Rolling roads & royal romance: RIDE Castle returns to Kent this May

RIDE Castle returns on Sunday 10 May 2026, with cyclists setting off from Tonbridge for a full day riding through picturesque Kent countryside steeped in history.

The event is part of the Action Medical Research RIDE series and is a well-established charity sportive in the South East, attracting riders of a wide range of abilities. Three route options are on offer, with participants able to choose from a 36-mile Cool route (1,462ft of climbing), a 73-mile Classic route (3,983ft of climbing), or a 100-mile Champion route (6,222ft of climbing).

All three routes take in a variety of Kent’s quieter lanes, villages and rolling countryside, with the terrain building as riders head into sections of the North Downs. The riding combines steady, fast-rolling sections with more demanding climbs, making the event suitable for both newer sportive riders and those looking for a longer endurance challenge.

A key feature of the longer routes is the climb to Ide Hill, a regular haunt of King Henry VIII during his courtship of Anne Boleyn who lived in nearby Hever Castle. The climb rewards riders with wide views across Kent AONB, often referred to as the Garden of England.

The routes also pass through a number of rural villages before heading towards the final stages of the ride, where riders pass the historic Penshurst Place on their return to Tonbridge. Once the property of Henry VIII, Penshurst is a 14th century manor house and gardens that has been in the hands of the Sidney family since 1552. The house and grounds are now open to the public.

Whether you’re a history buff or simply enjoy cycling amid some of England’s finest scenery, RIDE Castle is designed to provide a well-supported day in the saddle, with aid stations positioned along all routes to help riders throughout their journey. The mix of terrain, scenery and route choice means participants can choose a day to suit their own experience level and goals, whether that is completing a first sportive or targeting a longer distance challenge.

RIDE Castle raises funds for Action Medical Research, supporting vital medical research to help sick and disabled babies and children.

Entries for RIDE Castle are open, with further information and sign-up available online.

Enter online at: action.org.uk/events/cycling/castle-ride