Guide to Goodwood Racecourse, UK

Overview: Goodwood Racecourse is located five miles north of Chichester, West Sussex, and is controlled by the family of the Duke of Richmond, whose seat is nearby Goodwood House. It is a part of the Goodwood Estate, which includes the Goodwood Circuit motorsport track, Goodwood Golf Course, and is also home to the Goodwood Cricket Club. The Earl and Countess of March are the current occupants of Goodwood House.Goodwood House was built around 1600, with the 1st Duke of Richmond acquiring it in 1697. The 3rd Duke of Richmond commissioned the racecourse, which was established in 1802.Major racing festivals: Glorious Goodwood, which is a five-day festival considered to be one of the social highlights of the British summer. Held in the last week of July, Glorious Goodwood is a quintessentially English event which has less formality than other major British racing festivals while retaining all the glamour. The festival features two Group 1 events, the Sussex Stakes (1m, on the second day) and the Nassau Stakes (approximately 1m 2f for fillies and mares on the final day).What to expect: The ultimate English garden party. Goodwood Racecourse is considered to be one of the most picturesque racecourses in the world. Drink Pimms, indulge in strawberries and cream (complimentary in the Richmond Enclosure), and simply relax in the tranquil atmosphere and scenic surrounds.Enclosures: For a guide to the enclosures, click here. We recommend the Richmond Enclosure, and although it is members-only during Glorious Goodwood, VRC members are able to purchase a pass to it upon presentation of their VRC member's badge.For an interactive racecourse map, click here.Style notes: While Panama hats are the official millinery of Glorious Goodwood and suggested attire for gentlemen, ladies generally wear something a little more glamorous, but much more relaxed than a typical Royal Ascot hat. More functional hats (read: with brims) and smaller, cocktail pieces are popular accompaniments to pretty summer frocks, while linen suits are a popular choice with the men.Best dressed competitions:  The L'Ormarins Best Dressed Lady Competition, on day 4 of Glorious Goodwood. The current prize is a trip for two to the L'Ormarins Queen's Plate raceday in Cape Town, South Africa, and the dress code is strictly blue and white to echo the colours of the L'Ormarins logo. For further information, click here.How to get there: Goodwood is located just outside of Chichester, which is 60 miles from London. We recommend taking the train from London Victoria to Chichester, which takes about 1 hour 40 minutes. There is a special bus service on major racedays from Chichester station to Goodwood.For other methods of transport, click here.Website: Goodwood Horse Racing