How to spend a ‘La Dolce Vita’ day at Goodwood Revival

The unwritten coffee rule – which I discovered on holiday in Italy – is that anything creamy is verboten after 11:00, but you’ll be getting glammed up long before then. Book an appointment with Betty’s Salon presented by Regent Seven Seas Cruises at a choice of two locations. The cutesy pop-up on Richmond Lawn is closest, but with a caffeinated spring to your step the flagship salon on the High Street is an easy walk away.

Visit the Veuve Cliquot tent before you go though, and let your hair down (before it gets put up) with a heady 20-minute tutorial in how to jive. When the music stops, I’ll be replacing it with the sound of a clinking glass. Such occasions call for bubbles, I insist.

You can relax now, you’ve made it to Betty’s. I usually find my ‘ta-dah!’ hairdo in a lookbook while I’m waiting. I like partaking in a spot of people-watching as well. Gentle chitchat, the luxury to have some time for small talk is also part of the experience. Magnifico, you’re next in the chair! Want bouffant bangs like Sophia Loren in the sixties? Divining who you are and who you want to be is what the stylists do best. I always leave feeling like a transformed woman. For short, medium or long hair, vintage dry-styling is a £70 flat rate.

For maximum impact with minimum effort, bolt on Betty’s £15 Kiss & Flick lippie and eye-liner service. It’s a new finishing-touch treat for 2026, but red lips will always be a classic. I didn’t even have a make-up artist on my wedding day, so I’m looking forward to this a lot.  Immortalise your period aesthetic with a professional portrait at the Best Dressed Photography Studio presented by Ancestry — it’s a niche indulgence in the age of Instagram, especially if your phone is full of baby pics. The photographer is waiting to take your close-up in the studio nearby.

Now you’ve got the perfect pout, you’re feeling peckish. Typical! If you forgot to acquisition a neat-to-eat Oatopia flapjack from Over the Road on your way in (I’m also obsessed with their loaded porridge), go all in with a breakfast burrito from the truck that’s parked on the Workshop Lawn. Vivi la tua vita al massimo! Live life to the fullest! But nibble cautiously, and with a napkin in hand.

Telltale stains avoided, you’re ready to represent. Affectionately known as motorinas, female racing drivers were once prominent in four-wheeled sport. The grid today is rather lacking, but just being present and trackside demonstrates that women get thrills out of fast cars, too. I like to watch the action from Woodcote Corner, Goodwood’s prime overtaking spot, and then raise a toast to the champion at the pub in the locale.

From the track to the catwalk, the Best Dressed Competition presented by Ancestry is another procession of vintage splendour that’s not to be missed. You could be in it and win it if the roaming fashion scouts deem your era-traversing ensemble worthy of a strut. Every year I vow to do better the next. The showdown takes place at 15:00 each day on the Revival Style Stage. Headlined by sartorial star and style activist Dandy Wellington, the judging panel rewards the outfit that’s impressed the most. Be it archival, bespoke or second-hand, it’s about the love and eye for detail that’s gone into the curation.

As a child who grew up crafting, I like to thread a little creativity into my day by joining a workshop. First come, first served and free of charge, sessions include vintage brooch upcycling, fan making and fabric printing on second-hand textiles, tools and supplies all provided.  

Don’t know how to do it like your nonna did? You could learn an age-old skill such as wool spinning or sock darning under the tuition of make-do-and-mend cognoscenti. The Great British Sewing Bee's Lauren Tedstone will show you how to turn fabric scraps into ornate patchwork pieces for quilting on Sunday at 12:00, while Alexandra Brinck, the author of Knit Repair, is running a mending for beginners’ class at 15:00, with a range of other classes available across the weekend.   

New skills aren’t the only souvenir to go home with; there’s a vintage market to shop. For inspiration, I’ve done some prior research on Milan’s sciure. The grande dames of Italy’s design capital, these leading ladies of high society and high fashion are distinguished by their timeless elegance. Heirloom jewellery, sumptuous fabrics, tailored coats and fine silk scarves are the go-to staples on my list.

Special mention must also be given to the schedule of insightful talks on the Revival Style Stage. Speakers include acclaimed actor, Golda Rosheuvel, aka Bridgerton’s Queen Charlotte and the fabulous Dame Zandra Rhodes.

As a fully immersive experience, I love the whimsical theatrics of the Revival. There’s a clue to who will be the star and muse of this year’s musical production, La Doll-ce Vita. Expect Kitsch escapism at fever pitch…

With so much to dazzle and do, you may have neglected to have lunch. For a decant departure from meal planning and packing the kids’ lunchboxes, Fortnum & Mason will put a picnic hamper together just for you. Four courses, a bottle of plonk and a keepsake cool bag is £125 for two. Gelato for pud? There are 15 ice cream vans ready to serve you that perfect scoop. I’ll be pouring a shot of espresso over mine to create an affogato, that classic Italian dessert.

On Sunday, our presence is requested at the Revival’s inaugural Sunday Closing Party. I’ve already RSVP’d yes. Commencing after the racing’s grand finale, the unparalleled RAC TT Celebration presented by Dunlop, this first-in-a-lifetime festivity will unfold on the grid featuring dancing, prize-giving and a few surprises, too. Only at Goodwood could you Lindy Hop alongside legendary drivers and riders, while making history with family and friends. It’s an unforgettable way to end a perfect 'La Dolce Vita' day at Goodwood Revival.

Main image photography by Chris Ison.

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.