Horseracing at Goodwood

Horseracing at Goodwood: a thrilling family day out in West Sussex 

When you think of Goodwood Racecourse, you might think of the thunder of hooves and glamorous summer events, but did you know that a day at Goodwood races can also be one of the best family days out in West Sussex? 

With big skies and the rolling Downs and loads of entertainment going on away from the track, a raceday here offers a relaxed, outdoor experience where children can run free, grown‑ups can soak up the atmosphere, and everyone can enjoy the fun and spectacle of racing together.  

Why horseracing at Goodwood works so well for families

A raceday at Goodwood naturally caters for all ages. There’s space for children to roam, parents to relax, and that shared moment of excitement when the horses thunder past. Add in picnic spots, food options and beautiful views across the South Downs, and it’s easy to see why Goodwood appeals to all generations.​

Families visiting Goodwood for racing can expect:

• Wide open green spaces with spectacular views across the Downs - Goodwood is often referred to as the most beautiful racecourse in the world
• The excitement of seeing horses up close in the Parade Ring
• A fun and friendly atmosphere, especially on family race days where you can find fairground rides and children's activities
• Easy access from Chichester, across West Sussex and beyond
• Being part of a shared experience: cheer the horses home, spot your favourite jockey colours, and feel the thunder of hooves as they pass the stands - sometimes at Goodwood you can even watch the explosive start

Family Race Days: designed with children in mind

Goodwood hosts dedicated Family Race Days, which are specifically created to make horseracing welcoming and fun for younger racegoers who might be experiencing horseracing for the first time. These festival-style events combine thrilling racing with free family entertainment, making them ideal for first‑time visitors and a great whole-family day out. 

Family Race Days often include

• Complimentary fairground rides and a range of children's activities like face painting and ice cream
• Live music and themed entertainment
• Opportunities for children to see the horses up close
• A relaxed enclosure popular with families and picnics

These horseracing experiences mean that you don’t need to be a racing expert for everyone to have a great time; it’s about atmosphere, fresh air and shared excitement. 

A budget‑friendly family day out in West Sussex

If you’re searching for great value family days out in Sussex, horseracing at Goodwood is surprisingly accessible. Under‑18s are welcome at family race days free of charge, with adult tickets starting from £18. There is often free or low cost parking included with your ticket and family‑friendly enclosures allow picnics, which makes it easier to keep costs down while still enjoying a full day of fun together. Families with grown up children could opt for the 'Three Furlong Park and Picnic' option which puts you even closer to the action and costs £66 for four adults with admission to the Lennox Enclosure, too. 

A full day of family fun

One of the delights of visiting Goodwood is how easy it is to turn a raceday into a longer adventure. Arrive early to explore the surroundings, or stay a little later to enjoy the views as the Downs catch the evening light. Choose from Family Race Day in June or the August Bank Holiday Racing.

Many families choose to:

• Combine racing with a walk in the surrounding countryside
• Explore nearby Chichester before or after the races
• Enjoy food and drink on site while watching the action unfold
• Start your day in nearby Midhurst for breakfast or a coffee

It’s this flexibility that makes Goodwood horseracing such an excellent choice for families looking for something different where you'll make memories that last a lifetime.

Horseracing at Goodwood: more than just a day at the races

At its heart, horseracing at Goodwood Racecourse is about shared moments and making memories - the gasp as the horses break from the stalls, the cheers at the finish line and the simple pleasure of being outdoors together.

Whether you’re planning a special family treat, entertaining visiting relatives or looking for memorable things to do with children in West Sussex, Goodwood offers a day out that feels like an adventure but doesn't take hours of planning. You can even extend your visit with an overnight stay at one of the area's self-catering holiday homes, a night at a hotel or welcoming B&B.

Plan your day

Book your tickets
Tickets are available online well ahead of the race day but there are usually tickets available right up until the day, too, for those spontaneous moments. 

Getting to Goodwood
Goodwood Racecourse is located just north of Chichester in West Sussex and is easy to reach by car or public transport. On racedays, signage and Goodwood stewards help guide you to your allocated car park, making arrival straightforward even if it’s your first visit. 

What do you need?
Goodwood is all about enjoying the outdoors, so think practical:

Comfortable shoes for walking on grass - you don't have to dress up, this is a relaxed day out

Wear or bring layers - Goodwood is perched high in the Downs so it can be breezy, even on sunny days

A picnic if you’re in a family‑friendly enclosure where picnics are welcome

There are food and drink options on site too, so you can purchase food, drinks or ice creams as you wish 

Best for families
If you’re visiting with children on one of the Family Race Days the relaxed areas and entertainment offer plenty to keep children occupied between races. Families have the flexibility to dip in and out of the racing at your own pace. 

Timing your visit
Many families arrive earlier in the day (gates usually open around 11:30am) to explore before the first race and there is no commitment to stay for the whole race card, so you can leave when you need to.

Top tip
Don’t miss the Parade Ring. It's a real sight, watching the horses up close before they race and in fact is often a highlight for children and grown‑ups alike. Here you can pick out your favourite horse or pick which colour jockey silks you want to back, ready to cheer them on in their race.