Goodwood Festival of Speed

Drawing a loyal crowd of car enthusiasts, laid-back celebs and eccentrics, Goodwood Festival of Speed is a three-day celebration of the motorcar (and some motorbikes) in the grounds of the elegant Goodwood estate. This is the place to see a 1970 Porsche 917 reach 200mph, or gaze at the newest concept vehicles in the Supercar run. People with little passion for carburettors or camshafts flock here, too, knowing that this is much more than an oily engine fest. Sure, one of the main events is the famous Hillclimb (see below), and there are plenty of races, displays and shows aimed at petrolheads – but the all-round appeal of the classic-car section, plus the concerts, great food, socialising and equally classic people-watching opportunities make this a great day out (or two) for all comers.

Highlights

The mile-long Hillclimb race is the main attraction, with thousands lining the track to watch cars from the Thirties through to the Noughties zoom by. Friday is for practising, then Saturday and Sunday’s runs decide the winners.

Goodwood Festival of Speed Highlight Image

In The Know

Head Count

Around 150,000 attend over the three days.

Meeting Point

In front of Goodwood House.

Best View

Greandstand seats are excellent for watching the Hillclimb, but you'll need to buy an additional ticket. If you haven't managed to get hold of one, head to the mound just past Molecombe Corner.

Packing Tips

Casual and comfy is the official line, but Goodwood types do tend to look pretty snazzy, so you can dress up if you want to. Wellies are good for back-up, and earplugs won’t go amiss if you’re planning on getting up close to those revving engines.

Escape

Goodwood Park’s very own cricket ground is a laid-back location with music and art performances, and it’s perfect for a picnic. You can also look around the gorgeous architectural wonder that is Goodwood House on Sundays and Mondays (check on 01243 755040 or at www.goodwood.co.uk for details). They serve lovely afternoon tea here, too.

Dos and don'ts

• Buy a programme on arrival. They provide a wealth of information and really do make a difference to your enjoyment of the event.
• Head to the activity area and experience audience participation at its best – there are 4x4s, rally carts and helicopter rides to keep you occupied.
• Try not to miss the Forest Rally Stage. People think it’s all about the Hillclimb, but seeing the rally cars in action is just as exciting.
• If you enjoy this – or if you can’t make it – go along to the Goodwood Revival, a real step-back-in-time event later in the summer, with motors from the Fifties and Sixties and fans in fancy dress.
• Don’t be late for the Hillclimb races. All the best places in front of the bales will be gone by 09h30.
• Don’t get the Festival of Speed muddled up with Glorious Goodwood, another big social event on the Goodwood Estate. That’s racing, too, but it’s horses, not cars.

Need To Know

Children

Those aged 12 and under won’t need a ticket for admission, though they will need one for the grandstand. Among the attractions of the Junior Festival of Speed are Wacky Races, an art tent and a circus workshop.

Parking

As you’d expect, parking here is free and plentiful. If you are taking a beloved classic motor, bear in mind that most of the spaces are on grass and there are no areas particularly suitable for low-slung sports cars.

Disability Access

Dedicated parking with shuttle service to the event is available to anyone displaying a Registered Disabled badge. Inside, there are raised viewing platforms and reservable wheelchair spaces in the Pheasantry Grandstand. Disabled-access toilets are also on hand. Wheelchair users may have some difficulty in the paddock area when it gets busy.

Food & Drink

All the usual stands and stalls are here, with an emphasis on fresh, flavoursome food – think organic sausages in crusty farmhouse rolls. There’s also the Porsche Café Le Mans, in front of the house, which is the best place for a sit-down meal if you’re not involved with corporate hospitality. Elsewhere on the estate is the Goodwood Park Hotel, where you’ll fi nd the Richmond Room, with excellent game on the menu, as well as the Goodwood Bar & Grill and the Circuit Bar. With excellent pub food, and only a 10-minute drive away, the Royal Oak is the perfect pitstop – book ahead.

Sleep

We love the chic West Stoke House near Chichester, the cosy York House Rooms in Midhurst, and the Royal Oak in East Lavant. For more details or to book, visit www.mrandmrssmith.com, or call 0845 034 0701.

VIP

Swanky options include private marquees and trackside pavilions.

More Details

www.goodwood.co.uk

Goodwood Festival of Speed Map