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A race through time: The Goodwood Revival vintage motor racing event

A guide to the Goodwood Revival vintage motor racing event

With classic sports cars screeching around the race circuit, land girls in a 1950s jeep, a battalion of Dad’s Army marching past, and women in Grace Kelly dresses, Goodwood Revival is more than just a weekend away in a different place – its a trip to a whole different time period.

For one weekend each September, the Goodwood motor racing circuit near Chichester in the south of England steps back in time, with classic cars, vintage fashion and period aeroplanes from the 1940s, 50s and 60s. Where else can you see scooters lined up outside a retro Tesco, dance to a swing band, drink tea from a tin mug or get stopped by a 1960s policeman?

Read more:  A weekend in Rye, East Sussex: A 48-hour itinerary

Goodwood Revival

It’s a fair cop!

The motor racing circuit at Goodwood opened in 1948 and during its peak in during the 1950s it was home of some of the greatest British racing. The site closed down in 1966, but years later the original circuit and its buildings were restored and refurbished back to their former glory.

The first Goodwood Revival was held in 1998, with everything on the site – from cars and aircraft to music and fashion – dating back to the circuit’s 1948–1966 heyday. Now 150,000 racing and vintage fans visit every year, and I’m one of the regulars! So here’s my guide to the Goodwood Revival, with everything you need to know for the perfect weekend back in time.

Vintage vehicles at Goodwood

Back to the 1950s

When is the 2020 Goodwood Revival?

This year’s Goodwood Revival dates are Friday 11th to Sunday 13th September 2020. Saturday and Sunday are the busiest days. The car parks open at 7am and the gates at 7.30am, and the main site closes at 7pm but the Over the Road area is open until 10pm (9pm on Sunday).

Vintage racing cars at the Goodwood Revival

Vintage racing cars

What happens at the Goodwood Revival?

Motor racing takes place on the Goodwood circuit over the whole weekend, with the cars and motorbikes you would’ve seen in action here between 1948 and 1966. There are races for different categories of car each day, based on their ages and engine sizes. You might recognise a few of the drivers, with famous faces from all eras in the world of motorsport taking part – from Formula 1, touring cars and Le Mans, as well as famous car fans from film and TV.

Many of the cars are worth a fortune, but the drivers still give it everything they’ve got, and the circuit is wide and flat so you see plenty of overtaking. Goodwood also shows off its heritage as a Battle of Britain airport with a display and flyovers from pre-1966 aircraft.

Goodwood aircraft

Vintage planes

What if I’m not a big motor racing fan?

Although the Revival is a motor racing event, there’s plenty to do away from the track too – some visitors just come for the vintage style and don’t watch any of the racing. It’s a great place to wander around, soak up the atmosphere and spot the clever little details.

There’s lots of live music and you can try out a jive or jitterbug at one of the dance classes and demonstrations. There’s a retro high street where you can visit a vintage Shell garage or stop for a cup of tea at the Kenwood Corner House. And across the road from the main circuit, there’s a section – appropriately known as Over the Road – which has fairground rides, a roller disco, film screenings at the open-air cinema and shopping at the Revival Market.

Kenwood Corner House café at Goodwood Revival

The Kenwood Corner House

What’s the Goodwood Revival dress code?

There’s no official dress code for the Revival – other than if you have a pass to the central paddock – but most visitors get into the spirit by dressing up in vintage style outfits from the 1940s, 50s and 60s. There’s a huge range of fantastic outfits on show – think WWII military uniforms, Grease-style twin sets and capri pants, belted dresses or flared trousers and tie dye.

The Revival fashion team pick the visitors with the best Goodwood Revival outfits for a daily ‘Best Dressed’ fashion show to win a bottle of Champagne. You can usually pick up vintage or vintage-style pieces in charity shops or on eBay. Or there are a few companies making 50s-style clothes, like Vivien of Holloway (where I got my spotty dress), Lindy Bop and Starlet Vintage.

There are also plenty of stalls in the Revival Market at the event, where you can stock up on vintage accessories like seamed stockings and long gloves. There’s also a hair and make up salon where you can get some help with your beehive or perfect your winged eyeliner.

Vintage fashion at the Goodwood Revival

My mum and I, 1950s style

How much do Goodwood Revival tickets cost?

You can book tickets for the Revival weekend through the Goodwood website. The cheapest option is to get an Admission only ticket, which lets you access the circuit and the grounds. You don’t get a seat in the grandstands included, but you can move about and there are plenty of places on the banks where you can sit and watch the racing if the weather’s good.

Admission only tickets costs £60 for Friday and £80 for Saturday or Sunday – or you can get a three-day weekend pass for £190 (it’s half price for 13–21 year olds and under 12s go free). You can also buy grandstand tickets separately, either a ‘Roving’ ticket or in one specific stand, starting from £36-£67 a day. Or if you want to splash out there are various hospitality packages.

Goodwood tea party

Time for tea

How to get to Goodwood

Travelling by car can be snail-paced with the Revival traffic and narrow winding country roads, so allow plenty of time. It’s usually quickest if you arrive early in the morning or leave late. Parking is included, and if you have a vintage car of your own, you can park in special car parks for pre-1966 and tax exempt vehicle which are much closer to the entrance.

Places are free but you need to reserve them in advance. Chichester is the nearest train station to Goodwood, with trains to London, Bristol (both taking 90 minutes) and the rest of the UK. It’s three miles from the station to the circuit, with taxis and vintage shuttle bus connecting them. If you’re flying in the nearest airports are in London or Southampton – or if you’re feeling really flash then you can arrive in style by private plane or helicopter to Goodwood’s own airfield.

Goodwood glam cabs

The Glam Cabs girls

Where to stay at Goodwood

Right in the middle of the action is the estate’s own Goodwood Hotel, but be prepared to splash out and book super early. Slightly less glam but even closer to the circuit is the on-site campsite. If you bring your own camping equipment, a four-night weekend camping pass for a tent and up to four people costs £190 (£265 with electrical hookup). You can also rent luxury bell tents with toilets and showers for £625 for four. Event entry isn’t included in the camping prices.

A bit further afield, there’s a selection of hotels in Chichester (2.5 miles away) and Arudel (12 miles away). The Harbour Hotel in Chichester is a four-star hotel and spa in an elegant townhouse within the Roman city walls. The White Swan Inn is just outside Arundel, or the Royal Oak and the Fox Goes Free are both traditional pubs on the South Downs, within easy reach of Goodwood. Or if you’re on a budget, there’s a YHA hostel 13 miles away in Littlehampton.

Dancers at the Goodwood Revival vintage evebt

Swing dance at Goodwood

Where to eat and drink at Goodwood

There are lots of food stalls and venues throughout the site, from vintage cafés to the ‘Oily Rag’ pub. You can also pre-book a table at the Richmond Lawn restaurant at the circuit, or one of the restaurants at the Goodwood Hotel. You can also order a picnic in advance for collection or bring in your own, with some impressive vintage picnic baskets on show.

Away from the event, The George in the village of Burpham serves gastropub food and Arundel Breweries’ real ales, and is set along a pretty riverside path from Arundel. Also in Arundel, the Bay Tree Restaurant is a good for a special meal, with award-winning seasonal dishes.

Goodwood Revival bus bar

A bus-come-bar

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A guide to the Goodwood Revival vintage motor racing event in Sussex, England – buying tickets, what to wear, how to get there, where to stay and more #Goodwood #Sussex #motorracing #vintageA trip back in time at the Goodwood Revival vintage motor racing event in Sussex, England – including buying tickets, what to wear, how to get there, where to stay and more #Goodwood #Sussex #motorracing #vintage

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Kirsty

Tuesday 8th of October 2019

Love this place, we had a ball this year trading in our retro caravan toastie van!

Lucy

Sunday 13th of October 2019

Sounds brilliant! I didn't get there this year but hope to be back next time.