Goodwood Motor Circuit
Historic 2.4-mile wartime airfield circuit in West Sussex — home to the Festival of Speed, Revival and legendary track days
Historic 2.4-mile wartime airfield circuit in West Sussex — home to the Festival of Speed, Revival and legendary track days
Goodwood Motor Circuit is the only classic racing circuit in the world that remains entirely in its original form. Built on the perimeter road of a Battle of Britain airfield, this 2.4-mile course hosted the finest drivers in motorsport from 1948 to 1966 — Stirling Moss, Jim Clark, Graham Hill and Mike Hawthorn all raced here.
Today the circuit is alive again with three flagship events each year, plus public track days where you can drive your own car on the same tarmac that made racing history. Whether you come for the Festival of Speed hillclimb, the vintage Revival meeting or a hands-on driving experience, Goodwood delivers motorsport at its most visceral.
The story of Goodwood Motor Circuit begins with RAF Westhampnett, a grass airfield built in 1940 as a satellite station for nearby RAF Tangmere. Spitfires and Hurricanes flew from here during the Battle of Britain, and the station saw continuous operational use until 1946. After the war, Freddie March, the 9th Duke of Richmond and a passionate amateur racer, saw the potential in the airfield's 2.4-mile perimeter road. He converted it into a permanent racing circuit, and on 18 September 1948 Goodwood held its first motor race.
For the next eighteen years, Goodwood was the beating heart of British motorsport. The circuit hosted Formula One races, the prestigious Glover Trophy and the Tourist Trophy for sports cars. Stirling Moss, Mike Hawthorn, Jim Clark, Graham Hill and Jack Brabham all competed here. In 1962, a serious accident during practice left Bruce McLaren's team-mate Timmy Mayer critically injured, and by 1966 the increasing speeds of modern cars led the Duke to close the circuit to competitive racing rather than alter its character with chicanes and run-off areas.
Goodwood's revival began in 1993 when the current Duke of Richmond launched the Festival of Speed, a hillclimb event held in the grounds of Goodwood House. It rapidly became the world's largest motoring garden party, drawing Formula One teams, supercar manufacturers and hundreds of thousands of spectators each July. The 1.16-mile course up the hill passes within arm's reach of the crowd, and the open paddocks let visitors stand beside cars worth millions.
The Goodwood Revival followed in 1998, resurrecting the motor circuit itself for vintage racing. Every car on track is pre-1966, the crowd dresses in period costume, and the atmosphere recalls the golden age of British motorsport. The Members' Meeting, revived in 2014 for Goodwood Road Racing Club members, completes the trio with an intimate two-day programme of historic racing each spring. Between events, the circuit hosts public track days, driving experiences and corporate hire throughout the year.
Goodwood sits just north of Chichester in the rolling South Downs countryside, roughly 90 minutes from London by road or rail. For major events, advance booking is essential — Festival of Speed and Revival regularly sell out months ahead. Tickets are available through the official Goodwood website or by calling the ticket office. GRRC Fellowship membership costs £89 per year and unlocks discounted tickets, priority booking and Members' Meeting access.
On track days, expect a full day at the circuit with professional tuition, lunch and unlimited sessions. The surrounding estate offers additional diversified experiences, including the Goodwood Aerodrome, a hotel, golf courses and the Rolls-Royce factory. Chichester itself is a handsome cathedral city with excellent restaurants, making an overnight stay worthwhile if you want to explore the wider area.
Children under 12 enter free at all Goodwood motorsport events. GRRC Fellowship members receive 10% off tickets. Track day prices exclude VAT
Both flagship events sell out months in advance. Set a reminder when tickets go on sale — typically in the autumn for the following year's calendar. GRRC members get priority access.
For £89 a year, Fellowship membership gives you 10% off all event tickets, access to the Members' Meeting and priority booking. It pays for itself after two events.
Period costume is not compulsory but strongly encouraged at the Revival. The 1940s–60s dress code is part of the experience, and vintage clothing stalls on site can kit you out on the day.
The circuit sits in a noise-sensitive area, but cars on track are still loud. Bring ear plugs or defenders, especially if you plan to watch from the spectator areas near Madgwick or Fordwater corners.
The cathedral city of Chichester is a ten-minute drive from the circuit. The Norman cathedral, Pallant House Gallery and independent restaurants make it well worth an evening visit.
London Travel Writer · 12+ years covering UK attractions and tourism
Last reviewed: March 9, 2026
