Goodwood Circuit
Location
Chichester, West Sussex, UK
Current Local Time
Current Local Weather
Nearby Tracks
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Thruxton Circuit
71.2 km away
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Brands Hatch
89.6 km away
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ExCel London
90.4 km away
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Silverstone Circuit
135.7 km away
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Llandow Circuit
201.6 km away
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Snetterton Circuit
213.4 km away
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Donington Park
223.3 km away
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Track Info
Goodwood Motor Circuit - Chichester, West Sussex, UK
Historic perimeter-road circuit around RAF Westhampnett airfield - clockwise - high-speed sweeps, the Lavant Straight and a tricky final chicane
When was the track built?
Goodwood’s racing loop was created by repurposing the perimeter roads of RAF Westhampnett, a WWII satellite of RAF Tangmere. Groundworks started in 1947, and by September 1948 the Duke of Richmond had opened the venue for competition. The layout has remained essentially the same since 1952, preserving its fast character while safety features and the final chicane evolved.
When was its first race?
The circuit’s first race day was 18 September 1948, organised by the Junior Car Club. Stirling Moss won the 500 cc race, and Goodwood quickly became a home for top British talent in Formula 1, sports cars and bikes.
What's the circuit like?
- Fast, flowing DNA: Madgwick’s double-apex entry leads into the rapid Fordwater kink, then a rhythm change at St Mary’s before the long pull through Lavant onto the straight.
- Bravery corners: Fordwater and the entry to St Mary’s reward a planted front end and subtle throttle work - period machinery still dances here at the Revival.
- Decisive finish: The tight Chicane and short run to the line create last-lap drama and reward traction without clipping the walls.
- Benchmark pace: Outright 1:09.914 (F1 Arrows A11, 2020 timed run). Race-lap references include 1:18.217 in a Lola T70 and the famous 1:20.4 F1 lap from 1965.
Lap records and benchmarks (by era/series)
- Outright (timed shootout): 1:09.914 - Nick Padmore, Arrows A11, 2020 SpeedWeek.
- Historic sports cars - race lap: 1:18.217 - Nick Padmore, Lola T70 Spyder, 2015 Members’ Meeting.
- Formula 1 (period, race lap): 1:20.4 - Jim Clark & Jackie Stewart, 1965 Sunday Mirror Trophy.
- Original 1948-51 layout note: 3.830 km - period fastest laps topped by Giuseppe Farina’s Alfa Romeo 159.
Why go?
A time capsule with modern organisation. The Goodwood Revival and Members’ Meeting put priceless machinery on a fast, old-school canvas you can see almost entirely from trackside banks. Atmosphere, access and photo angles are superb.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Madgwick: Lap-one compression and commitment set the tone for runs to Fordwater.
- St Mary’s complex: Direction change where mistakes snowball into Lavant.
- Lavant Straight: Drafting trains and period-correct slipstream battles before Woodcote.
- Chicane & pit straight: Last-lap lunges and the sprint to the flag with the paddock in view.
Not just one era: headline events at Goodwood
Goodwood Revival: Full-period dress and grids - RAC TT Celebration, St Mary’s Trophy and more on the 3.862 km layout.
Members’ Meeting: Springtime historic festival with timed shootouts that often reset recent benchmarks.
Festival of Speed (hillclimb): Sister event up the Goodwood House driveway - separate course, but completes the pilgrimage.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Goodwood Circuit - Chichester, West Sussex
Best options are train to Chichester then free or event shuttle buses to the circuit on major events, driving from the A27 to on-site car parks, and taxis or rideshare direct to the Claypit Lane entrances. Blue Badge parking uses Car Park D via Gate 12 at Revival and Members' Meeting.
Public transport - rail plus shuttle is the simplest
- Chichester Station → circuit shuttles: Members' Meeting and Revival run dedicated buses between the station and the circuit terminus from around 07:00 with frequent returns after track action. Check your event page for exact times and fares if applicable.
- Local buses on non event days: Stagecoach operates special Goodwood services during major events. Outside these periods, use a taxi from Chichester for the last leg.
- Train tips: Fastest London route is often Waterloo → Havant then to Chichester, with direct Victoria services also available.
Driving and parking - follow brown Motor Circuit signs
- Approach from A27: Stay on the Chichester bypass then follow signs for Goodwood and Aerodrome to Claypit Lane. Brown tourist signs for Motor Circuit guide the final turns.
- Car parks: Free on-site fields are opened and stewarded on event days with courtesy vehicles to entrances when needed. No overnight parking unless event guidance states otherwise.
- Blue Badge parking: Signed to Car Park D with access via Gate 12. Courtesy shuttles and Shopmobility services operate from this area.
Event shuttles - when they run
- Revival: Shuttle buses typically run 07:00 - 22:00 Fri - Sat and to 21:00 Sun between Chichester Station and the circuit.
- Members' Meeting: Complimentary shuttle from Chichester Station from 07:00 each day to the on-site bus terminus.
Taxis and rideshare
- Set destination: Goodwood Motor Circuit, PO18 0PH. Staff will direct drop off - pick up to the active gate and bus terminus.
- From Chichester Station: Taxis are available outside the station and are the quickest non shuttle option on non event days.
Walking from bus terminus and car parks
- From the on-site bus terminus: A short signed walk leads to admissions and paddocks. Courtesy shuttles operate from car parks to the entrances if required.
- From car parks: Expect 5 - 15 minute stewarded walks depending on the field in use and your gate.
Airports and longer trips
- Nearest gateways: London is about 60 miles away. Regional options include Southampton and Brighton
Quick guide - what is nearest
- Rail users: ride to Chichester then take the official event shuttle to the circuit bus terminus.
- Drivers: follow A27 to brown Motor Circuit signs and stewards for your car park.
- Blue Badge holders: follow yellow disabled signs to Car Park D → Gate 12 and use courtesy vehicles if needed.
Always follow the gate and lot on your e-ticket and check your specific event page for shuttle times, parking maps and any temporary traffic plans.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Goodwood Circuit - Chichester (West Sussex, England)
Whether you are here for the Goodwood Revival, Members' Meeting, club racing, trackdays or classic parades, this RAF airfield circuit sits between Chichester and the South Downs - with beaches, castles, museums and vineyard terraces close by for non race days.
Family friendly highlights near the circuit
- Weald and Downland Living Museum - Singleton: Open air museum of rescued historic buildings with craft demos and big green spaces. Easy half day for kids.
- Tangmere Military Aviation Museum: Hands on simulators and RAF history inside wartime huts - a natural pair with the aerodrome setting.
- Fishbourne Roman Palace: Superb Roman mosaics and gardens a few minutes west of Chichester.
- Pallant House Gallery and The Novium Museum - Chichester: Art and local history in the compact city centre for a gentle indoor loop.
- West Wittering Beach: Wide sandy strand with dunes and shallow paddling zones. Parking is pre-booked on busy days in season.
- Harbour boat trips - Itchenor or Emsworth: Short cruises and simple ferries that suit mixed age groups on calm days.
Popular family venues use timed tickets or pre-booked parking on peak weekends. Aim for morning slots if you plan to return for afternoon sessions.
Culture hits and rainy day winners
- Chichester Cathedral: Medieval nave, cloisters and a peaceful green a short walk from cafés.
- Arundel Castle: Dramatic fortress and gardens above the River Arun - a strong half day indoors and out.
- Portsmouth Historic Dockyard: HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the Mary Rose Museum under large indoor halls.
- Spinnaker Tower - Portsmouth: Panoramic views with glass floor panels - good on a blustery day.
- Chichester Festival Theatre: Check matinees for an easy evening plan after practice.
Eat and drink like a local
- Sussex vineyards: Tinwood Estate is very close to the circuit with sparkling wine tastings. Wiston, Nyetimber and others sit within day trip range with pre-booked tours.
- Harbour villages - Bosham and Emsworth: Pubs, seafood and waterside cafés for sunset dinners.
- Chichester centre: Independent coffee, bakeries and modern British kitchens clustered around North Street and South Street.
- Country pubs - Lavant, East Dean, Charlton: Fireplaces in cooler months and garden terraces in summer.
- Race week tip: Friday - Saturday tables in village inns and Chichester book quickly on Members' Meeting and Revival weekends - reserve for groups.
Active outdoors between sessions
- South Downs Way: Pick short ridge sections near Harting Down or Bignor Hill for big views and skylarks.
- Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve: Ancient yew forest with a steady climb to panoramic chalk downland.
- Goodwood Estate walks: Signed country paths and bridleways around the racecourse and woods for quick fresh air breaks.
- Cycling - quiet lanes: Gentle loops through East Dean - Charlton - Singleton valleys. Start early on sunny weekends.
- SUP and kayak: Calm inlets around Chichester Harbour offer easy paddles on slack tides with rental outlets in season.
Easy day trips if you are extending your stay
- Brighton - 45 to 70 minutes. Royal Pavilion, Lanes shopping and a lively seafront.
- Petworth House and Park - 30 to 45 minutes. Turner paintings and grazing deer in sweeping Capability Brown landscapes.
- Seven Sisters coast - 60 to 90 minutes. Clifftop walks from Seaford or Birling Gap for classic white chalk views.
- Isle of Wight via Portsmouth - Allow 60 to 90 minutes plus ferry. Car free days around Ryde or Cowes are easy if you add time.
- Portchester Castle and Fort Nelson - 35 to 55 minutes. Roman-sited castle and an artillery museum with indoor galleries.
Times are approximate and can rise on headline weekends. Some coast paths and beaches use pre-booked parking or tide dependent access.
When to go and what to expect
- Peak motorsport - Members' Meeting in spring and Revival in early autumn bring the biggest crowds and period dress. Hotels and inns around Chichester, Arundel and the Downs fill Thursday - Sunday.
- Weather - Coastal-influenced and changeable. Expect sun plus brisk breezes on the airfield, with cool evenings even in September. Pack layers, a windproof - rain shell and sunscreen.
Practical notes during race weeks
- Aerodrome operations: The track encircles a live airfield. Expect vintage aircraft movements and occasional display windows during major events.
- Ground and shade: Long, exposed infield walks with limited permanent cover. A small folding chair or blanket and refillable bottles help on grassy banks.
- Costume and comfort - Revival: Period dress is encouraged but not required. If you dress up, bring practical footwear for grass and boards.
- On site experiences: Driving and flight experiences operate on selected dates and usually pause or run special hours on headline weekends. Spitfire and vintage flight providers use the aerodrome on specific schedules.
- Family packing list: Ear protection for children, sun protection, a warm layer for late finishes and sturdy shoes for boardwalks and grass.
Opening hours, seasonal programs, flight schedules and event week operations can change - check official circuit and attraction sites for your exact dates.
Hotels & Accommodation
Location
Chichester, West Sussex, UK
Current Local Time
Current Local Weather
Track Info
Goodwood Motor Circuit - Chichester, West Sussex, UK
Historic perimeter-road circuit around RAF Westhampnett airfield - clockwise - high-speed sweeps, the Lavant Straight and a tricky final chicane
When was the track built?
Goodwood’s racing loop was created by repurposing the perimeter roads of RAF Westhampnett, a WWII satellite of RAF Tangmere. Groundworks started in 1947, and by September 1948 the Duke of Richmond had opened the venue for competition. The layout has remained essentially the same since 1952, preserving its fast character while safety features and the final chicane evolved.
When was its first race?
The circuit’s first race day was 18 September 1948, organised by the Junior Car Club. Stirling Moss won the 500 cc race, and Goodwood quickly became a home for top British talent in Formula 1, sports cars and bikes.
What's the circuit like?
- Fast, flowing DNA: Madgwick’s double-apex entry leads into the rapid Fordwater kink, then a rhythm change at St Mary’s before the long pull through Lavant onto the straight.
- Bravery corners: Fordwater and the entry to St Mary’s reward a planted front end and subtle throttle work - period machinery still dances here at the Revival.
- Decisive finish: The tight Chicane and short run to the line create last-lap drama and reward traction without clipping the walls.
- Benchmark pace: Outright 1:09.914 (F1 Arrows A11, 2020 timed run). Race-lap references include 1:18.217 in a Lola T70 and the famous 1:20.4 F1 lap from 1965.
Lap records and benchmarks (by era/series)
- Outright (timed shootout): 1:09.914 - Nick Padmore, Arrows A11, 2020 SpeedWeek.
- Historic sports cars - race lap: 1:18.217 - Nick Padmore, Lola T70 Spyder, 2015 Members’ Meeting.
- Formula 1 (period, race lap): 1:20.4 - Jim Clark & Jackie Stewart, 1965 Sunday Mirror Trophy.
- Original 1948-51 layout note: 3.830 km - period fastest laps topped by Giuseppe Farina’s Alfa Romeo 159.
Why go?
A time capsule with modern organisation. The Goodwood Revival and Members’ Meeting put priceless machinery on a fast, old-school canvas you can see almost entirely from trackside banks. Atmosphere, access and photo angles are superb.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Madgwick: Lap-one compression and commitment set the tone for runs to Fordwater.
- St Mary’s complex: Direction change where mistakes snowball into Lavant.
- Lavant Straight: Drafting trains and period-correct slipstream battles before Woodcote.
- Chicane & pit straight: Last-lap lunges and the sprint to the flag with the paddock in view.
Not just one era: headline events at Goodwood
Goodwood Revival: Full-period dress and grids - RAC TT Celebration, St Mary’s Trophy and more on the 3.862 km layout.
Members’ Meeting: Springtime historic festival with timed shootouts that often reset recent benchmarks.
Festival of Speed (hillclimb): Sister event up the Goodwood House driveway - separate course, but completes the pilgrimage.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Goodwood Circuit - Chichester, West Sussex
Best options are train to Chichester then free or event shuttle buses to the circuit on major events, driving from the A27 to on-site car parks, and taxis or rideshare direct to the Claypit Lane entrances. Blue Badge parking uses Car Park D via Gate 12 at Revival and Members' Meeting.
Public transport - rail plus shuttle is the simplest
- Chichester Station → circuit shuttles: Members' Meeting and Revival run dedicated buses between the station and the circuit terminus from around 07:00 with frequent returns after track action. Check your event page for exact times and fares if applicable.
- Local buses on non event days: Stagecoach operates special Goodwood services during major events. Outside these periods, use a taxi from Chichester for the last leg.
- Train tips: Fastest London route is often Waterloo → Havant then to Chichester, with direct Victoria services also available.
Driving and parking - follow brown Motor Circuit signs
- Approach from A27: Stay on the Chichester bypass then follow signs for Goodwood and Aerodrome to Claypit Lane. Brown tourist signs for Motor Circuit guide the final turns.
- Car parks: Free on-site fields are opened and stewarded on event days with courtesy vehicles to entrances when needed. No overnight parking unless event guidance states otherwise.
- Blue Badge parking: Signed to Car Park D with access via Gate 12. Courtesy shuttles and Shopmobility services operate from this area.
Event shuttles - when they run
- Revival: Shuttle buses typically run 07:00 - 22:00 Fri - Sat and to 21:00 Sun between Chichester Station and the circuit.
- Members' Meeting: Complimentary shuttle from Chichester Station from 07:00 each day to the on-site bus terminus.
Taxis and rideshare
- Set destination: Goodwood Motor Circuit, PO18 0PH. Staff will direct drop off - pick up to the active gate and bus terminus.
- From Chichester Station: Taxis are available outside the station and are the quickest non shuttle option on non event days.
Walking from bus terminus and car parks
- From the on-site bus terminus: A short signed walk leads to admissions and paddocks. Courtesy shuttles operate from car parks to the entrances if required.
- From car parks: Expect 5 - 15 minute stewarded walks depending on the field in use and your gate.
Airports and longer trips
- Nearest gateways: London is about 60 miles away. Regional options include Southampton and Brighton
Quick guide - what is nearest
- Rail users: ride to Chichester then take the official event shuttle to the circuit bus terminus.
- Drivers: follow A27 to brown Motor Circuit signs and stewards for your car park.
- Blue Badge holders: follow yellow disabled signs to Car Park D → Gate 12 and use courtesy vehicles if needed.
Always follow the gate and lot on your e-ticket and check your specific event page for shuttle times, parking maps and any temporary traffic plans.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Goodwood Circuit - Chichester (West Sussex, England)
Whether you are here for the Goodwood Revival, Members' Meeting, club racing, trackdays or classic parades, this RAF airfield circuit sits between Chichester and the South Downs - with beaches, castles, museums and vineyard terraces close by for non race days.
Family friendly highlights near the circuit
- Weald and Downland Living Museum - Singleton: Open air museum of rescued historic buildings with craft demos and big green spaces. Easy half day for kids.
- Tangmere Military Aviation Museum: Hands on simulators and RAF history inside wartime huts - a natural pair with the aerodrome setting.
- Fishbourne Roman Palace: Superb Roman mosaics and gardens a few minutes west of Chichester.
- Pallant House Gallery and The Novium Museum - Chichester: Art and local history in the compact city centre for a gentle indoor loop.
- West Wittering Beach: Wide sandy strand with dunes and shallow paddling zones. Parking is pre-booked on busy days in season.
- Harbour boat trips - Itchenor or Emsworth: Short cruises and simple ferries that suit mixed age groups on calm days.
Popular family venues use timed tickets or pre-booked parking on peak weekends. Aim for morning slots if you plan to return for afternoon sessions.
Culture hits and rainy day winners
- Chichester Cathedral: Medieval nave, cloisters and a peaceful green a short walk from cafés.
- Arundel Castle: Dramatic fortress and gardens above the River Arun - a strong half day indoors and out.
- Portsmouth Historic Dockyard: HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the Mary Rose Museum under large indoor halls.
- Spinnaker Tower - Portsmouth: Panoramic views with glass floor panels - good on a blustery day.
- Chichester Festival Theatre: Check matinees for an easy evening plan after practice.
Eat and drink like a local
- Sussex vineyards: Tinwood Estate is very close to the circuit with sparkling wine tastings. Wiston, Nyetimber and others sit within day trip range with pre-booked tours.
- Harbour villages - Bosham and Emsworth: Pubs, seafood and waterside cafés for sunset dinners.
- Chichester centre: Independent coffee, bakeries and modern British kitchens clustered around North Street and South Street.
- Country pubs - Lavant, East Dean, Charlton: Fireplaces in cooler months and garden terraces in summer.
- Race week tip: Friday - Saturday tables in village inns and Chichester book quickly on Members' Meeting and Revival weekends - reserve for groups.
Active outdoors between sessions
- South Downs Way: Pick short ridge sections near Harting Down or Bignor Hill for big views and skylarks.
- Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve: Ancient yew forest with a steady climb to panoramic chalk downland.
- Goodwood Estate walks: Signed country paths and bridleways around the racecourse and woods for quick fresh air breaks.
- Cycling - quiet lanes: Gentle loops through East Dean - Charlton - Singleton valleys. Start early on sunny weekends.
- SUP and kayak: Calm inlets around Chichester Harbour offer easy paddles on slack tides with rental outlets in season.
Easy day trips if you are extending your stay
- Brighton - 45 to 70 minutes. Royal Pavilion, Lanes shopping and a lively seafront.
- Petworth House and Park - 30 to 45 minutes. Turner paintings and grazing deer in sweeping Capability Brown landscapes.
- Seven Sisters coast - 60 to 90 minutes. Clifftop walks from Seaford or Birling Gap for classic white chalk views.
- Isle of Wight via Portsmouth - Allow 60 to 90 minutes plus ferry. Car free days around Ryde or Cowes are easy if you add time.
- Portchester Castle and Fort Nelson - 35 to 55 minutes. Roman-sited castle and an artillery museum with indoor galleries.
Times are approximate and can rise on headline weekends. Some coast paths and beaches use pre-booked parking or tide dependent access.
When to go and what to expect
- Peak motorsport - Members' Meeting in spring and Revival in early autumn bring the biggest crowds and period dress. Hotels and inns around Chichester, Arundel and the Downs fill Thursday - Sunday.
- Weather - Coastal-influenced and changeable. Expect sun plus brisk breezes on the airfield, with cool evenings even in September. Pack layers, a windproof - rain shell and sunscreen.
Practical notes during race weeks
- Aerodrome operations: The track encircles a live airfield. Expect vintage aircraft movements and occasional display windows during major events.
- Ground and shade: Long, exposed infield walks with limited permanent cover. A small folding chair or blanket and refillable bottles help on grassy banks.
- Costume and comfort - Revival: Period dress is encouraged but not required. If you dress up, bring practical footwear for grass and boards.
- On site experiences: Driving and flight experiences operate on selected dates and usually pause or run special hours on headline weekends. Spitfire and vintage flight providers use the aerodrome on specific schedules.
- Family packing list: Ear protection for children, sun protection, a warm layer for late finishes and sturdy shoes for boardwalks and grass.
Opening hours, seasonal programs, flight schedules and event week operations can change - check official circuit and attraction sites for your exact dates.