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2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed Guide: Celebrating Iconic Rivalries
Words by Anthony Moss
July 6, 2026
What’s that coming over the hill? It’s the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed – and it’s once again shaping up to be unmissable.
This remarkable summer celebration of motor racing is always a bucket-list experience for any enthusiast. In 2026, we can expect a dazzling display of iconic cars, new vehicles, legendary drivers and cutting-edge technology, all tied together by a theme that honours famous rivalries through the decades. Read on for our insider’s guide to the Festival of Speed.
Please note: While we offer VIP access and curated hospitality for this legendary event, we are not affiliated with the organisers. If your enquiry relates to tickets, schedules or event management, we recommend contacting Goodwood directly.
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When is the Goodwood Festival of Speed? 2026 dates & timetable
The 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed will take place from Thursday 9 July to Sunday 12 July. While this year’s timetable is still under wraps, we can look to last year’s event for what’s likely to play out.
Thursday (9 July) and Friday (10 July)
After the Duke of Richmond officially opens the festival on Thursday morning, batches of cars begin to ascend the famous Goodwood Hill – an activity that permeates the entire weekend. Thursday and Friday are perfect days to explore the festival’s various exhibitions and events, including the high-tech Future Lab, the thrilling Goodwood Action Sports Arena, and the auction of motorsport memorabilia and historic cars.
Saturday (11 July)
On Saturday, the hillclimb and exhibitions continue – including the Forest Rally Stage – while it’s also a great day to rub shoulders with your favourite motorsport stars. Attention also turns to the Library Lawn Garden Party, nestled in the private gardens of Goodwood House. Just steps from the action, this refined haven offers a lively garden party atmosphere with a brunch buffet, champagne afternoon tea, and roving grandstand access.
Sunday (12 July)
On Sunday, the festival peaks with the famous Sunday Shootout, as the best from the weekend compete for a chance to be crowned champion of the Hill. It’s a must-see event that we enjoy with premium hospitality from the Clark, overlooking Molecomb Corner – the climb’s most dramatic point.
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Inside the 2026 theme: The Rivals – Epic Racing Duels
A strong rivalry always adds an extra layer of drama to motorsport, and that’s the thread running through the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed, with this year’s official theme being ‘The Rivals – Epic Racing Duels’. Prepare for a hefty dose of head-to-head nostalgia as iconic vehicles line up to revive memorable motorsport battles on the famous Goodwood Hill.
This will include the Porsche 917 and Ferrari 512S, rekindling the famous Porsche vs. Ferrari rivalry that defined the 1970 World Sportscar Championship season. Also appearing will be the Lancia 037 and Audi Quattro, which went head-to-head during the 1983 World Rally Championship campaign, while two-wheeled action celebrating the fierce Yamaha vs. Suzuki rivalry will also be brought together at Goodwood 2026.
Additionally, this year’s festival will commemorate several rivalry-themed anniversaries. These include the 50th anniversary of James Hunt and Niki Lauda’s legendary battle for the 1976 Formula 1 World Championship, and the 60th anniversary of the 1966 Le Mans 24 Hours, in which Ford’s epic battle with Ferrari played out.
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From Barry Sheene to Damon Hill – honouring motoring’s legends
While motorsport’s most famous rivalries are in the spotlight in 2026, Goodwood will also salute other legendary feats, anniversaries and individuals.
This includes celebrating the incredible career of motorcycle racing icon Barry Sheene, with ten of his most significant bikes showcased on the Hill. Another milestone being honoured at Goodwood this year is the 30th anniversary of Damon Hill’s Formula 1 World Championship triumph, secured at the Japanese Grand Prix in 1996.
We also can’t wait for the festival’s celebration of Americana, which coincides with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. In the ground’s Cathedral Paddock, expect to see ‘every facet of American automotive culture in a single, all-encompassing showcase’. This will include special guests and as many as 50 cars and bikes from the US, including vehicles from Shadow, Scarab and Shelby, alongside the three Ford GT MkIIs that made history at Le Mans in 1966.
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Must-see cars at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2026
At the Goodwood Festival of Speed, cars always take centre stage, making it a prime opportunity to admire the newest and most exciting vehicles in real life. Confirmed cars appearing at Goodwood 2026 include new launches from Renault, with the 4 E-Tech ‘Plein Sud’, 5 Turbo 3E, and the ‘green frog’ Twingo E-Tech.
Models from BYD’s premium sub-brand Denza will also line up in West Sussex, including the luxurious D9 people carrier and electric Z9GT, with a blistering 2.7-second 0-62mph time.
On the topic of high-speed vehicles, we can’t wait to see the Yangwang U9 Xtreme take to the Hill. This is the world’s quickest production car, with a recorded top speed of 308mph running at 3,000 horsepower – expect to see something special.
But Goodwood is just as much about celebrating racing heritage, with a stunning array of vintage cars on show, from all corners of the globe. This includes models from California’s Singer, who will be taking over the festival’s renowned Central Feature marque, and a walk through opulent and extraordinary machinery at the Cartier Style et Luxe exhibition.
While the Hill draws much of the focus, don’t miss the rally action playing out deep in the woodlands of the Goodwood Estate, where WRC icons including the Lancia Delta Integrale and Audi Quattro will be roaring around the trees.
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What to wear to Goodwood Festival of Speed
If you’re wondering what to wear to the Festival of Speed then take note. The dress code for the event is smart-casual, which is open to interpretation. Here’s our take, based on many years of attendance.
Goodwood style tips for men
Although the days of full-piece suits at Goodwood are largely over, we recommend smart casual with a modern twist. Typically, the dress code for men entails trousers, a collared shirt and a jacket. Anticipate the weather showing its best with your shirt choice – try a bold look and really make a statement.
Goodwood style tips for women
Women can’t go wrong with a stylish summer dress and fancy hat. Linen trousers are a nice alternative if you’re not in the mood for a dress or skirt. We also recommend opting for comfort and wearing flat shoes. There’s so much to see at Goodwood, and walking a fair distance – often over grass and gravel – is the best way to do it.
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Goodwood Festival of Speed FAQ
From how to get to Goodwood to the best day to visit, here’s a rundown of the most common questions we encounter about the Festival of Speed.
Who owns Goodwood?
The Goodwood Estate has been in the Richmond family since 1697 and is currently owned by the 11th Duke of Richmond, Charles Gordon-Lennox. After a successful career as a photographer in London, he took over management of the estate in 1994. Notably, he founded the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 1993, when he was still known as Lord March, reviving the estate’s rich motorsport heritage.
What’s the best day to go to the Goodwood Festival of Speed?
As always, the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed will take place over four days. While Thursday and Friday are full of excitement and exploration, Saturday and Sunday are considered the best days to visit the festival. Not only is the weekend when most celebrities and motoring stars make their appearances, but both days feature special events.
On Saturday, the exhibitions and hillclimb are in full swing, along with the festivities of the lively Library Lawn Garden Party – an exclusive soirée in the Duke and Duchess’s private garden.
Then, Sunday showcases the legendary Sunday Shootout, with the hillclimb champion being crowned at the end of a thrilling day. You can join us at Goodwood to watch the action unfold from the Clark, situated on the most dramatic corner of the course, complete with full hospitality and a premium open bar.
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Is there a dress code at the Goodwood Festival of Speed?
Goodwood is a relatively relaxed event, although if you are planning to spectate from any of the hospitality suites, smart-casual attire is required. While the event will be held in summer, English weather is notoriously unpredictable, so pack a rain jacket in case the heavens open.
How to get to Goodwood
Goodwood House is found in Chichester, West Sussex, which is just under two hours from London. If you take the train, the service from London Victoria to Chichester Train Station takes just one hour and 30 minutes. Shuttle bus services run between the station and the event all day.
If you’re driving from London, follow the A3 to Chichester. With around a quarter of a million guests attending over the four days, the roads around Goodwood understandably become very busy. It’s advised that you don’t rely on a sat nav system – instead, follow the estate’s parking guide to make things flow more smoothly.
Of course, if sitting in traffic isn’t your cup of tea, you can always join us on a chartered helicopter flight to and from the festival, enjoying bird’s-eye views of the lush English countryside at the same time.
When was the first Festival of Speed?
The seeds of the Festival of Speed were planted back in 1936 when the 9th Duke of Richmond hosted a hillclimb for Lancia Car Club on the grounds of Goodwood House.
Fast forward to June 1993 and, building on motoring events held at the estate over the previous half century, the current Duke launched the first official Goodwood Festival of Speed.
This inaugural festival attracted 25,000 people and was declared a resounding success. Since then, the festival has become bigger, better and more prestigious with each passing year.
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Experience Goodwood in total luxury with our exclusive hospitality package
If you want to experience the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2026 or 2027, we recommend joining us for our Festival of Speed hospitality package – or extend the experience with our Swiss Supercar Tour, on which you can enjoy premium hospitality and VIP access to Goodwood before your luxury driving adventure begins.
Places are limited, so enquire early to avoid disappointment. You can learn more about this experience or any of our bucket-list adventures by speaking to our friendly travel concierge team today.
Inclusions, dates, and pricing may adjust as we curate each journey to current conditions and availability. Final details with full terms and conditions will be confirmed at booking or via our Travel Concierge at your convenience
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2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed Guide: Celebrating Iconic Rivalries
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