Goodwood Festival of Speed 2025: Everything You Need to Know
Imagine a summer garden party where Ferraris roar, Formula 1 legends mingle with the crowd, and the newest electric hypercars zip past on a country estate drive. Welcome to the Goodwood Festival of Speed — the UK’s most thrilling automotive celebration.
If you've never heard of it, you're not alone. But once you experience it, you'll never forget it.
So… What Is the Goodwood Festival of Speed?
Held annually in West Sussex, the Goodwood Festival of Speed is a four-day motoring extravaganza set on the stunning grounds of the Goodwood House, owned by the Duke of Richmond. It’s not a traditional racetrack event. Instead, cars old and new race up a narrow, twisty hill climb through the estate grounds — a 1.16-mile route lined with hay bales and adrenaline.
Think of it as a mix between a car show, a motorsport museum, and a high-octane time machine… with the occasional royalty or racing legend casually walking past.
When Is It?
For 2025, the Goodwood Festival of Speed runs from Thursday 10 July to Sunday 13 July.
Each day has its own vibe:
Thursday – Focus on future tech and electric vehicles
Friday – Practice runs and manufacturer showcases
Saturday – Full-throttle racing day and driver appearances
Sunday – Shootout finals and biggest crowd of the weekend
Do You Need Tickets?
Yes, and they sell out fast. Ticket options include:
General Admission – Access to the grounds, paddocks, viewing spots
Grandstand Seating – Reserved views of the hill climb
Hospitality Packages – For those who want food, drinks, and luxury access
If you missed out on tickets this year, there’s a live stream on the Goodwood Road & Racing website and YouTube.
What Will You See?
This isn’t just any car show. Expect:
Historic Formula 1 cars
Brand-new EVs and hypercars
Legendary Le Mans racers
Motorcycles, supercars, drift cars, rally beasts
And then there’s the hill climb — the highlight of the event. Drivers from across motorsport (F1, WRC, MotoGP, IndyCar, Le Mans) take their vehicles up the iconic hill at full speed. Some go for records. Some go sideways. All are loud, fast, and unforgettable.
In 2025, Denza, McLaren, Aston Martin, Rimac, Porsche, and many others unveiled cutting-edge models — from electric grand tourers to concept cars from the future.
Future Lab & Electric Avenue
Tech nerds, this one’s for you. Future Lab is a high-tech interactive space with innovations in AI, mobility, energy, and space tech.
Electric Avenue showcases the latest EVs — and yes, you can get in, sit down, and sometimes even book test drives.
Is It Family-Friendly?
Absolutely. There are:
Family zones
Big screens showing hill climbs
Interactive exhibits
Food trucks, picnic areas, and shaded lawns
Kids under 12 usually get free entry (when accompanied by a ticket-holding adult).
What’s the Vibe?
Very relaxed, yet buzzing with excitement. People are in shorts, sunglasses, maybe a motorsport cap. You’ll find petrolheads, tech geeks, celebrities, and families all side by side — all enjoying ice creams and the occasional supercar launch.
Pro tip: bring comfy shoes. It’s a big site.
Can You Meet Drivers?
Yes! Many racing legends (think Jenson Button, Sebastian Vettel, or Valentino Rossi) appear throughout the weekend. Some do signings, others just stroll the paddock. You might also spot YouTubers, journalists, and motorsport influencers.
How to Get There
The event takes place at Goodwood House, near Chichester, West Sussex.
Closest train station: Chichester (then shuttle bus to site)
Parking is available but must be booked in advance
Shuttle buses from key regional hubs
Helicopter? It’s Goodwood. Yes, there’s a heliport.
What to Pack
Sunblock (or a rain jacket — it’s the UK)
Hat and sunglasses
Portable phone charger
Earplugs (if you’re bringing kids)
A camera or phone with space for LOTS of photos
Final Thoughts
Even if you're not a die-hard car fan, Goodwood Festival of Speed is one of those events that surprises you. It's about speed, yes — but also design, history, community, and the shared thrill of innovation on wheels.
Whether you're watching a Bugatti blast up the hill, getting a peek at the inside of a 1960s F1 car, or just enjoying a burger on the lawn — Goodwood leaves you buzzing.
If you get the chance to go next year, don’t think twice.
Bonus Tip:
Check out the Goodwood Revival in September — vintage cars, 1940s outfits, and all the retro vibes.