Tucked into the rolling Kent countryside, Lydden Hill Race Circuit is a place steeped in motorsport heritage. Known globally as the “Home of Rallycross,” it is also the stage for one of Britain’s most characterful motorcycle meetings: the Lord of Lydden.
First contested in 1966, the event has evolved into a vibrant, multi-class celebration of two- and three-wheeled racing. What sets it apart isn’t just the speed or the machinery—it’s the extraordinary mix of riders who line up on the grid. From seasoned veterans to fearless youngsters, the Lords of Lydden is a rare snapshot of motorcycling across generations.A Historic Crown with Modern Appeal.
Since its inception, the Lord of Lydden title has attracted elite competitors. including British Superbike champions and Isle of Man TT legends.
Yet today’s event is about far more than headline riders. A revised class structure has opened the paddock to a broader spectrum of machinery and competitors—from modern superbikes to classic two-strokes and even scooters.
The result? A meeting that feels as inclusive as it is competitive.From Eight to Eighty: Racing Without Age Limits.
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the Lords of Lydden is its age diversity. At one end of the spectrum, the Junior Lord of Lydden showcases riders as young as eight years old, racing GP50 and GP70 machines at astonishing speeds.
At the other end are veteran racers—many with decades of experience—still competing in classic and open classes. Some have raced at Lydden since the 1970s, returning year after year not just for competition, but for camaraderie and continuity.
It’s not unusual to see three generations from the same family involved in the same meeting—grandfather tuning a classic machine, parent competing in a production class, and child preparing for a junior race.
The atmosphere is relaxed, accessible, and deeply social. Riders chat openly with spectators, tools are shared, and stories flow as freely as the tea in the paddock tents.
While solo races headline the weekend, the Sidecar Burn Up remains one of the most thrilling elements of the programme. These high-speed, physically demanding machines showcase teamwork at its most extreme, with passengers hanging off the chassis through Lydden’s tight corners.
It honours its past while actively nurturing the future. Young riders gain invaluable race experience on the same tarmac where legends once competed. Older racers continue to chase the thrill that first drew them to the sport decades ago. Away from the tarmac can be found even younger riders honing their skills.
No doubt they are looking forward to an age where those skills and bravery can be put to the test alongside the “big boys and girls”.
