The Goodwood Festival of Speed 2026 runs from 9 to 12 July at Goodwood Estate in West Sussex. The 33rd edition celebrates the theme « The Rivals, » marking two landmark anniversaries: the 50th anniversary of the Hunt/Lauda F1 rivalry (1976) and the 60th anniversary of Ford’s 1-2-3 win over Ferrari at Le Mans (1966). As of 1 June 2026, only Thursday admission is still available from £60 on goodwood.com. From London, it’s around 1h40 by train to Chichester. Book now — weekend days have been sold out for weeks.
Two hundred thousand spectators, 600+ cars, and 1.86 km of hillclimb in front of an 18th-century Georgian manor house. The Goodwood Festival of Speed isn’t a race. It’s something genuinely hard to find anywhere else in motorsport — a place where F1 cars, rally legends and Grand Prix motorcycles share the same rolling countryside setting, accessible to the public without a VIP glass wall between you and the machines. For 2026, the great-rivalries theme promises an exceptional programme: the three Ford GT40s that finished 1-2-3 at Le Mans in 1966 reunite for the first time in a decade, and Damon Hill returns to the Williams FW18 for the 30th anniversary of his 1996 championship.
1. The Hillclimb: the heart of the Festival of Speed
The Goodwood House climb — what to expect
The 1.86 km hillclimb winding up in front of Goodwood House is the spine of the entire Festival. Vehicles run in themed batches — pre-1960 cars, modern F1, WRC, Grand Prix bikes — from the start line to the crest of the hill. Each day includes multiple full runs. On Sunday, the Timed Shoot-Out pits the week’s fastest times against each other in a high-stakes finale. According to Goodwood’s official records, the outright record has been held since 2022 by Max Chilton in the electric McMurtry Spirling — 39.081 seconds.
What separates the Hillclimb from a conventional Grand Prix is the paddock access. The F1 Paddock opens from 07:30 on Thursday and lets you get within metres of the cars — often with drivers visibly prepping. Our F1 spectator guide covers what you’ll never see from a grandstand. The Festival of Speed is the exact opposite of that.
Hillclimb 2026 highlights
- All three Ford GT MkII cars from the 1966 Le Mans 1-2-3 — first time together in a decade
- Damon Hill in the Williams FW18 (30th anniversary of the 1996 title) — balcony speech Saturday 11 July
- Four generations of Formula E cars (GEN1–GEN4), including the GEN4 at 335 km/h — a world first
- Sunday Timed Shoot-Out: the week’s fastest hillclimb run decided in one final battle
- Paddock access included in general admission — no VIP upgrade required
2. « The Rivals »: the 2026 programme in detail
The great rivalries being celebrated
The official 2026 theme, announced by the Duke of Richmond, celebrates « the intensity and drama of motorsport’s greatest face-offs. » The Goodwood Media Centre press release confirms four headline strands.
Ford vs Ferrari at Le Mans 1966 (60th anniversary): the three Ford GT MkII cars that delivered the historic 1-2-3 finish (chassis P/1046, P/1015 and P/1016) are reuniting for the first time in ten years. These cars « almost never leave US soil » and will make hillclimb runs across all four days.
Hunt vs Lauda in F1 (50th anniversary of 1976): the official 2026 poster shows James Hunt’s McLaren M23 chasing Niki Lauda’s Ferrari 312T2. Williams confirmed Damon Hill’s FW18 will be on site. Williams F1 also confirmed that James Vowles, Luke Browning and Jamie Chadwick will drive the FW18.
Barry Sheene (50th anniversary of his first 1976 title): ten iconic Sheene machines — including the 1976 championship-winning Suzuki RG500 — on show every day. Freddie Sheene (his son) will ride several of his father’s bikes. It’s the first time a rider has been celebrated across all three Goodwood events — Members’ Meeting, Festival of Speed and Revival.
Americana Celebration: fifty American cars and motorcycles in the Cathedral Paddock, marking 110 years of the Indianapolis 500, 60 years of Can-Am and Trans-Am. Confirmed names include Al Unser Jr., Dario Franchitti, Travis Pastrana and his 670 hp Subaru Brataroo 9500 Turbo.
Programme highlights
- Rainey vs Schwantz rivalry (Yamaha YZR500 vs Suzuki RGV500 XR84, 500cc 1990s)
- Porsche 917 vs Ferrari 512S (Le Mans 1970) and Lancia 037 vs Audi Quattro (WRC 1983)
- BYD Group: 2,016 m² stand — the largest in FOS history — featuring the Yangwang U9 Xtreme (496 km/h)
- Renault 5 Turbo 3E (563 PS, 0–62 mph in under 3.5 s) — world dynamic premiere
- Central Feature: Singer Vehicle Design with a Gerry Judah sculpture in front of Goodwood House
3. Getting to Goodwood — from London and beyond
Best transport options
Goodwood Estate sits 60 miles from London — about 100 km — and 4 miles north of Chichester in the South Downs National Park. The train is the most comfortable option: according to National Rail, London Victoria or Waterloo to Chichester takes between 1h32 and 1h51, with over 36 trains a day. Advance tickets start at £11 each way — book several weeks ahead via Trainline or Southern Railway.
Driving from London? Take the A3 then A285/A286 — about 1h30 outside of rush hour. Free parking on the estate (opens 06:30). If you’re coming by car from the Midlands or the North, the M25/A3 route is straightforward. Once you’re in the last 10 km, ignore the sat nav and follow the brown diamond signs.
Travelling from continental Europe? The Eurostar from Paris or Brussels to London St Pancras offers Advance fares from €44 for summer 2026 (2h15). From St Pancras, a quick Tube ride on the Circle or District line reaches Victoria (15 minutes), then straight onto the Chichester train. Total journey time from Paris: around 4h30–5h. Our Eurostar guide covers fares and booking tips in detail. Alternatively, the Eurotunnel from Calais/Coquelles to Folkestone followed by 2h of driving, or DFDS / Brittany Ferries to Portsmouth (30 minutes from the estate), are both solid options.
Practical logistics
- Official shuttle from Chichester Station: 07:00–20:00, separate ticket purchased on the day (approx. £5–8)
- Motorcycles: Car Park A (helmet storage available). Blue Badge: Car Park U — pre-bookable on 01243 755055
- Big Green Coach from London Victoria Coach Station — carbon-neutral, official drop-off on site
- Total day budget from London (Thursday ticket + return train): approx. £97–£120 depending on options
4. Tickets, budget and tips for your day
Ticket availability as of 1 June 2026
As of 1 June 2026, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and 4-day passes are sold out in general admission. Only Thursday 9 July remains available from £60, exclusively via goodwood.com through the Goodwood Tickets app (digital-only tickets since 2026, available 14 days before the event). Hospitality packages — Startline Club — are still on sale from £490 per person per day. Contact hospitality: [email protected] or 01243 755054. Under-12s enter free.
Estimated budget per person, one day from London (Thursday ticket):
| Item | Tight budget | Standard budget |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday general admission | £60 | £60 |
| Return train London–Chichester | £22 (Advance) | £30 (Walk-up) |
| Chichester–Goodwood shuttle (×2) | £6 | £8 |
| Food on site or packed lunch | £10 | £20–30 |
| Estimated total | ~£98 | ~£120–130 |
Key practical points
- The event is cashless — contactless card payments only (no cash accepted on site)
- Picnics allowed in grassed areas: 1 bottle of wine (75 cl) OR 4 beers per 2 people (spirits not permitted)
- Pack a light rain jacket, sunscreen AND walking shoes — expect 8–12 km across the day on grassy terrain
- Ear protection recommended near F1 runs and the drift zones
- Electric vehicles: no on-site charging — charge up before you arrive
5. The areas worth exploring beyond the Hillclimb
Eight areas that deserve the extra walk
The Goodwood Estate covers 12,000 acres inside the South Downs National Park. Most areas are walkable from the car parks, but the Top Paddock and Forest Rally Stage require a tractor shuttle (runs every 5–10 minutes, up to 30 minutes’ wait at peak times). Per the official Plan Your Day page, here are the areas worth every step.
Forest Rally Stage (presented by Subaru): deep in the estate’s woodland, Lancia Delta Integrales, Audi Quattros and contemporary WRC cars thunder down a forest track. Paddocks are open with a direct, close-up view of the cars. Travis Pastrana and the Subaru Brataroo 9500 Turbo are expected to be a highlight.
GAS Arena (Goodwood Action Sports): motocross, BMX and mountain bike sessions every two to three hours. One of the loudest and most visually striking sections of the site — free to all attendees.
FOS Fan Zone (new for 2026): included in your admission ticket, this new space offers Q&As with drivers, live podcasts, racing simulators, exclusive merchandise and photo sessions. A welcome addition for families and first-timers.
FOS Future Lab (presented by Randox): under the stewardship of astronaut Tim Peake, the Future Lab runs interactive exhibits on health, AI, space and deep-sea exploration. Over 1,000 STEM students are expected. The lunar simulator and humanoid robots are consistently the most popular draws, according to FOS insider tips.
Cartier Style et Luxe (Sunday only): seven-class concours d’élégance with 40 rare cars — Lamborghini Miura 1966, Ferrari 288 GTO and Koenigsegg models from 1994 among them. The winner is shortlisted for the Peninsula Best of the Best (Pebble Beach, Villa d’Este). For classic car enthusiasts, this is free with your ticket.
Highlights
- Off-Road Arena: historic and electric off-road demonstrations
- Singer/Gerry Judah sculpture in front of Goodwood House — the central photo landmark
- Americana Celebration: 50 American cars and bikes, IndyCar/NASCAR/Can-Am drivers in person
- Dogs not admitted (assistance dogs only)
Practical info for your UK trip
If you’re travelling to Goodwood from overseas, stay connected without roaming charges. UK eSIMs are available in minutes before you leave home. Keep the Goodwood Tickets app, live maps and social feeds running all day.
From ~£5 / 7 daysNomad Insurance: global coverage from $56/4 weeks. 10% off via our link. Worth considering if you’re combining Goodwood with broader UK or European travel this summer.
From $56 / 4 weeksFrequently asked questions
Can you still buy tickets for the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2026?
As of 1 June 2026, only Thursday 9 July is still available in general admission from £60 — on goodwood.com via the Goodwood Tickets app. Friday, Saturday, Sunday and 4-day passes are sold out. Hospitality packages remain available for all days from £490 per person per day (contact [email protected]). Resale platforms have tickets well above face value with a high risk of fraud. Official Goodwood tickets.
How do you get to Goodwood from London?
The easiest option is the train from London Victoria or Waterloo to Chichester — takes 1h32–1h51, with Advance fares from £11 each way. From Chichester, the official shuttle runs directly to Goodwood from 07:00 to 20:00. Driving from London takes about 1h30 via the A3 then A285/A286, with free parking on site opening at 06:30. If you’re coming from continental Europe, Eurostar to London St Pancras then train to Chichester is the smoothest door-to-door option (total: around 4h30 from Paris).
What’s the difference between the four days of the Festival?
Thursday (9 July) is the quietest day — paddocks accessible from 07:30 with no queues, lots of new car debuts, fewer star drivers but much more access. Friday (10 July) is the best balance of atmosphere and crowd levels. Saturday (11 July) is the most spectacular — legendary drivers on the Goodwood House balcony and the Singer sculpture, but also the busiest (F1 paddock queues can hit 2 hours). Sunday (12 July) brings the Timed Shoot-Out — the week’s fastest hillclimb run — and the Cartier Style et Luxe Concours d’Élégance.
Is the Festival of Speed worth going to if you’re not into motorsport?
Yes. The Festival of Speed mixes attractions for all kinds of visitors: the FOS Future Lab (AI and space tech), the GAS Arena (motocross and BMX), Cartier Style et Luxe (automotive art), the monumental Singer/Gerry Judah sculpture and family spaces. Under-12s enter free. No technical knowledge needed to enjoy the event — the sound and spectacle of the Hillclimb works on everyone, as the official Goodwood FAQ puts it.
Can you get close to the F1 cars in the paddocks?
That’s one of the great strengths of the event — paddock access is included in standard admission with no VIP upgrade required. The F1 Paddock, Forest Rally Stage and virtually all exhibitor zones allow direct close-up views of the cars, often within a few metres. Drivers are regularly visible in the early morning, especially on Thursday. Contemporary F1 cars run demonstration climbs (non-timed since 2000 for safety reasons).
Do EU visitors need an ETA to attend the Goodwood Festival of Speed?
Yes — EU, EEA and most non-British visitors now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK. It costs £16, takes about 10 minutes to apply for on gov.uk/eta and is valid for 2 years. Since 25 February 2026, the « No Permission, No Travel » policy is enforced: you’ll be denied boarding without a valid ETA. A passport is required (ID cards have not been accepted since October 2021). Our complete ETA guide for the UK walks you through the process step by step.
What’s the weather like at Goodwood in July?
July in the South Downs typically brings daily temperatures between 18 and 23°C and mostly sunny conditions — but rain is always a possibility. In 2023, Saturday’s programme was cancelled due to severe weather. In 2025, the event enjoyed warm summer weather throughout. The consistent advice from regulars: bring a light waterproof, sunscreen and walking shoes suited to potentially slippery grass.
Sources
- Goodwood Festival of Speed — Official site 2026: dates, tickets, programme and visitor guide
- Goodwood Media Centre — Official press release: « The Rivals » theme and key announcements
- GRR (Goodwood Road and Racing) — Rivalries at FOS 2026: Hunt/Lauda, Ford/Ferrari, Rainey/Schwantz rivalries in detail
- Williams F1 official — Damon Hill and the FW18 at Goodwood: driver confirmation and programme details
- GRR — Barry Sheene at FOS 2026: 50th anniversary of the first 500cc world title
- GRR — Ford GT40s 1966 reunion: confirmation of the three historic chassis
- National Rail — Getting to Goodwood by train: London–Chichester timetables and fares
- Goodwood — Getting Here: shuttles, parking and transport from all directions
- GRR — Goodwood 2025 in numbers: 200,000 visitor attendance data
- FIA Formula E official — FOS 2026 partnership: four generations of Formula E cars in action
- GRR — Tim Peake, Future Lab Ambassador: FOS Future Lab themes and experiences
Research conducted 1 June 2026. Prices and availability subject to change.
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