TheSloaney

The Sloaney’s Guide to Goodwood

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By ROSEMIN ANDERSON

The glorious Goodwood Racecourse in Chichester is a luxury paradise for lovers of vintage and motorsports alike. Set across hundreds of hectares of land owned by the Earl of March (known as Lord March) and his family, the estate incorporates a beautifully maintained motor racecourse, two golf courses, an airstrip, horse racing tracks, an exclusive club’s headquarters and of course the stately home of Goodwood House.

Goodwood Members’ Club, The Kennels

Those in the know join The Kennels members’ club, which convenes in its beautiful headquarters on the estate. With views over the gorgeous grounds, the club offers social events throughout the year and a lovely space to meet with other golfing and motorsport enthusiasts. As the name might indicate, The Kennels welcomes dog owners to come with their pets in tow, even hosting events such as gourmet dog food courses to really pamper man’s best friend.

Aston Martin DB5

The Goodwood Revival will showcase classics cars such as the Aston Martin DB5

Motorsport, Aviation, Golfing and Horse Racing

For motorsport, Goodwood provides a stunning backdrop to a day test driving vehicles and watching thrilling races. Every year, the Goodwood Festival of Speed attracts motoring enthusiasts from across the world. The festival features a tricky hill climb in the grounds of Goodwood House, which proves an enjoyable challenge for drivers courageous enough to try. For those interested in more social motorsports, the annual members’ meeting is best, though there are several other motoring events throughout the year.

For avid flyers, Goodwood’s airstrip provides a welcoming spot for new and seasoned aviators to enjoy the skies. Treat yourself to a flight experience or join the Aero club for regular activities.

Golfers are well cared for at Goodwood, with two courses available: The Downs course and The Park course. A golf membership includes membership to The Kennels, where you can retire after a hard day on the course to treat yourself to some tipple.

For those who love horse racing and the associated glamorous days out that go with it, Glorious Goodwood is an unmissable social event. At this and other racing events held throughout the year at Goodwood, attendees can take in the thrill of the race whilst enjoying the social events held alongside.

Goodwood House

Goodwood House

 

Goodwood House

Goodwood House provides guided tours during some parts of the year, and for a lucky few, it also hosts spectacular wedding celebrations. The stately home is still the residence of the Earl of March and his family, who are still involved in the day-to-day life of the Goodwood estate. Take afternoon tea or simply stroll the grounds to imagine life on this beautiful estate.

Goodwood

The Goodwood Revival takes place in September

Goodwood Revival

As many Goodwood fans will know, one of the many highlights of the estate’s calendar is the Goodwood Revival, which starts tomorrow (Friday 11th September) and ends on Sunday. This vintage event staple sees glorious cars from the Forties, Fifties and Sixties tear around a period-accurate racecourse, whilst a glamorous crowd – dressed in the fashion of the time – look on. Featuring a host of vintage-themed activities, the event attracts famous names every year and is classed as one of the highlights of the quintessentially British social calendar. This year, the event celebrates 50 years of the miniskirt, so expect hemlines to be short!

Here’s our tips and tricks – gleaned from the team at Goodwood themselves – for having the best time at Goodwood Revival:

  • Do dress appropriately. The majority of attendees give their all to dressing the part, donning Sixties miniskirts, Fifties dresses and Forties hats in a bid to win Best Dressed. If your vintage clothing options are limited, choose a modern outfit with vintage accents, such as a handbag or vintage scarf. Luckily for the ladies, the little black dress has never been out of fashion, so with a little styling, your LBD might save the day.
  • Do get glamorous! If you prefer to prepare your makeup and hair at home, take a look at the videos below, or if you’d prefer an expert transform your look, simply book in an appointment with the official Goodwood Revival hair and beauty salon.

Get the Look – 1940’S LANDGIRLhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwYkz9o4Fgo

Get the look – 1950’S GLAMOURhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3DqvXak1Tc

Get the Look – SWINGING 60’Shttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXmwjq-aSUk

Fashion at Goodwood

Fashion at Goodwood

  • Do pack some sensible shoes! Whilst the temptation to dress in vintage heels might be tempting, after a whole day (or whole weekend!) of walking you might change your mind.
  • Don’t miss out on the period-appropriate entertainment. This Goodwood Revival features a vintage hair and makeup salon, a roller disco and vintage shopping, as well as a retro roller disco for the first time this year.  Don’t forget to visit the Tesco, decked out as it would have been in the 1960s, even down to the products and signage.
  • Do admire the sheer scale of the event. With a team of staff numbering in the hundreds, Goodwood Revival is vintage-themed right down to the very postal van that delivers on the Friday. All hosts are dressed in true vintage outfits, with each year featuring a new theme dreamt up by the extremely talented Sue O’Donoghue, Goodwood’s Theatrical Coordinator and Costume Curator.
  • Do take photos of the magnificent Maseratis. Maserati is an official partner of the Goodwood Revival, providing some absolutely beautiful vintage models to admire on the day.

For more information on Goodwood, Goodwood Revival and the rest of its many offerings, see www.goodwood.com