A luxury motor-themed road trip in Kent

England is steeped in motoring history, from Paralympic road cycling venue Brands Hatch to prestigious Goodwood on the south coast. See them all on a no-expense-spared motoring-themed road trip.

Day 1

Morning

Adrenaline-fueled high-velocity driving experiences are in liberal supply at Brands Hatch race circuit. Taking to the course on a passenger driving experience is a great way of soaking up the speed without having to put in any of the leg work, while a professional driver shows you just how fast rally car driving can be. Sit back and relish the rapid twists and turns as the accelerator hits the floor.

Afternoon

Time to take the wheel yourself. A Brands Hatch Race Master driving experience sees aspiring racers zoom around the track, first in a BMW M3 and then in an F1-style racing car. Participants get 15 minutes play time in each car, plus expert tuition from a professional driver. Another option is the Rally Master, allowing you to hurtle around in a kitted out rally car, also with top tips from an expert rally driver.

Evening

Fuel up with a hearty dinner, and then get back behind the wheel – this time of your own car. A 1 hour and 45 minute drive will take you to the luxurious surrounds of the Goodwood Hotel  on the Goodwood Estate in Chichester, West Sussex, where you can be fully rested and pampered ready for another jam-packed day of driving.

Top tip: Arrive at The Goodwood Hotel in time to wind down in the fantastic pool and spa.

Day 2

From April through to October, Goodwood runs fantastic track days that allow drivers to try out a selection of beautiful classic and fiery super cars. Models include the likes of Ferraris, Porsches, Jaguar E-Types and Aston Martins. Goodwood Circuit is on the estate of Goodwood House, which also includes a racecourse and plush, manicured green grounds. The estate also hosts wonderful festivals throughout the year; motoring enthusiasts find plenty to divert them at Goodwood Festival of Speed (usually every June), with its annual hill-climb event, while vintage beauties are championed at the three-day Goodwood Revival festival (usually in September).

Another option for Day 2 is to book in for a half-day driving experience here at Goodwood, and then head off for an hour or so drive to the middle of the New Forest in Hampshire, where you’ll discover the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu . Here, enjoy a collection of over 250 cars and motorbikes, and exhibits exploring the country’s deep relationship with the motorcar. Go Karting is also on hand in the summer months, and the site’s World of Top Gear exhibition features items from the quirky and absurd motoring challenges featured on the popular TV car show.

Top tip: Beaulieu puts on many fascinating motoring events throughout the year, including Club Car Rallies, Autojumbles, Motorcycle Ride-In and Custom & Hot Rod Festival.