Celebrating 75 years of Goodwood motorsport: a year of glorious events
Draped across 12,000 acres of resplendent Sussex countryside, the Goodwood Estate is internationally renowned as the spiritual birthplace of motor racing. This year Goodwood motorsport marks an important milestone - its 75th year of racing. In this blog we take a brief look at the history of Goodwood and give a roundup of what’s happening to celebrate 'Goodwood 75' this year. We’ll also shine a spotlight on two beautiful boltholes near Goodwood – so you can be close to the action.
A motorsport legacy
Goodwood House has a rich history that spans as far back as the year 1600. Built in 1697, the Jacobean mansion has become the heart and soul of the Goodwood Estate.
In the 17th century it was the home of Charles Lennox - the 2nd Duke of Richmond (1701-1750).
Lennox was an eager sports enthusiast – and it was his love for sport that set the foundations for Goodwood’s legacy as ‘England’s Greatest Sporting Estate’.
Goodwood Circuit was opened in September 1948 by Freddie March, the 9th Duke of Richmond.
Over the following decades, the circuit hosted many open-wheel and sports car races, among the most well known were the Glover Trophy, the RAC Tourist Trophy and the Goodwood 9 Hours. The circuit closed its gates in August 1966.
In 1993, the Goodwood Festival of Speed was established by Lord March, the 11th Duke of Richmond.
Then, in 1998, fifty years after an original opening, the Goodwood Circuit re-opened its doors for the inaugural Goodwood Revival. The three-day festival for vintage cars and motorcycles, racing along the original circuit, has since become an iconic motorsport festival.
Glorious events
Here’s a roundup of the key motorsport meetings taking place at Goodwood this year. The events are popular so don’t be disappointed – we recommend planning ahead and booking your tickets early.
Goodwood Festival of Speed 13th to 16th July 2023
The festival is hailed as the world's greatest celebration of motorsport and car culture. Meet motorsport legends, get within inches of F1 machines, and witness the historic hill climb - where Formula 1, W Series and BTCC drivers tackle the famous hill.
Goodwood Revival 8th to 10th Sept 2023
An immersive celebration of treasured cars and vintage fashion, Revival recreates the glamour of motor racing as it used to be.
More than racing
Goodwood Estate may be famous for the races but there’s much more to discover.
Visit Goodwood House and take a guided tour of the State Apartments. Gain a unique insight into the history of Goodwood House, which has been the family home of the Dukes of Richmond for over 300 years.
Observe the gilded Egyptian dining room and the opulence of the yellow drawing room. See an exquisite collection of art, as your tour guide regales the extraordinary lives of the Dukes of Richmond.
Why not push the boat out and savour a splendid afternoon tea at Goodwood House. You'll enjoy a guided tour of the State Apartments in Goodwood House and then tuck into sumptuous sandwiches, cakes, and pastries in the magnificent ballroom.
Embark on a culinary journey at Farmer, Butcher, Chef - Goodwood's flagship restaurant. With a menu that champions seasonal English fare, feast on tender Goodwood-reared beef, pork, and lamb, alongside the freshest of ingredients from local Sussex suppliers.
Before you go, pop into the Goodwood Farm Shop where you can buy award-winning organic meat, dairy, beer and gin - all fresh from the Goodwood Estate.
Stay near the action with Luxury Boltholes
Goodwood Estate is in the heart of rural West Sussex, fringed by South Downs National Park and just 20 minutes from the south coast. Explore all Goodwood has to offer with a break at one of our plush country escapes.
Stoneways
Retreat to this graceful, Georgian-style country home on the fringe of Goodwood Estate for a sojourn with style.
A house made for entertaining, you’ll find all you need for cooking in the beautiful olive-toned farmhouse kitchen. Wine and dine into the early hours in the refined dining room - perfectly set for a glamourous banquet.
On sunny days unwind on the terrace, where vermilion-red poppy fields and lush green hills grace the horizon.
Children can scamper about the mystical woodlands, with a delightful nature trail to discover, or hang out in the games room – complete with pool table, dart board and table tennis.
The Lake House
Escape the madding crowd at The Lakehouse - a magnificent private manor, hidden within acres of dreamy meadows and Sussex woodlands.
Gather in the grand dining room for an exquisite feast, prepared by the resident chef. Afterwards, adjourn to the cosy sitting room where you can unwind with post-dinner tipples, amidst the comforting crackle of the open log fire.
Outdoors, roam 60 acres of private gardens and discover enchanting forest glades and picture-postcard vistas across the South Downs National Park.
The Luxury Boltholes touch
Make the most of your stay with our complimentary, digital welcome app. You can think of it as your handy, pocket guide to everything on your doorstep.
Uncover the finest places to eat, unique boutiques for shopping, and blissful spas and bars to unwind in.
Have all the practical information you need, about your Luxury Bolthole, at your fingertips.
When you stay with Luxury Boltholes, you'll also enjoy our personal, inclusive concierge service. As locals, we have in-depth knowledge of the area - from beaches for walking to exhilarating activities for the whole family to bond over, we can make tailored recommendations and help you arrange those memory-making experiences.