How to enjoy the Festival of Speed with the whole family

Unmissable family highlights  

The Family Area 

Set on the north edge of the Cricket Pitch, the Family Area is a lively hub for younger festivalgoers and a welcome pause point for parents. Children can take on the Pit Stop Challenge, put their reactions to the test, race remote-control cars, enjoy the tot cars and get festival-ready with face painting, alongside a host of other family-friendly activities. 

With coffee, cake and ice cream available to purchase, plus covered seating for a moment of calm, it is the perfect place to relax and refuel. Baby changing facilities are close at hand and, thanks to the big screen on the Cricket Pitch next to the Family Area, you need not miss a moment of action on the Hill.

FOS Future Lab presented by Randox 

Step into the future and discover the ideas shaping tomorrow’s world. Located next to First Glance on the Grid, FOS Future Lab presented by Randox is packed with interactive experiences, from joining an ESA crew aboard a virtual-reality capsule hurtling through space, to creating your own aurora with live brainwave technology and spotting roaming mechanical visitors around the site. Perfect for sparking an interest in science and technology in curious young minds.  

Drivers’ Club 

For young fans with racing heroes, the Drivers’ Club is a must-visit. Stop by for the chance to meet some of motorsport’s biggest names, snap a selfie or collect an autograph to remember the day by. 

Goodwood Action Sports 

A short walk from the Hill, the Goodwood Action Sports Arena delivers non-stop thrills. World-class motocross and BMX stars take on ramps and jumps in gravity-defying displays, soaring through the air with flips, tricks and spectacular stunts. Mini E-bikes will also be available for children keen to get a taste of the action themselves. Show timings and the arena timetable will be available on the main event timetable before the festival. 

Supercar Paddock 

For families who love the world’s most exciting cars, the Supercar Paddock presented by Abu Dhabi Investment Office is impossible to miss. See the newest, fastest, most advanced and most powerful machines lined up side-by-side, with the chance to get close to every curve, detail and badge. From legendary marques such as Lamborghini and Ferrari to the next generation of supercar names, it’s a feast for car fanatics. 

Getting around with the family 

The Festival of Speed takes place across Goodwood’s beautiful parkland, which means plenty of grassy terrain underfoot. We recommend planning ahead, wearing suitable footwear and allowing a little extra time when moving around with children or pushchairs. 

Track crossing 

A track crossing before the Startline allows guests with pushchairs to cross at almost all times, rather than waiting for crossings to open between car batches. This will be clearly marked on the visitor guide map. If you need any additional assistance, please speak to a member of staff.  

On-site transport 

Family Campsite 

You can walk from the Festival arena to the family campsite, but please note that the route is relatively long and uphill, passing the Off-Road Arena and Forest Rally Stage presented by Subaru. We’d recommend using the dedicated Family Campsite Shuttle from Gate 1 to transport you to and from the site to the Festival.

Car parks 

Courtesy shuttles operate in all car parks to assist families with young children. Depending on where you are parked, they will drop you at Gate 1 or the closest event pedestrian gate. Please wait by the Accessible Courtesy Shuttle signs in each car park or flag down a vehicle as it passes. 

Forest Rally Stage 

A bus shuttle service runs between Gate 1 and the Forest Rally Stage at the top of the Hill. 

An extra base for the day: Fellowship perks 

For families looking for another comfortable base during the day, Fellowship offers access to The Pit Stop Enclosure, an exclusive space for Fellows. With lockers, toilets, private food vendors, shaded seating and screens showing the Hill, it gives parents somewhere to pause and regroup while keeping up with the action. Fellowship is part of the Goodwood Road Racing Club membership. Fellowship members can bring one adult guest, and children 12 and under can enter for free. Interested? Find out more and explore all Fellowship benefits here.  

Useful family facilities 

To help make your visit as comfortable as possible, dedicated Family Rooms are available across the site. Each room is equipped with a sink, bottle warmer, baby changing table and microwave. 

You will find Family Rooms at the following locations, which will be circled on the visitor map: 

Family Area: On the north side of the Cricket Pitch. 

Lime Trees: Next to the Lime Trees public toilets, just behind Turn 1 Grandstand. 

FOS Fan Zone: In the area north of the F1 Pit Lane and Ballroom Paddock. 

Baby changing facilities are also available within all accessible toilets on site. 

Things to know before you arrive 

Staying hydrated 

Chasing the action in the July heat is thirsty work. Stay hydrated by tapping the water refill button on the interactive event map to find your nearest water refill spot. 

Noise 

Motorsport can be noisy, and ear protection helps children enjoy the spectacle comfortably. Child ear defenders are available to buy from the Goodwood Shops on site, and complimentary foam ear plugs are available at all event entrances, information booths and from grandstand marshals. 

Ground conditions 

Much of the site is on grass, with trackway in place across key routes to support easier access. To comfortably navigate the terrain we’d recommend wearing footwear suitable for all weather conditions. 

Track crossings 

Track Crossing 1 by the Startline is recommended for pushchairs and guests with accessibility requirements. Other track crossings will open between batches. 

Lost children or vulnerable people 

If someone in your party becomes separated from you, please report to the nearest information point or speak to a member of Goodwood staff, then return to the last place you were together. Where possible, a staff member will assist you. Please make sure your contact details are recorded before moving away from that member of staff. 
 
In the moment, it is easy to report someone missing and then leave the area, which can make it harder for our team to reunite you. Most people return to the last place they were with their group, so try to stay nearby. If you are visiting with children or vulnerable people, we strongly recommend taking a photo of them on your mobile device as you arrive, so you have an accurate record of what they are wearing. 
 
Children under 12, or any members of your party you feel would benefit, should wear one of our wristbands with your phone number written on it. Wristbands can be collected at the arrival gates during the event. 

Stay close to the action: Family Camping 

For families who want to make a weekend of it, our exclusive family campsite in the Lennox Enclosure at Goodwood Racecourse offers a relaxed base just a short distance from the main event. Set against beautiful views of the South Downs, the campsite includes a children’s play area, on-site catering, 24-hour security and a dedicated Goodwood host and manager. 

Families can also use a walk-in fridge to store chilled items free of charge, while shuttles will take you from the family campsite to the festival arena in just a few minutes. Keep an eye on your emails to find out when Family Camping goes on sale for 2027. 

Tickets for the Festival of Speed are now sold out, with a limited number of hospitality packages still available. 

If you’re not already part of the GRRC, joining the Fellowship means you can save ten per cent on your tickets and grandstand passes, as well as enjoy a whole host of other on-event perks.  

Main image photography by Matt Dunkinson.