The C&TH Guide To Glorious Goodwood 2026

Glorious Goodwood is cantering towards us for another year, with five thrilling days of racing returning to West Sussex from 28 July–1 August 2026. Fancy learning more about it? What about trotting off there yourself? Here’s our ultimate guide to Glorious Goodwood 2026.

© Jayson Fong

What Is Glorious Goodwood?

The five-day Qatar Goodwood Festival is a world-famous five-day horse racing event, affectionately known as Glorious Goodwood. Not to be confused with the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed, Goodwood Revival or, indeed, Goodwoof – all of which are also held at the same gorgeous venue – Glorious Goodwood is held at Goodwood, an English estate in Chichester, West Sussex.

The festival is one of the highlights of the British flat racing calendar, seamlessly combining spellbinding sport with an exciting social occasion, and will return to the Goodwood Racecourse from Tuesday 28 July until Saturday 1 August 2026.

© Jayson Fong

What To Expect

At its heart, Glorious Goodwood is a horseracing event, with several races held each day. But which day to choose?

• Day 1 (28 July) – Goodwood Cup Day: Glorious Goodwood kicks off in style with the Group 1 Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup. After a full day of racing, join the Alan Lee Memorial Trophy cricket match at 6:00 PM—a Twenty20 charity match between Lord March’s Racing XI and the Sussex Select XI, held at Goodwood Cricket Club in front of Goodwood House. Proceeds go to the Sussex Cricket Foundation.
• Day 2 (29 July) – Sussex Stakes Day: The Group 1 Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes – aka the ‘Duel On The Downs’ – is one of the key highlights of the flat racing season. With a reputation for bringing together some of the most outstanding horses in training year-on-year, it has earned its moniker as the race of champions.
• Day 3 (30 July) – Ladies’ Day: The day to see and be seen, Ladies’ Day is the perfect opportunity to show off your finest outfits and enjoy a beautiful day out with friends. The day kicks off with the Markel Magnolia Cup where 12 inspirational female riders race down Goodwood’s famous home straight. The prestigious Group 1 Qatar Nassau Stakes is the highlight of the eight-race card.
• Day 4 (31 July) – King George Day: Day four sees the world’s top sprinters do battle in the Group 2 King George Qatar Stakes, made famous by superstar Battaash. The Coral Golden Mile and the Group 3 Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes complete a memorable way to start a long weekend.
• Day 5 (1 August) – Stewards’ Cup Day: A fitting finale to a fantastic week where the emphasis is on socialising, The Coral Stewards’ Cup takes centre stage, one of the most prestigious, valuable and competitive handicaps of the season.

Alongside all of this, there is plenty of entertainment to enjoy alongside several food options, from the pub style 1812 Bar and Conservatory to the Veuve Clicquot Champagne & Seafood Bar. Plus, there’s no single-use here: sip your drink from a reusable cup, which you can return at the end of the day.

© Jayson Fong

Which Enclosure?

OK, so we’ve convinced you to go to Goodwood this year. Next question: which enclosure to choose?

• Gordon Enclosure: The lively, social heart of Glorious Goodwood, offering excellent views of the racing action with a relaxed atmosphere. This is the ideal enclosure for those wanting to experience the festival’s vibrant energy with smart casual dress. Enjoy varied trackside food and drink options, from stone-baked pizzas and organic burgers to plant-based street food stalls. With a Gordon Enclosure ticket, you also have access to the Lennox Enclosure.
• Lennox Enclosure: Goodwood’s family-friendly, entry-level enclosure, perfect for families and large groups looking for a picnic-style day out. Situated right at the heart of the action with excellent views of the home straight, enjoy the children’s play area, full access to public facilities, bars, and food outlets. However, it’s worth noting the 1930s Art Deco grandstand is currently undergoing a multi-million-pound redevelopment (scheduled to complete in 2028), so there is no traditional grandstand seating this year. However, the lower ground space and all amenities remain fully accessible.
• Richmond Enclosure: This is the premier enclosure, offering the most exclusive experience with the best views and elegant dining. Dress code is jacket and tie for men. Enjoy drinks from the Veuve Clicquot Champagne & Seafood Bar and fine dining at The Double Trigger restaurant, which features award-winning local Sussex produce and rotating guest chef pop-ups. Private boxes are also available with premium dining experiences.

Looking for something a little more private? Private boxes are also available, offering a range of dining options from afternoon tea to formal dining to buffet-style meals.

How To Get Tickets To Glorious Goodwood

Tickets for the Qatar Goodwood Festival start at £21 for the Lennox Enclosure and £47 for the Gordon Enclosure. Premium enclosures and hospitality packages are available at higher prices. Discover more and book at goodwood.com

Where To Stay Nearby

Park House Hotel & Spa, Midhurst

Hidden in rural Midhurst, West Sussex, tranquil Park House Hotel & Spa, a POB Hotel, is located just 15 minutes from action-packed Goodwood. Wind down in homely countryside bedrooms and an oasis of an award-winning spa with its menu of soothing treatments – and fuel up in the bright and airy conservatory, the historic dining room or, since it’s summer, out on the sun terrace.

Doubles from £149

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The PIG – In The South Downs, Madehurst

Set within the small hamlet of Madehurst, this PIG, high up in the South Downs in West Sussex, comes complete with its own vineyard. A haven of rural bliss, the Georgian House is a brilliant base for exploring but also for hunkering. It’s only four miles from the market town of Arundel and a short drive to the yachting playground of Chichester and to the Goodwood Estate.

Doubles from £330

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The Horse & Groom, East Ashling

Located in East Ashling, four miles west of Chichester on the edge of the South Downs National Park, The Horse & Groom is very popular with walkers and those attending local highlights including Glorious Goodwood. With just 10 cosy rooms, the hotel is renowned for its delicious food served in the dining room, which has a backdrop of mid-20th-century paintings, a handcrafted oak floor, and collections of Italian sardine pots and vintage gardening books.

Doubles from £147.50

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The White Horse, Chilgrove

Less than a 15 minutes’ drive from both Chichester and the Goodwood Estate, this recently refurbished dog-friendly pub with rooms sits in the village of Chilgrove in the beautiful South Downs, surrounded by countryside. The look in the 15 bedrooms is rustic elegance meets contemporary design: botanical pattern headboards, velvet cushions, and sleek tiled bathrooms with Bramley products.

Doubles from £110

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