Kent is the garden of England, but don’t picture a well kept ornamental garden or a tidy lawn when imagining the Kentish countryside. Instead, the county is characterised by ridges and valleys which cut across the landscape, alternating between lofty highland and muddy valleys. This is the natural habitat of the best all terrain vehicle around, the quad bike. If you want to climb up steep slopes, blast through woodland and splash through mud, there’s nothing better than one of these machines. They combine speed with stability, and ease of use with rugged determination, and they’re guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

These hot wheeled vehicles are completely at home in Kent, the warmest county in the UK, where sunny days are balanced by showers of rain to keep the puddles full. And there are quad bikes of all shapes and sizes that you can find at sites around the county to make sure that everyone can have the ride of a lifetime - and at a price that might surprise you!

Where are the best places to ride a quad bike in Kent?

• Sittingbourne: You don’t have to travel far from Medway, the largest urban area in the county, to find off-road thrills. Near the town of Sittingbourne there’s a purpose built dirt track where you can put your nerve to the test on the back of a quad bike. The petrol heads here will take you and your group for a spin, starting simply but adding more and more twists, turns, climbs and drops to separate the slow and steady riders from the adrenaline junkies - which will you be?

• West Malling: If you’re looking for rough terrain, look no further - here you’ll face orchards, woods and open fields. You’ll also have the opportunity to take on some man made obstacles, including balance beams and rolling logs. While this challenge isn’t for the faint hearted, it’s a hell of a lot of fun, and you’ll want to come back as soon as you’ve left the site.

• Maidstone: Calling all young petrol heads! There are opportunities near Maidstone for tiny tots to ride an ATV. There’s an indoor play barn where kids can get a taste for off-road driving on special mini quad bikes, and an adventure farm site that welcomes Scout, Guide and other youth groups to enjoy the great outdoors. Here, the electric quads pack a punch without releasing any greenhouse gases for an eco friendly thrill ride.

• Paddock Wood: Outside the civilised towns of Tonbridge and Royal Tunbridge Wells, is an impressive centre where you can go wild. Race around the open air dirt track, crash through the woods and avoid the splash pools if you can, all on top of the range quad bikes. This is the perfect way to let off some steam and enjoy the thrills of riding over rugged terrain.

• Wadhurst: Set in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this centre is a fantastic option. You won’t believe that you’re only 45 miles from London as you whizz across open fields and pick your way through woodland, all with fantastic views in all directions.

• Ashford: There’s another zoom with a view in the foothills of the Kent Downs just North of Ashford. With 350cc quad bikes for adults and 90cc for youngsters, speed is guaranteed - as long as you're brave enough to push yourself and the bike to the limit on a variety of challenging terrain. And you’ll want to cut the power and work on your balance when it comes to navigating the obstacles. You won’t have a dull moment here!

Requirements to do this activity

Kent caters to all kinds of people when it comes to quad biking. From the youngest racers to seasoned off-roaders, individuals to large groups, there’s an activity for you. The mini quads in Maidstone are especially designed for kids aged between 4 and 12 years old, so your little ones can get a taste almost as soon as they can walk! Other centres tend to have a lower age limit of 10 or 11 years old, and some sites which only have full size vehicles welcome riders over the age of 16.

It’s possible to go solo on a quad biking track in Kent, but the best way to enjoy this adventure is by booking as a group and challenging your companions to bring their best. As well as family and friend groups, corporate groups are welcome to take part in team building exercises with a difference.

How long does a ride last?

The typical length of a quad bike session in Kent is 1 hour. This is enough time to get to grips with the controls of the vehicle on easy terrain, before going wild. We completely understand if that doesn’t sound like enough to satisfy your appetite for off-roading, and that’s why we’re happy to tell you that 2 and 3 hour sessions are also available in several locations around the county, or even a full day off-road fest to take the fun to the max!

What should you bring the day of the activity?

We know you’re already to go, but hold on a second and check that you’ve got everything you need to get the most out of a Kentish quad bike ride. You need clothes that cover your arms and legs and good, closed-toed shoes, and you need to bear in mind that they will all get dirty! Depending on the time of year and weather conditions you might be given an overall, but you should still expect some mud to find its way onto your outfit. You’ll also be given a helmet and other safety equipment to ensure that you can focus on the fun.

As this county has the best weather in the UK, sunscreen is essential in the summer and advisable at other times of the year, but a change of clothes is also a good idea because the heavens can open at any time. Apart from that, just bring the right attitude and you’ll have a ride to remember!

What are you waiting for? The fun is waiting for you, book now!