For the perfect short break, visit the Goodwood Estate in the heart of the South Downs National Park, Sussex. From cars to spas, there’s something for everything on this historic estate.
It’s one of a multitude of things to do and see during a visit to the Goodwood estate in the heart of the South Downs National Park in Sussex. With the Goodwood Hotel providing a luxurious base from which to explore, we found it a fine destination for a weekend break — with the attractions of Chichester close by, such as the impressive Norman cathedral, the Festival Theatre and the modern art of the Pallant House Gallery.
The Goodwood Aerodrome by the track joins in the nostalgia with displays of historic aircraft from its own colourful history as an RAF base during the Second World War.
An impressive art collection includes three enormous Stubbs, several van Dycks and two marvellous 18th-century Canalettos painted from Richmond House overlooking the Thames and Whitehall in London.
Everywhere you go on the Goodwood Estate there are staff eager to impart fascinating nuggets of history, whether it’s about Edward VII staying at the house with his wife and mistress Alice Keppel or the pilots who flew over enemy lines to drop a new pair of prosthetic legs into Bader’s PoW camp.
From May to September the Goodwood horse racing course sparks into life for the flat season. Tens of thousands of visitors flock to Glorious Goodwood but a full calendar of meetings gives you the chance to tie your visit to an exciting day at the races.
Another major event is the Festival of Speed, where cars and star drivers past and present come together for the great Hillclimb race. There is a rally stage, amusement park and exhibitions of everything from 19th-century steam carriages to Formula 1 cars and dragsters. You might even get to rub shoulders with Lewis Hamilton or Jenson Button.
New this year will be Vintage, a celebration of five decades of British cool from fashion and food to music and culture from the Forties to Eighties. There will be bands, exhibitions, period clothes and even “glamping”.
These innovative events make Goodwood a special place to visit. There are no dusty old exhibitions or fusty tours. Heart and soul are put into arranging every activity.
There is such an infectious energy here, I’m determined to return for all the things I didn’t have time to do. I might even get to meet the real supercar drivers to give them the benefit of my newly-acquired track.
Glorious Goodwood Horseracing Hospitality
http://www.corporatehospitalitygroup.com/Horse-Racing-Hospitality/Glorious-Goodwood-Horseracing-Hospitality/
Corporate Hospitality Group
http://www.corporatehospitalitygroup.com/