Goodwood Racecourse is among the finest of settings for flat-racing in England, with panoramic views stretching out across the world-famous Sussex Downs.
Goodwood traditionally races from late spring through until October, with their sparkling highlight being the five-day Glorious Goodwood meeting in late July/early August.
Located some five-miles from Chichester in West Sussex, Goodwood features a daunting straight six-furlongs for sprints, while it has a tight right-handed loop to accommodate longer races. Unusually, the start for the famous Goodwood Cup is located close to the winning post in front of the stands, and the field travels back down the track before completing the loop.
The highlights of Glorious Goodwood are a trio of Group 1 events – the Sussex Stakes, the Goodwood Cup and the Nassau Stakes. The final day of the Festival – on the Saturday – is headlined by the spectacular Stewards’ Cup – a six-furlong handicap that routinely attracts a field of close to 30 runners.
Goodwood is widely regarded as one of the world’s most spectacular racecourses in terms of views. The various enclosures offer all strands of raceday experiences for the crowds that flock to this bastion of the British summer.
Racing has been happening for more than two centuries at this track, and the ‘Glorious Goodwood Festival’ grew throughout the 19th century with King Edward VII, a regular attendee, famously dubbing it “a garden party with racing tacked on”. In modern times, the meeting regularly attracts more than 100,000 racegoers across its five days.
Goodwood during the Glorious Festival is a hive of high-end fashion and style. Dress to impress is the clear message for patrons ahead of their afternoon on the Downs, where the ‘Goodwood Look’ is fabled, and the racecourse offers a range of fashion tips and hints.
Enclosures at Goodwood Racecourse
Richmond Enclosure
The most stylish and exclusive enclosure at Goodwood and the ultimate experience for racegoers at this iconic venue.
- Stylish bars including the Champagne Lawn and 1812 Bar.
- Best vantage points across the Parade Ring and the Racecourse, including directly opposite the winning post.
- Covered seating in the March Grandstand.
- Dress code: Gentlemen are required to wear a jacket accompanied by a tie, cravat or polo-neck sweater. Ladies meanwhile must dress stylishly but with a relaxed feel.
Gordon Enclosure
Slightly less formal feel compared to the Richmond Enclosure, racegoers have covered seating options with superb views of the Parade Ring and winning post as well as bars, restaurants and casual dining options.
- Bars, private boxes and contemporary restaurants and casual dining options including the award-winning Sussex Bistro restaurant.
- Parade Ring access and standing viewing from within the March Grandstand.
- Covered seating in the Sussex Stand.
- Dress code: The Gordon Enclosure poses a slightly more relaxed feel. Gentlemen are encouraged to wear a jacket and tie, while both ladies and gents are urged to dress to impress going to the races.
Lennox Enclosure
The most relaxed of the Goodwood Enclosures on raceday, the Lennox is always a popular spot for families, with a large children’s playground and expanses of grassy picnic areas.
- Traditional food and beverage outlets offering exceptional value for money.
- Racegoers are welcome to bring picnics on site.
- Panoramic views of the racecourse.
- Dress code: The Lennox has no formal dress code, though racegoers are encouraged to – and very often do – dress up for the event, especially when it comes to the Glorious Goodwood Festival.
Three Furlong Park & Picnic Area
Reserved parking with a view over the racecourse for families looking to enjoy the Goodwood experience with picnics and view of the track.
- The Three Furlong Park & Picnic Area allows you to reserve a parking and picnic berth right by the rails.
- Ideally situated three-furlongs from the winning post, just where the action begins to heat up.
- Included with admission are four entry tickets into the Lennox Enclosure and access to all the facilities within.
