The Goodwood Festival of Speed 2026 takes place from Wednesday 9 to Sunday 12 July 2026 at the Goodwood Estate near Chichester, West Sussex. The 2026 theme is "The Rivals: Epic Racing Duels" — celebrating Hunt vs Lauda (50th anniversary of the 1976 F1 championship) and Ford vs Ferrari (the three GT MkIIs that finished 1-2-3 at Le Mans 1966). Children under 12 go free. Free parking is provided on site.
This guide covers dates, tickets, parking, camping, family tips, and what to see and do across the four days.
Now one of the biggest motorsport events in the world, the Festival of Speed draws over 200,000 visitors across four days of hillclimb action, supercar displays, and off-track entertainment.
Prices and programme details are subject to change as this is a future event. Always check the official Goodwood website for the latest details.
2026 theme: The Rivals
This year's Festival will bring legendary battles back to life on the famous Goodwood Hill. Two headline rivalries anchor the programme:
Hunt vs Lauda: 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of James Hunt and Niki Lauda's 1976 Formula One World Championship battle. Expect cars from that era on the Hill.
Ford vs Ferrari: The rivalry culminated in Ford's 1-2-3 finish at the 1966 Le Mans 24 Hours. The three Ford GT MkIIs that achieved that result are planned to reunite for a Hill demonstration.
Beyond these headline rivalries, the curated Hill programme typically spans F1, MotoGP, World Superbikes, IndyCar, WEC, the Isle of Man TT, WRC, and touring cars, chosen to tell the stories of motorsport's greatest duels.
Tickets and prices
Tickets are available through the official Goodwood website. Prices vary by day:
- Thursday and Friday are typically the quietest (and cheapest) days
- Saturday is the busiest and most expensive day
- Sunday features the Shootout, the competitive timed runs that decide the overall winner
- 4-Day passes are available but limited
Top tip: Early bird deadline is 28 February 2026. Book before 23:59 on 28 February to save with early bird pricing. Friday, Saturday, and 4-Day passes are already limited, so do not leave it too late.
GRRC Fellowship members (£89 per year) receive an additional 10% off headline motorsport events. If you plan to attend more than one Goodwood event in 2026, the membership pays for itself.
Children under 12 go free. They do not require an admission ticket but must be accompanied by an adult and wear a wristband on which you can write your phone number.
Best days to go (and who each day suits)
If you can choose your day, think about what you want from the visit.
- Thursday and Friday: typically quieter, easier for families with younger children, and usually better if you want more breathing room in the paddocks.
- Saturday: the busiest day. Great atmosphere, but expect queues and more time walking.
- Sunday: usually best if you care about the Shootout and the competitive timed runs.
If you are visiting with kids, quieter days often feel more relaxed and you will spend less time queueing for food, toilets, and popular displays.
Getting there
The Goodwood Estate is near Chichester in West Sussex. The nearest postcode is PO18 0PX.
By car
Free parking is provided in large fields surrounding the event. The key advice from Goodwood themselves: follow the yellow AA event signs as you approach, not your sat-nav. The GPS routing can send you down narrow lanes that get gridlocked.
- From the A27: Follow Festival of Speed signs from the Chichester bypass
- From the A3: Head south via Midhurst and Singleton
- Allow extra time, queues are longest on Saturday morning
By train
Take a train to Chichester station (direct services from London Victoria in around 90 minutes, and along the coast from Brighton, Worthing, and Portsmouth). From Chichester, take the festival shuttle bus or a taxi to the estate. This can be quicker than driving on peak days.
By coach
Goodwood sometimes offers official coach packages from London and other cities. Check the website closer to the event.
Camping
Three dedicated campsites accommodate tents, caravans, and motorhomes. Each pitch measures 9m x 7m and is for up to four people. Extra camping passes are available for larger groups.
- Arrival: From 9am on Wednesday 9 July
- Departure: By midday on Monday 14 July
- Facilities: Toilet and shower blocks, 24-hour security, walk-in fridge for tent dwellers
Family Campsite
The Family Campsite is the best option if you are visiting with children. It accommodates up to 60 families and includes:
- Family-friendly toilets and baby change facilities
- Children's play area
- On-site catering and an evening pop-up bar
- Shuttle bus to the festival arena (just a few minutes' drive)
- Dedicated Goodwood host and manager
- 24-hour security
- Walk-in fridge for storing chilled items (free of charge)
The campsite is located in the Lennox enclosure at Goodwood Racecourse with views across the South Downs.
Top tip: Camping pitches sell out in advance. Book as soon as tickets go on sale if camping is a priority. Call the Ticket Office on 01243 755055 or book online.
Family Guide
The Festival of Speed is one of the most family-friendly motorsport events in the country. Beyond the headline racing, there is plenty to keep children occupied:
- Supercar Run: close-up views of the world's fastest road cars
- Hillclimb: the main event, with historic and modern cars tackling the famous 1.16-mile course
- FOS Future Lab: technology and innovation exhibits with hands-on activities
- Food and drink: dozens of stalls and restaurants across the estate
- Off-track entertainment: live music, displays, and interactive exhibits
Tips for families
- Arrive early: gates open at 7am (Thursday to Saturday) and 7:30am (Sunday). The Hill is often least crowded before 10am.
- Bring sun protection: the estate is exposed with limited shade in July.
- Use the wristband system: write your phone number on your child's free wristband.
- Pack layers: it can cool down significantly in the evening, especially if camping.
- Comfortable shoes are essential: you will walk several miles across the estate.
What to pack (quick list)
- Ear defenders for younger children
- Refillable water bottle
- Suncream and a hat
- A lightweight waterproof layer (Goodwood weather changes quickly)
- A power bank (signal can be patchy when it is busy)
- Snacks for queue time
What to See
The Hill
The 1.16-mile hillclimb course is the heart of the festival. Cars and bikes tackle the climb from a standing start, passing the flint wall of Goodwood House. The best viewing spots are:
- Start line: feel the launch
- Molecomb Corner: the tightest turn, great for photography
- The flint wall: iconic backdrop
The Paddocks
Unlike most motorsport events, the paddocks at Festival of Speed are open to all ticket holders. You can walk among the cars, watch mechanics at work, and often meet drivers.
Cathedral Paddock
The most exclusive cars are displayed in the grounds of Goodwood House itself, with the building as a backdrop. This area houses the Central Feature, the giant sculpture that changes each year.
First-Timer Tips
- Download the Festival of Speed app before you go. It has the timetable, maps, and live timing.
- Saturday is the busiest day. If you can, visit Thursday or Friday for a more relaxed experience.
- Sunday is for the Shootout. This is the competitive timed runs that decide the event's overall winner.
- Ear protection: some cars are extremely loud, especially for children. Bring ear defenders.
- Cash and card: most vendors accept card, but having some cash is useful for smaller stalls.
- Do not try to see everything: pick your highlights and enjoy them rather than rushing between stages
Other Goodwood Events in 2026
If the Festival of Speed whets your appetite, Goodwood hosts several other major events:
- Goodwood Members' Meeting: 18 to 19 April 2026 (GRRC members only)
- Goodwood Revival: September 2026 (vintage dress code, period racing)
- Qatar Goodwood Festival (horse racing): July/August 2026
Quick Reference
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Dates | 9-12 July 2026 |
| Theme | The Rivals: Epic Racing Duels |
| Location | Goodwood Estate, near Chichester, PO18 0PX |
| Nearest station | Chichester (3 miles) |
| Kids | Under 12 free with wristband |
| Parking | Free (follow AA signs) |
| Camping | 3 sites, book early. Family Campsite recommended |
| Early bird deadline | 28 February 2026 |
| Ticket Office | 01243 755055 |
| Website | goodwood.com/festival-of-speed |
The Goodwood Festival of Speed 2026 takes place 9-12 July at the Goodwood Estate near Chichester. Prices and details were correct at the time of writing (February 2026). We recommend checking the official Goodwood website before booking, as details can change.