About the track
An 1,100-metre floodlit asphalt circuit on a twelve-acre site behind the Eurolink Industrial Estate at Sittingbourne. It was designed and built by Gerry Lilley on what had been wasteland, opened in 1997, and is now run by his daughter — a genuinely family-run circuit rather than a chain venue.
It's a serious race circuit as much as a leisure one: MSUK and NKA licensed, a British Championship venue, running regular sprint meetings alongside hire karting and owner-driver testing. That shows in the surface, which the operator describes as fast and consistent, and in the length — at 1,100m it's among the longer outdoor tracks in the South East.
The kart fleet is unusually specific about fit. Juniors race from 9 at 127cm up to 168cm; the Pro 200 is 16 and over between 153cm and 190cm; the SuperPro 270 is 18 and over from 163cm. There's also a maximum waist of 125cm on both adult karts, which almost nobody else publishes and is worth checking before you travel.
Floodlit and open weekdays, weeknights and weekends, it runs year-round and closes only for snow or ice. A 60-seat licensed diner overlooks the circuit, so anyone not driving has somewhere warm to watch from. Exclusive adult events need at least eight drivers, and a £25 per person deposit holds the booking.
Racing your own kart
An MSUK-licensed circuit running regular sprint meetings. ARKS testing and owner-driver practice and testing are both available, and the circuit can be hired exclusively.
Sessions and prices
Set by the track. You book direct — we don't add a fee.
Good for
Opening hours
Planning your visit
Accessibility
- Spectators watch hire karting free of charge. A gate fee applies at owner-driver race meetings.
- Wet-weather suits provided.
- Diner overlooks the circuit, so non-drivers can watch in the warm.
- Sat nav postcode is ME10 3SY, not the ME10 3RY on the postal address.
Questions people ask
What is the minimum age to drive here?
Nine, in the junior karts, provided the driver is at least 127cm tall. Adult karts start at 16 for the Pro 200 and 18 for the SuperPro 270.
What happens if it rains?
Sessions go ahead. The circuit is floodlit and built for all-weather use, and wet-weather suits are provided. Only snow or ice would postpone a session.
Is there a size limit for the karts?
Yes, and it's more specific than most. Adult karts fit drivers from 153cm to 190cm with a maximum waist of 125cm, and the Pro 200 has a weight range of 7 to 16 stone. Juniors go up to 168cm.
Which postcode should I use for the sat nav?
ME10 3SY. The postal address is ME10 3RY, but the operator gives a different postcode for navigation — worth setting before you leave, as the circuit sits behind an industrial estate.
What should I wear?
Jeans, a jumper and trainers is the operator's own advice. Shoes must cover the whole foot, so no sandals, ballet pumps, Crocs or heels — you won't be allowed on track otherwise. Avoid scarves and hooded tops, bring spare clothes in case you get wet, and thermal or waterproof gloves are worth having in winter.
How early should I arrive?
Thirty to forty-five minutes before your booked time, for kitting up and the safety briefing. You can't go on track without the briefing.
Is there a minimum group size?
An exclusive adult-only event needs at least eight drivers.
Can friends and family watch without paying?
Yes for hire karting sessions, and the diner overlooks the circuit. Owner-driver race meetings are separate events and charge a small entry fee at the gate.
Can I race my own kart here?
Yes. It's an MSUK-licensed circuit running regular sprint meetings, with owner-driver practice and testing sessions, exclusive circuit hire, and ARKS testing on site for anyone working towards a competition licence.
Can I drink alcohol before or during a session?
No. The operator is explicit that events can be cancelled or stopped if drivers have been drinking.
Do I need to book ahead?
Yes. Last-minute slots sometimes come up, but a £25 per person deposit secures a booking with the balance due on the day.
Getting there
Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10 3RY
01795 410707
Where this came from
- circuit, history, facilities — https://bayfordmeadows.co.uk/circuit/about-circuit (Operator's own site)
- eligibility, weather, deposits — https://bayfordmeadows.co.uk/circuit/faq-hire-karting (Operator's own site)
- dress code, licensing, sat nav — https://bayfordmeadows.co.uk/adult-karting/adult-karting-options (Operator's own site)