. How about off-roading within the grounds of Eastnor Castle? Nestled in the majestic Malvern Hills, Eastnor Castle has magnificent interiors and beautifully landscaped gardens. Enjoy the castle in the morning and receive professional tuition tackling deep water, extremely steep gradients and over rocks.

Where to Stay
The cathedral cities of Hereford and Worcester are around 30 minutes drive from the Malvern Hills. Both locations have high-quality B&Bs and small historic hotels. The rolling Cotswolds hills are a short 45 minute drive through glorious countryside. Please see the Best hotels in the Cotswolds.

2. If you're looking for a challenging year-round adventure, then Honister Pass in Cumbria is the place for you. This is one of the highest passes in the Lake District National Park and features some steep climbs.

Where to Stay
Stay at The Samling Hotel, a cosy oasis in the heart of a region known for its windy and unpredictable weather. After a day of adventureing, it is always nice to return to a quiet haven in the mountains.

The Gilpin Hotel and Lake House is a luxury country house hotel. The centrepiece of the estate is an early 20th Century house within 21 acres of rolling countryside.

L’Enclume is a high-end restaurant with rooms in the rustic village of Cartmell. The creator of this establishment is Simon Rogan, a pioneer of foraging. Don’t forget Simon Rogan’s other restaurant at the lovely Linthwaite House Hotel.

Lindeth Fell Country House is a posh Bed and Breakfast a few minutes from Lake Windermere. How about a gastropub? We recommend The Drunken Duck Inn and Restaurant. Expect top-notch food without any fuss. All rooms have different layouts with bright country colours and a few modern additions – a perfect little bolt hole for touring the Lake District National Park.

3. Who would’ve known that you’d be able to get an adrenaline rush in the Canterbury area, here at the 3000-acre Eastwell Park Estate near Ashford International train station. The circuit has been built and designed to put your nerves and concentration to the test.

Where to Stay
The obvious hotel choice here is Eastwell Manor Hotel. The property is exactly what you expect a manor house to look like, elaborate chimney stacks and an ivy-clad broad façade. Thankfully there is a 21st-century spa complete with a 20-meter swimming pool and jacuzzi.

The “pig” brand has a Kent hotel at Bridge, just outside Canterbury and only 30 minutes drive to the Eastwell Estate.  Choose between main houses rooms full of character to the coach house, family lodges and rustic huts.

4. Barnard Castle in County Durham makes for a great experience and some fabulous surroundings from the Yorkshire Dales National Park to the Lake District and even the North Pennines. This location calls for challenging terrain, but that feeling of satisfaction and pride when looking back on the experience is worth it.

Where to Stay
For your adventure in Durham, enjoy Durham Cathedral and take on the challenge at Deepdale Off-Road. There are several fine B&Bs, but there is only one Forty Winks Guest House. Quirky, but in a good way, expect curiosities, objects of interest, and comfort plus Molton Brown toiletries.

5. Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire provides a distinctive mix of terrain for both beginners and off-roaders with experience. This place is known for its gorgeous scenery.

Where to Stay
After touring Salisbury Cathedral, get off-road on the sweeping chalk downland of the Salisbury Plains. Stay overnight in the gentile City of Bath at the Royal Crescent Hotel and feel like a character in a Jane Austen story. Alternatively, stay in The Bath Priory, a short walk to the centre of Bath.

6. Bournemouth in Dorset offers a 4x4 driving experience and one where you drive around in a military vehicle, which makes the adventure that much more special, and I mean, who wouldn't want to get an adrenaline rush and a sense of danger and heroism.

Where to Stay
Bournemouth has several smart beachfront hotels that do the job. Still, our favourite in the region will always be Chewton Glen Hotel, the classic luxury country house hotel.