Goodwood: A Festival of Speed
That's right - A festival of speed at Goodwood House!
Every summer the Duke of Richmond (formerly Lord March) holds a bit of a party at his place - That's the Goodwood Festival of Speed. It’s a ticket only event but you’re all invited. It helps if you’re a bit of a petrolhead, but not essential.
Actually it’s quite a glamorous affair – well it is hosted by a Duke no less.
The Centrepiece of the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed
Get your tickets early
It's a ticket only event and they sell out quickly. You can only buy them online, not on the gate.
Check out the Goodwood site for the latest on availability & pricing.
Glamour & Speed
That’s right, as I said it can be quite stylish, from the Cartier ‘Style et Luxe’ concours d’élégance event, you’re free to wander around and admire these serious creations, to some of the beasts that tackle the hill. It attracts the famous ‘petrol-heads’ too.
Chris Evans and one of his Ferraris
Elegant Ladies
Bugatti
The cars that grace the Cartier 'Style et Luxe' are not the only beauties out there.
In the paddock are some of the most fantastic racing vehicles ever built.
All ready to tackle the hill
Auto Union
The Auto Union Streamliner
Rubbing shoulders
With your heroes, and the stars from the world of Motorsport. What I like is the accessibility, it’s true you might find it hard to get close to the likes of Lewis Hamilton – icons from the world of motorsport do just wander freely, or can be found settling into a car for a demonstration run.
David Coulthard at the Goodwood Festival of Speed
Good folks, like Derek Bell, 5 times Le Mans winner, 3 times Daytona 24hrs winner.
Derek Bell preparing for a blast up the hill
Jesse James, who brought over his Trophy Truck from the USA.
Jesse James
And anyone remember this guy? The 1996 Formula 1 World Champion.
Damon Hill in his FW18 Williams F1 car
But they're here to…
Blast up the hill climb. Some demonstrate, some showboat & some take it very seriously.
Lewis Hamilton at Goodwood Festival of Speed
Givin' it some beans
And the magnificent - Sir Stirling Moss.
Sir Striling Moss
Why not try Thursday or Friday
The event runs over 4 days, with Thursday & Friday normally being the quietest days. if you can, these can be the best days to visit - why not start your weekend early?
There is so much more though
Each year has a theme. In 2018 it is ‘Silver Jubilee’, celebrating 25 years since the event started.
There’s a chance to climb (or take the transport provided) to the top of the hill and watch the rally cars of the past & present tackle the forest stage.
The Red Arrows at Goodwood
Have You?
Every been to the Festival of Speed? Did you see anyone famous? Or are you planning on going? Let us know, and share your experiences.
Getting there
The Goodwood Festival of Speed is run at the Duke of Richmond's ancestral home of Goodwood House, in the beautiful county of East Sussex, just 30 miles west of Brighton.
Goodwood House lies deep in the countryside, so unless you are staying really close you will be caught up in some traffic delays.
You can of course come by rail, to Chichester, and take a Taxi or a bus, however they are likely to experience the same traffic delays as those arriving by car.
The good news is that there's likely to be some automotive exotica to be seen arriving at the event along with you.
If you come by car, the event is extremely well organised, and you'll be placed into one of the car parks in next to no time. Just prepare yourself, enjoy the wait, smile at the Policemen and relax.
Of course you can improve the situation by staying somewhere closer. As you'd expect these places get booked up really quickly for the event weekend.
Missed the Goodwood Festival of Speed?
<p>The's another alternative a little later in the season at the Goodwood Race circuit, and that's the <a href="https://www.ourworldforyou.com/goodwood-revival/">Goodwood Revival</a></p>
Inspired to visit the Goodwood Festival of Speed?
Remeber tickets need to be booked in advance, and accomodation near the festival gets booked up early, but there's still options.
Check out the latest deals on Booking.Com?
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