Hidden Goodwood

21st June 2019

A glimpse into the better kept secrets of an extraordinary place.

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On the estate

Goodwood has been hosting shooting parties for pheasant and partridge for hundreds of years. The 5th Duke of Richmond's inheritance of the Gordon estates in Scotland - including the Glenfiddich Estate - coincided with a new fashion among the aristocracy for visiting the Highlands to shoot and fish.  The 5th and 6th Dukes made regular trips north for the fishing, shooting and deer stalking. Nowadays, we offer both simulated game shooting with the backdrop of the beautiful South Downs and clay shooting within a secret disused stone quarry. 

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The Downs Course

The Downs Course is often referred to as one of the finest downland courses in the UK and consists of fast-running fairways, undulating greens and dramatic changes of elevation in the downland valley and hills. The Downs, designed by Glenaeagles Course architect James Braid, offers a true Championship experience and rewards golfers with breathtaking views across the Sussex landscape and to the glittering Solent beyond.

Goodwood's unique "Woody" golf buggies are based on the Brakenvan designed by the Duke of Richmond's grandfather, the ninth Duke of Richmond, in the 1930s. They come complete with wicker baskets for sandwiches and champagne. 

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In Goodwood's woodland

As quintessentially English as our green and pleasant land, the original Land Rover is perfectly at home on the Goodwood Estate. With 12,000 acres of stunning countryside to explore, one of the most authentic ways to enjoy it is off-road, and nothing could be more fun than behind the wheel of an original from the 1960s. 

The Goodwood Off-Road Experience will lead you from meandering paths through thick woodland to impossibly deep muddy puddles, up steep chalk runs, through grassy fields and meadowland, it’s one of the best ways to experience the English countryside. 

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Taking to the skies

Goodwood Flying School offers a variety of flying lessons and experiences in extraordinary aircraft's including The Stearman, an open-cockpit American military training aircraft, and the iconic warbird; the Harvard. Goodwood's flying heritage dates back to the Second World War, when the aerodrome was built as a satellite station for RAF Tangmere and served as a Battle of Britain station from 1940 to 1946.

 

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The Golden Era

The historic two-and-a-half-mile circuit, with its famously long and demanding sweeps and curves, provides a real challenge and joy for any driver who loves the feeling of high speed. Goodwood Revival Racing takes you back in time to the late '50s and '60s with a fleet of classic Saloons, Sports and GT's to experience driving as it used to be. With no ABS or traction control technique becomes key and every corner and straight become a thrilling challenge. 

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Goodwood's clubhouse

Built in 1787 as a home for the third Duke of Richmond's foxhounds, the estate's clubhouse has been meticulously restored and features a drawing room, dining room, bar and private event areas. The Kennels Gin Trolley Experience is a delicous opportunity to taste a wide range of gins, all paired with exquisite flavour combinations. Our gin trolley master will take you through our hand-picked selection covering the origins and history of each gin. Use taste and smell to learn the characteristics of all ten gins, from the best local tipple to the peculiar and intriguing. 

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Time for milk?

Goodwood's herd of 200 Dairy Shorthorn  cows produce deliciously rich, organic milk that is supplied to many top restaurants and cafes, and is used to make a range of traditional, award-winning Goodwood cheeses; Charlton, Molecomb Blue and Levin Down. All our cheeses are made by hand, and are classed as Farmhouse as they are made on one farm using milk only produced directly on that farm. All are made with slow maturing natural cultures and combine to make a delicious cheeseboard with deep, contrasting flavours and textures. 

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The Lookout

Goodwood has played host to the Sport of Kings since 1802, when the 3rd Duke of Richmond introduced the sport for the amusement of local army officers. Fast forward 200 years and Goodwood's racing season now consists of 19 unique racedays, including the flagship event, the Qatar Goodwood Festival, affectionately known as 'Glorious Goodwood'. If you look high above the crowds in the Richmond enclosure, you might just catch a glipmse of The Lookout, Goodwood's newest private bar. From it's own sun-kissed balcony you can fully soak up the spectacular views of the Parade Rind and the stunning seascape of the Solent beyond.

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A beautiful escape

At Hound Lodge, in the midst of Goodwood's spectacular 12,000-acre estate, life flows at a different pace. This magnificent 10-bedroom country retreat is yours to experience in its entirety, offering a rare opportunity to spend time away from it all and escape the hectic pace of modern life. As the home of the world’s first major foxhunt and the very reason the first Duke of Richmond bought a house at Goodwood in 1697, The Kennels, and later Hound Lodge were considered to be the most luxurious dog houses in the world. In a manner typical of English aristocracy, the Duke was renowned for spending far more time and money on his hounds and horses than on his friends and guests. He even famously installed central heating in The Kennels 100 years before the human owners were able to enjoy it at Goodwood House. Hound Lodge has recently been completely restored for humans to enjoy, but hounds are warmly welcomed here, not only do they form part of the heritage and history of the building, they provide a source of inspiration for much of the interior.

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