How to enjoy the perfect family day out at Goodwood Revival

Rally the troops for the Spitfire flypast; it commences at 08.00 sharp. As the fighter plane that helped win the Battle of Britain, I consider the aerial display at Revival a privilege to witness, and this year I’ll share it with my son for the first time. Arriving this early, when the Motor Circuit is quiet and people are milling rather than dashing about, feels like being in on a secret. Then, feed your army. Breakfast in bread, whether it’s a bap, butty, bun or bloomer, is easy to procure. For on-brand sausages and bacon, Goodwood Organic serves ingredients that are grown and reared on the Estate farm.

While you eat, some trivia. Goodwood Aerodrome was home to over 46 squadrons during World War II, most of whom operated Spitfires; an aircraft that also played a crucial role in trials to fly faster than the speed of sound. Which reminds me, historic motorsport can be cacophonous and therefore harmful to young ears. Track action starts at 09:00, so now’s the time to double check you packed the defenders. Don’t fret if they’ve been forgotten; you can purchase a pair in the Goodwood Shop on site.

Exposing children to the soul-stirring sound of raspy old racing cars might have to wait, but introducing them to the commotion of the paddocks does not. There are sights and smells to thrill. It’s a friendly place, but it’s a busy one, too, so be mindful. My boy was a babe in arms when we went for a mooch in the paddock during the 83^rd Members' Meeting presented by Audrain Motorsport, but the scenario is going to be totally different when he’s charging about under his own steam.

For a less hectic but just as awesome place to play, make your way to the Freddie March Spirit of Aviation presented by Bonhams|Cars concours d'elegance. Seeing children dash around the static display of historical aircraft with their arms in the air like wings is imagination at its very best.

The Settrington Cup presented by Ralph Lauren is another energy-burning option. A joyful two-part showdown that takes place on the start-finish straight on Saturday and Sunday, it sees children aged between four and ten hurtle (sometimes pootle) towards the chequered flag in Austin J40 cars. It’s a cute and chaotic spectacle of pedal power that’s totally unique to the Revival, but don’t be fooled, it’s a feisty competition.

Certainly for the parents, at least — serious pep talks take place in the J40 paddock (GRRC Members get exclusive access) but it’s on the sidelines that mums and dads get really vocal. Make enquiries about procuring your own dinky vehicle at the Austin Pedal Cars showroom. Located on the High Street, classic period-correct models are available, but note, the modern continuation cars aren’t eligible to compete. 

After all that drama, calm things down with a sporting game of eye spy. See a crowd of people shaking their heads in disbelief and you’ve likely found the roaming magician. Make a beeline for wows, tricks and illusions. To be serenaded, keeps your eyes peeled for a gaggle of singing nuns, or window cleaners. Encounter the char ladies (you’ll hear them before you see them) and you’re in for some cheeky bants. There’s going to be a donkey laden with lemons wandering around, too. That’ll make for a super sweet pic.

The most vigilant member of the family gets to choose what to have for lunch, but this year's 'La Dolce Vita' theme puts pizza and gelato at the top of the menu. For an authentic taste of Italy, grab a slice from Don Carlos, the pop-up pizzeria at Gate 2. Bunting and gingham tablecloths will set the scene for casual al fresco dining. In a shaded spot surrounded by trees, if the weather’s kind enough it might even feel like we’re tucking into Italy’s classic feel-good dish in Tuscany rather than West Sussex. Buon appetito, my friend!

To pair your pizza with something stronger than fizzy pop, I have it on good authority that there’s a trattoria nearby. Red and white is served by the glass, or bottle. Go on, let someone else pour your drink for a change. Better still, seek out Il Vino Portello, where wine arrives on demand at the ring of a bell. It’d be tempting to spend a long, lazy afternoon eating, drinking and people-watching – the Revival is as much a cultural event as it is a motorsport one, but it wouldn’t be right to deprive yourself, or the kids, of pudding. There’s set to be 15 ice cream vans on site.

Whether eaten out of a cup or cone, it’s an inevitability that your offspring will get themselves into a sticky mess. You too? Might as well save the wet wipes, because the situation is about to get a whole lot muckier. The Goodwood Education Trust activity teepee on the Super Shell Lawn is your next port of call.

While our son was a little too young to get properly stuck in during our last visit, my husband and I were rather pleased with the bird feeder we made. It’s a place where the whole family is encouraged to get crafty, so get crafty is exactly what we did. With a woodland theme, activities to try include leaf printing, jewellery making and wood cookie decorating, using natural paints and dyes. It’s free of charge, though donations are welcome, just don’t be that person that expects someone else to clear up.

Do-it-yourself endeavours exhausted, hailing a tractor will keep idle hands busy. Super Shell corner is a great place to start an anticlockwise lap of the 2.36-mile track. As well as witnessing historic motor cars whizz past, you could also catch a glimpse of something special in the sky. This summer, just south of the circuit, a pair of barn owls and kestrels took up residence amongst the straw bales that are used during events. I’ve seen a few bunnies hopping in and out of the hedges, too.

Disembark at Madgwick corner because, as the first on the circuit, it’s where the drama often unfolds. It’s a fast one, too. Find a spot on the bank and settle in. I promise, you don’t need to be a motorsport aficionado to appreciate the thrill that a pack of racing cars thundering towards you has. Food, tea, coffee and more is all available nearby, as are toilets.

To replicate the action, shop for a toy car in the market Over the Road. With wooden, die-cast and slot cars for sale, children are totally spoilt for choice. Oh, and stand 203 should be on your radar — it’s where Junior Cars UK are setting up camp for the weekend. Their fleet of full-blooded petrol engine vehicles, that can be tuned to reach speeds up to 40mph, put children as young as six at the wheel. The half-scale replica models, including a homage to the Lotus 49, are suitable for adults, too. And, with prices starting at around £16k, they really shouldn’t be having all the fun.

Shopped out? Find a deckchair and flop at the Revival Cinema presented by LeShuttle. Showing movies that are suitable for young audiences, they’re also classics so have dual appeal. Best enjoyed with a bag of sweet treats (the Great British Fudge is the go-to place for pick-n-mix), box office hits include Mary Poppins, The Love Bug and The Italian Job.

As dusk falls, roll up, roll up, there’s fun at the vintage fairground to be had – even if you don’t like anything that gets the adrenaline pumping, like me. Gliding through the breeze on Horton’s Steam Galloper (not to be confused with a carousel), is always my highlight. It’s so called because it revolves in a clockwise direction, I’ll have you know. Ornate, hand-painted and adorned with more than 2,000 lights, it’s a beautiful example of heritage machinery.

If your young kin are just as dazzled, encourage them to roll up their sleeves at The Workshop on Hurricane Lawn. The Heritage Skills Academy apprentices will be demonstrating the traditional techniques that are needed to keep classic cars on the road, and trust me, I’ve spent a day with them — they’re a hard-working and inspirational bunch. Optimistic for the future, they’re also keen to recruit. Find them in the Tyrrell Shed, with tools (or cups of tea) in hand.

The Repair Shop experts Dominic Chinea and Tim Gunn will be in attendance, too. Amiable and knowledgeable, their calling in life is to encourage others to appreciate what they’ve already got. Talks and demonstrations make this the ultimate Revive & Thrive show and tell. From sign writing to bicycle repair, it’s easy to while away the hours learning about fascinating oft-forgotten techniques. Some days can be a school day for us parents too.

With your child’s future vocation sorted, the Sunday Closing Party on the grid awaits. And no, you don’t have to cater for any fussy eaters or bring a gift! New for 2026, the bash begins when the racing’s grand finale, the RAC TT Celebration presented by Dunlop, concludes. With all the elements for a family-friendly knees up — drinks, snacks, live music and ad hoc dancing — I can’t wait to join in with my husband and son.

Pedestrianising the track so that drivers, riders and event goers can come together for an open-air soiree is a first-class idea, and I’m excited to be part of this first-in-a-lifetime experience. Expect a sociable street party feel with a touch of carnivalesque, and hopefully enough frivolity that the kids will be totally tuckered out and sleep all the way home.

Need to know

Kids go free Yippee! If you’re little one is aged 12 and under, they’re entitled to a free ticket. A 50 per cent discount is available for those aged 13-21. If you plan to watch track action in a grandstand seat, children over the age of two will need their own pass.

Your chauffeur awaits Branded Jaecoo cars will be offering a complimentary shuttle service from the Revival’s free car parks to the event entrance. Make you way to a shuttle sign, or wave one down if you’re in need.

SOS Wristbands A just in case precaution if you get separated, wristbands that you can write your contact details on will be available at each entrance. Pens that work, too. My son isn’t up and about yet, but if he were, this would give me peace of mind; Revival is a busy event and this would help if he were to get lost in a crowd. On a brighter note, it would also make a nice keepsake.

Navigating with a pram Whether you’re transporting your offspring in a festival trolley, vintage perambulator, push chair or swanky Lamborghini stroller, (vroom, vroom indeed), consider how you’re going to get around on wheels. To navigate from Over the Road to the High Street there’s an accessible crossing under the pedestrian bridge, and the main pedestrian tunnel provides the easiest route of passage from the outer to inner circuit.

Phone signal might be scarce With thousands of people trying to connect, it can be tricky to get connected. Screen shot important QR codes, tickets, maps and maybe even this article to avoid potential frustration and faff. Then, embrace the chance to travel back in time to a world that muddled along without wifi and 5G.

Find sanctuary in the family room Located near Spitfire Catering, the family room is equipped with a sink, bottle warmer and changing table. The treatment centres and toilet blocks have got baby changing facilities too, while the on-site pharmacy behind the Chicane Grandstand is stocked with medicines, toiletries, suntan lotion and earplugs.

Main image photography by Dominic James.

Saturday tickets and 3-Day passes for the Goodwood Revival have now sold out, and Friday and Sunday tickets are limited. 

If you’re not already part of the GRRC, you can sign up to the Fellowship today and save ten per cent on your 2026 tickets and grandstand passes, as well as enjoying a whole host of other on-event perks.