Goodwood Festival of Speed Tour 2025: The Guided VIP Experience

Dates: July 10–13, 2025
Location: Goodwood House, West Sussex, England

Spanning four days, the Festival of Speed attracts over 200,000 enthusiasts from around the globe. From Thursday to Sunday, the estate comes alive with exhibitions, races, live demos, interviews, and curated showcases that truly celebrate every generation of automotive excellence.

The Duke and Duchess of Richmond welcome you to their home and estate.

We know from experience that Goodwood events can be overwhelming. You need to manage the parking, the crowds, and the scheduling. That’s why we created a curated travel experience for you to ensure you enjoy the event to the fullest.

Our Goodwood Festival of Speed Package:

• 3 nights including breakfast at a four-star hotel in Brooklands
• 2 dinners, including one gourmet evening
• Saturday & Sunday admission passes to the Goodwood Festival of Speed
• Exclusive access to the Kinrara Lounge, including grandstand seating
• FOS welcome package
• Helicopter sightseeing tour over Goodwood
• Transfers to and from the event
• Admission to the Brooklands Museum
• English-speaking guide and service team throughout the trip

No need to worry about tickets, logistics, or where to eat, just bring your passion for cars, and we handle the rest.

Founded in 1993 by Charles Gordon-Lennox, the Duke of Richmond, the Festival of Speed has grown into the world’s largest motoring garden party. Held on the Duke’s private estate, it’s a rare opportunity to witness the past and future of mobility, all in motion. The main attraction, the hill climb course, is a racetrack runway, that winds up the driveway of Goodwood House where all the cars are showcased.

An Aston Martin Vantage powers through the starting line of the Goodwood hill climb.

Anything with wheels, or even wings, might fly past you here: vintage race cars, motorcycles, Formula 1 machines, electric hypercars, even aircraft flyovers. The speed, style, fine dining, and free-flowing drinks create an unforgettable setting.

Motorcycles share the spotlight at the Festival of Speed.

Expect elegance. The atmosphere is refined, the dress code is smart, and the vibe like no other. Glamorous guests gather at places like the Clark Pavilion or Lawn Garden Party, so dress for the occasion if you want to get access everywhere.

Speed doesn’t just stay on the track, look up to see the Festival fly by overhead. 

Whether you're a Ferrari fanatic, a Porsche purist, or just obsessed with all things fast and beautiful, the Festival of Speed offers something to thrill every kind of car lover that you can find what you love and discover new passions.

• The Hill Climb – Legendary cars from every era race up the historic course.
• Supercar Paddock – Preview tomorrow’s top high-performance vehicles.
• F1 Legends & Teams – Meet racing icons and see their cars up close.
• Central Sculpture – A new, massive tribute to a featured marque every year.
• Future Lab & Electric Avenue – Get a glimpse of tomorrow’s innovations and EVs.

Ferrari 166MM Barchetta embodies traditional Italian flair.

Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
From Price: €2,250 per person
Availability: Limited spots

 For a full 360-degree experience of the Festival of Speed, let Nostalgic be your guide.

Itinerary Highlights:

Day 1: Arrival at Brooklands

• Explore Brooklands Museum & Mercedes-Benz World
• Enjoy a welcome dinner at a traditional English pub

Day 2: VIP Festival Access Begins

• Full-day access to the Goodwood Festival of Speed
• Exclusive Kinrara Lounge experience
• Optional: helicopter tour & paddock walk with motorsport legends

Day 3: Hill Climb Shoot-Out & Farewell

• Watch the thrilling final shoot-out
• Meet racing celebrities & explore the paddocks
• Farewell dinner with your group

Day 4: Optional AMG Driving Experience

• Sleep in or opt for a high-speed training session or off-road drive with Mercedes-Benz

Guest Reviews about Festival of Speed with Nostalgic:

Patrick R. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“The way Nostalgic handled unexpected weather changes with professionalism and flexibility was incredible. It was worth every minute!”

Tom L. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“A dream trip! Visiting the Festival of Speed this way with unforgettable extras like the Morgan drive through the Cotswolds was simply amazing. I’d travel with this group again anytime.”

K. Gilbrich⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Wonderful organization and great attention to detail. It’s always worth traveling with Nostalgic!”

The Festival of Speed is not just a car show, it’s a full sensory immersion. Revving engines, screeching tires, and jaw-dropping moments surround you. From Le Mans legends to EV prototypes, there’s no better way to experience all this automotive greatness one after another.

Enjoy this video that we love from a couple years back.

Below are some of the of cars that have graced the event in the past:

The Goodwood Festival of Speed has showcased an extraordinary array of vehicles over the years, spanning from early automotive innovations to cutting-edge supercars. 

This Avions-Voisin LSR is a tribute to 1930s innovation and aerodynamic experimentation.

Historic and Iconic Cars

• Fiat S76 "Beast of Turin" (1911): This massive, 28.4-liter land speed record car roared back to life at Goodwood after a meticulous restoration, captivating audiences with its sheer size and sound. 

• Auto Union Type 52 Schnell Sportwagen (1930s): Originally designed by Ferdinand Porsche, this V16-powered prototype was revived by Audi and made its dynamic debut at Goodwood, showcasing pre-war engineering prowess. 

Bentley 3 Litre (1923): The first British car to compete at Le Mans, this model set the fastest lap and finished fourth, marking a significant achievement in British motorsport history.

Fiat S76 "Beast of Turin" 28.4-liter land speed record car roared back to life at Goodwood.

Motorsport Legends

• Ferrari 250 GT SWB/C "Breadvan" (1962): A unique, aerodynamically modified Ferrari with a storied racing past, it remains a fan favorite at Goodwood for its distinctive design and history.
• Mazda 787B (1991): The only rotary-powered car to win Le Mans, its appearance at Goodwood celebrates Mazda's innovative engineering and racing success.
• Williams FW14B (1992): Driven by Nigel Mansell to F1 championship glory, this technologically advanced car has been showcased at Goodwood, highlighting its significance in Formula 1 history. 

Lotus Formula 1 Racecar at Goodwood Festival of Speed

Modern Supercars and Concepts

• McLaren 750S (2023): Making its dynamic debut at Goodwood, this successor to the 720S impressed with its performance and design. 
• Porsche Vision 357 Speedster (2023): An electric concept car that pays homage to Porsche's heritage while looking toward the future, it was unveiled at Goodwood to much acclaim.
• Lamborghini SC63 (2023): Lamborghini's entry into endurance racing, this hybrid hypercar was revealed at Goodwood, signaling the brand's motorsport ambitions.

Rare finds like the KRS Metro 6R4 tear up the track.

Unique and Rare Vehicles

• Peugeot 405 T16 (1988): Famous for its Pikes Peak victory, this rally car's appearance at Goodwood thrilled fans of off-road racing history. 
• Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 (1992): Known as "Godzilla," this car dominated touring car championships and showcased Japanese engineering excellence at Goodwood. 
• Ferrari 250 GT Zagato: One of only five ever made, this rare beauty represents the pinnacle of Italian design and was a highlight at the festival.

Who knows what models will show up this year? Discover each model with Nostalgic knowledge and excitement so that every moment becomes a memory.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed was founded in 1993 by Lord March (now the Duke of Richmond) as a way to bring motor racing back to the historic Goodwood Estate. With the Goodwood Circuit unable to host competitive races due to planning restrictions, he had an idea: just host an event right on his front lawn!

Goodwoodhouse and Lord March the host of the Festival of Speed.

On June 20, 1993, the first Festival of Speed took place with a modest group of historic race cars and 25,000 enthusiastic visitors despite the  24 Hours of Le Mans that same weekend. The event was an instant success and quickly became a fixture of the motorsport calendar.

To avoid future clashes with Le Mans and Formula 1, Lord March moved the event dates and gradually expanded the format:

• 1994: Saturday was added to make it a weekend-long event
• 1996: Friday was included, making it three full days
• 2010: The Thursday "Moving Motor Show" was introduced, extending the event to four days

Even global disruptions couldn’t stop it. In 2020, the traditional summer event was cancelled due to the pandemic, but organizers adapted with a special October edition filmed behind closed doors. It featured a mix of highlights from Goodwood’s other famed events, including the Revival and Members' Meeting—streamed online to a global audience.

Here’s your quickcheck list & travel tips to get to the event:

✔️ Book early – VIP spots fill up quickly
✔️ Dress the part – Smart casual works; prepare for changing British weather
✔️ Use our digital guide – Navigate the event like a pro
✔️ Bring a camera – Capture once-in-a-lifetime car moments

To get to the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed from the US, here's a step-by-step guide:

Flying to the UK

The nearest airports to the Goodwood Estate in West Sussex are:

• Southampton Airport (SOU) – Approximately 28 miles away.
• London Gatwick Airport (LGW) – Approximately 32 miles away.
• London Heathrow Airport (LHR) – Approximately 44 miles away. 

From major U.S. cities like Boston, New York, or Washington, D.C., you can fly into any of these airports.

Train to Chichester

After arriving in the UK, you'll need to reach Chichester, the closest train station to Goodwood.

• From Gatwick Airport: Direct trains to Chichester take about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• From Heathrow Airport: Take the Heathrow Express to London Paddington, transfer via the London Underground to Victoria Station, then take a train to Chichester.
• From Southampton Airport: Trains to Chichester are available, with journey times varying.

Bus Shuttle to Goodwood

During the Festival of Speed, a shuttle bus operates between Chichester Station and the event grounds:

• Operating Hours: 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
• Cost: Approximately £5 for a single trip

These shuttles are frequent and align with train arrivals, providing a convenient transfer to the festival.

You’ll rarely get a chance to be this close to so many iconic cars moving at speed.

Still Not Sure? Download our Free Goodwood Guide, including:

• Event schedule and history
• Insider tips for U.S. travelers
• A peek at our exclusive hospitality lounges

1. Who started the Festival of Speed?
   A: The Festival of Speed was founded in 1993 by Charles Gordon-Lennox, then Lord March (now the Duke of Richmond), to revive motor racing on the Goodwood Estate.
2. Can we fly over the event in a helicopter?
   A: Yes. The optional helicopter ride provides a bird’s-eye view of the entire Goodwood estate, the hill climb, and the sprawling car displays. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime photo op.
3. Do we get to drive with Nostalgic at this event?
   A:  No. Unlike our other tours, Goodwood is a spectator event. However, you can add on optional driving experience on the last day at the AMG Driving Experience that comes at an extra cost.
4. Can I meet drivers or celebrities at the Festival of Speed?
   A: Yes! Many famous drivers, including current and retired Formula 1 stars, make appearances and often stop by the Kinrara Lounge for interviews and meet-and-greets.
5. What kind of cars can I expect to see at the Goodwood Festival of Speed?
   A: Everything from vintage Le Mans racers and historic F1 cars to brand-new supercars and EV prototypes, plus aviation displays and motorcycles.
6. What’s included in the Kinrara Lounge experience?
   A: VIP access includes premium food and drink, grandstand seating, paddock views, and a private garden to watch the hill climb action in comfort.
7. Do American cars come out to the Festival of Speed?
   A: Yes, absolutely, including the Ford GT, Chevy Corvette Z06, Mustang Mach-E 1400, and vintage legends like the Shelby Cobra. Even NASCAR stock cars and custom-built drag racers have made thrilling runs.
8. How far is Goodwood from London?
   A: Goodwood is approximately 70 miles from London and can be reached in under two hours by car or train (via Chichester).
9. What’s the difference between the Festival of Speed and Goodwood Revival?
   A: The Festival of Speed showcases innovation and performance from all eras, while the Revival is focused on mid-century racing and dress code.
10. Can we watch the record-breaking session?
    A: Yes. The Hill Climb Shootout on Sunday features the fastest runs of the weekend where new records are often attempted and sometimes broken with plenty of close calls.

1. Can I bring children or family members?
   A: Yes, the event is family-friendly, though certain VIP lounges may have age restrictions. Kids will love the live action and car displays.
2. What is the Moving Motor Show at Goodwood?
   A: The Moving Motor Show, introduced in 2010, gives visitors a close look at new models and concept cars often before their market debut.
3. How early should I book my Goodwood package with Nostalgic?
   A: We recommend booking 6–9 months in advance but check with us for any last second spots. Premium lounge access and hotel rooms are limited and sell out quickly.
4. Does Nostalgic provide a car to drive at the event?
   A: No. Goodwood is a spectator-focused event. But you can add an optional AMG Driving Experience at nearby Mercedes-Benz World.
5. What hotels do you use for the Goodwood package?
   A: Our guests stay at the four-star Brooklands Hotel, right on the historic race circuit and next to Mercedes-Benz World.
6. Can I extend my trip or combine it with other UK destinations?
   A: Just ask our team if you can customize your trip and we can see what we can do.
7. What happens if it rains during the Festival?
   A: The show goes on, rain or shine. VIP areas like the Kinrara Lounge provide covered seating and hospitality no matter the weather.
8. Is this experience only for car enthusiasts?
   A: Not at all. It also appeals to those who love British culture, garden parties, gourmet dining, aviation, and luxury travel.
9. Will I receive a schedule before the event?
   A: Yes. You’ll get a full itinerary, event map, and personalized tips from your English-speaking guide ahead of the trip.
10. What does the centerpiece sculpture at Goodwood symbolize?
    A: Each year, the central sculpture honors a different marque, such as Porsche or Mercedes, with a dramatic artistic tribute featuring real cars in gravity-defying positions.