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Frequently Asked Questions
For your convenience, we've compiled answers to those questions we're asked most frequently about visiting Goodwood Racecourse. If you don't find the information you're looking for here, please contact us.
For your convenience, we've compiled answers to those questions we're asked most frequently about visiting Goodwood Racecourse. If you don't find the information you're looking for here, please contact us.
How do the various enclosures differ?
At Goodwood we have three enclosures to choose from - the Richmond Enclosure, the Gordon Enclosure and the Lennox Enclosure. Our premier enclosure, Richmond, is only available to Members and their guests during the Qatar Goodwood Festival. For details of what is available within each enclosure click the 'Find out More' button below.
Which car parks are suitable for each enclosure?
Public parking is available for all enclosures in Car Park 8 (£5) and Car Park 9 (free). Richmond Enclosure ticket holders can also use Car Park 5 (£5) subject to availability. During the Qatar Goodwood Festival public parking is available for all enclosures in Car Park 8 (£12) and Car Park 9 and 11 (free). Coach parking is available free of charge outside of the Qatar Goodwood Festival, in Car Park 7, and is £50 during the Festival meeting.
What time do the gates open?
At the Festival Meeting, gates open at 11am. At August Bank Holiday Friday gates open at 3.30pm and during Three Friday Nights, gates open at 4.30. At all other meetings, gates open at 11.30am.
What should I wear?
To get inspiration on what you should be wearing at the races, as well as particular dress codes for each enclosure, please visit our Style Guide page.
Should you be searching for what you should wear at the Qatar Goodwood Festival - 'Glorious Goodwood' - see the Qatar Goodwood Festival Style Guide.
What is there to do before racing?
You may like to picnic in the car parks, or in the Lennox Enclosure, or explore the country park adjacent to the racecourse. Many of the race days are themed and all the entertainment is free of charge and included in the ticket price unless otherwise stated.
What dining options are available?
Restaurants: The Richmond Enclosure has the Charlton Hunt, Double Trigger (Members' only during the Qatar Goodwood Festival) and the Horsewalk Restaurants open during all meetings, while the Gordon Enclosure has The Kitchen. Advance booking is advisable - call 01243 755054.
Private Bars: The Lookout is situated in the Richmond Enclosure in the March stand, whilst the Sussex Roof Garden is situated in the Gordon Enclosure, near the East Entrance.
Where else can I eat?
There are 'grab & go' catering outlets in all enclosures.
This includes the Sussex Canteen in the Gordon Enclosure, which offers fish and chips, Katsu wraps (vegetarian option available) and a salad.
The March Coffee Shop serves barista style coffee, paninis and a selection of sweet treats.
Can I take food and drink into the stands?
Yes, food and drink is allowed in all of the stands but please make sure all waste is disposed of in the bins provided.
Can I bring food or drink into the enclosures?
Food and soft drinks only may be brought into the Lennox Enclosure, but not the Richmond or Gordon Enclosures. Cans and plastic bottles are allowed but no glass is permitted. Alcohol is not allowed to be brought into any enclosure.
Richmond Enclosure:
Guests in the Richmond Enclosure are entitled to purchase food and drink in the Gordon Enclosure and return with it to the Richmond Enclosure. Food may be consumed anywhere except the Champagne Lawn in the Richmond Enclosure or any restaurants in either enclosure.
Can we picnic in the car parks?
Yes, but only within the limits of your car parking space. There is a Three Furlong Picnic Car Park where you can reserve a berth on the rails at the three-furlong point; admission for four adults to the Lennox Enclosure is also included in the price. The picnic car park is closed when the Lennox Enclosure is closed. Please note parasols, sunshades and umbrellas are not permitted to hang over the running rails, nor are gazebos and/or BBQ's allowed in any of the car parks. For picnics the country park, close to the coach park, is ideal.
Where should I wear my badge?
Please wear your badge prominently on your lapel and not on your belt or binoculars. Staff at the entrances are trying to help you, so please help them identify your badge easily.
Do licensing hours operate?
Bar facilities close just after the last race at all meeting, except during the Qatar Goodwood Festival when they close at 7.30pm, and at Three Friday Nights, when they close at 11.00pm.
Where can I bet?
Bookmakers are located in front of the stands in all enclosures. There are also TOTE betting facilities in all enclosures. The minimum bet is usually between £2 and £10. All enclosures have a Betfred betting shop. If you are new to racing or betting ensure you take a look at our 'Plan Your Day' pages.
Where can I find out the state of the going?
The forecast is published in the national newspapers, on our website and on racecourse information boards. You can find the latest going report by clicking the link below.
Can I transfer from one enclosure to another?
Yes, except at the Qatar Goodwood Festival when the Richmond Enclosure is only available to members and their guests. There are transfer points at the west end of the Lennox Enclosure and at the rear of the March Stand in the Gordon Enclosure. Transfers are made by paying the difference between the two enclosures’ daily admission prices. If the Gordon Enclosure sells out transfers may not be available.
Where can I arrange to meet a friend?
The Old Tote Bar in the Lennox Enclosure; The March Stand Bar in the Gordon Enclosure; and the horse statue at the west end of the March Stand in the Richmond Enclosure are all good meeting points on race day.
Where can I get general information?
There is signage around the course and maps in the racecard. All enclosures have information points and any staff member can give directions to the nearest point.
When are the racecourse offices open?
These are situated in the Sussex Stand. Reception is staffed from 8.30am – 5.30pm on non-race days. On race days, reception operates from 8am, until one hour after the last race. For any enquires call 01243 755055.
What facilities are there for the disabled?
There is a free reserved car parking area at the front of Number 8 car park opposite the East Entrance. Booking is recommended. Number 5 car park also has reserved spaces, on a first come, first-served basis. The Richmond and Lennox enclosures have wheelchair viewing stands on the rails. Other facilities include ramped access to the front of the Parade Ring; covered viewing on the balcony of the Sussex Stand; and in the Richmond Enclosure covered viewing from the March Grandstand’s Richmond Level. The Lennox Enclosure also has natural high-level viewing and a wheelchair stand. Lifts operate in the March and Sussex Grandstands and a ramp leads to the Charlton Stand first floor. Toilet facilities for the disabled are available in all stands and access is by Radar Keys. Two wheelchairs (non-electric) are available in the Sussex Stand offices – these can either be borrowed on the day or reserved in advance (Tel. 01243 755022). These are subject to availability and are used at the individual’s own risk.
Can I obtain cash?
There are four ATM machines located on the ground floor of the Sussex Stand, which can be used on all racedays. During the Qatar Goodwood Festival ATM machines are available in all enclosures, located on the ground floor of the Sussex and March Stands, as well as on the concourse in the Lennox Enclosure.
A cashback facility can be obtained from a number of TOTE betting windows in the Richmond and Gordon enclosures on the ground floor of the March Stand (subject to a minimum spend).
To avoid queues it is advisable to bring cash with you on racedays.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are not admitted. Guide dogs for the Blind and Assistance dogs for people with disabilities will be allowed, by advance request.
Can I bring in a chair?
Yes, race-goers may bring chairs in to both the Gordon and Lennox Enclosures. We ask that chairs do not block paths or viewing for other spectators.
Please note that chairs can only be used course side in the Gordon Enclosure.
Do I need a racecard?
A racecard is an essential investment. It includes all the runners, their form and vital information on how to bet, plus a daily competition. Racecard vouchers can be purchased in advance.
Where is lost property?
In the cloakrooms at either end of the March Grandstand and at the Manager’s office at the Lennox Enclosure’s main entrance. After racing, any lost property is taken to the main office in the Sussex Grandstand.
Will there be a doctor?
Doctors are available in all enclosures. The first-aid points are well signposted and South East Coast Ambulance staff attend all meetings.
Are there concessionary rates for students?
There is half-price admission to the Gordon and Lennox Enclosure on the day (except during the Qatar Goodwood Festival and Three Friday Nights). A valid NUS card must be produced to gain entrance. On the day tickets can be purchased from the East Entrance ticket office only.
Is there a discount for over 65s?
Reduced admission is only available on the day at all meetings except the Qatar Goodwood Festival. 50% discount for Gordon and Lennox enclosures admission only.
Do coach drivers get free entry?
Yes, coach drivers are granted free entry to all of our fixtures when they show their PSV/PCV license and relevant work docket at the East Entrance. The free ticket gains the driver entry into the Lennox Enclosure, unless this is closed, in which case it will be the Gordon Enclosure.
Can I bring my children?
Yes. Accompanied youngsters under 18 years of age are admitted free to all enclosures, except for the following exceptions. There will be a charge for juniors aged 13 - 17 years at Three Friday Nights. Richmond Enclosure £33.75. Gordon Enclosure £26.25.
Telephone 01243 216610 for more information.
What is the admissions policy for under 18’s to the ‘Three Friday Nights’?
Those under 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult (someone aged 18 or above) in order to gain entry to the racecourse. Once inside the racecourse, 16 and 17-year-olds may be unaccompanied but will need appropriate ID as proof of age. Anyone under 16 years of age will need to be accompanied by a responsible adult at all time throughout the evening.
Is there a children’s playground?
Yes, we have a play area, presented by Butlins, that is located at the east end of the Lennox Enclosure. Adults are not permitted to enter. The playground is for 4-12-year-olds and is situated within the Lennox Enclosure, however, ticket holders for all enclosures are able to make use the playground. Please be aware that the playground is not supervised so we recommend adult supervision at all times.
Are there any crèche facilities?
Yes, during the Qatar Goodwood Festival there is a crèche available, free of charge, for all racegoers. It is situated within the Butlin's Adventure Playground, which is in the far end of the Lennox Enclosure. It will be staffed by uniformed nannies who are CRB/DBS checked, with at least one member of staff having an up-to-date Paediatric First Aid Certificate. The facility is suitable for 0 - 3 year olds. During busy periods time in the crèche may be limited to a two hour slot.
What happens if racing is abandoned?
Refunds of admission fees will only be made in the following circumstances:
Race meetings abandoned before completion of one race – 100% refund.
Abandoned before completion of three races – 50% refund.
Abandoned after three races – no refund.
Claims are made by submitting either badges from the Richmond Enclosure or admission receipts from the other two enclosures by post, up to 28 days after the meeting (excluding Hospitality packages).
What is your drinking policy?
Goodwood Racecourse is committed to safeguarding the well-being of all visitors and ensuring that the best possible day out is had by all. As part of this, we are committed to reducing any social harm caused by the excessive consumption of alcohol. Anyone deemed to be under the influence of drink or drugs may be refused admittance to Goodwood Racecourse. Anyone lucky enough to appear to be under the age of 25 may be asked for photo ID when purchasing alcohol. Anyone who appears to have consumed too much alcohol may be asked to leave Goodwood Racecourse, but will be cared for responsibly by the Goodwood Raceday Team. Anyone with concerns over the safety or well-being of themselves or anyone else at the Racecourse should voice their concerns to the Racecourse reception or find a member of the Raceday team. Drink responsibly and have a great day out.
What items are prohibited?
The following items are prohibited from Goodwood Racecourse: knives, fireworks, smoke canisters, air-horns, flares, weapons, dangerous or hazardous items, laser devices, bottles, glass vessels, cans, poles and any article that might be used as a weapon and/or compromise public safety.
Where can I store my bicycle?
There are two bicycle storage units available for racegoers to securely store bicycles whilst enjoying the day. For Gordon Enclosure guests, there is a storage unit next to the Racecourse Reception. For Richmond Enclosure guests this is located on the outside of the West Entrance. Please ask a member of staff for further details.
Will Coronavirus effect the event?
Coronavirus is an evolving situation which we are continuously monitoring alongside local authorities, health organisations, and the Government in the lead up to Opening Saturday on 2 May.
The event is very much planned to go ahead, but we will continue to be guided by the Public Health Authority as the situation evolves. We will keep the public informed should there be any developments, but in the meantime, we look forward to a thrilling day of racing.
If you are planning to visit us and are a recently returning traveller or visitor arriving in the UK from a country of concern, please follow the Government guidance.
I can no longer attend an event - can I have a refund?
Orders for tickets can be cancelled, exchanged or refunded within the first 48hrs after purchase only. Please submit your request to the Ticket Office by email at ticket.office@goodwood.com or by telephone on 01243 755055. Goodwood does not issue refunds after this initial 48hr period but you may sell on your tickets via our official resale partner Twickets who are a fan-to-fan secure trading platform. Please note that selling or buying tickets on any other platform is strictly prohibited and tickets that are re-sold illegally via any other third party will be refused admittance to the racecourse.
I came here three years ago but once you’re bitten, you have to come back. It is always atmospheric here, it doesn’t matter what the weather conditions are, it is always a memorable day. Everything about Goodwood is done for love, it’s been crafted lovingly over centuries.
There are some amazing racecourses around the world, but without fail you feel like you’re in one of the most special.
It has been fantastic… this is another great Goodwood event, with a great atmosphere.
Goodwood. More like AmazeWood. Best night in a while. Thank you X
It goes without saying that Goodwood has always been a special place for me. The Qatar Goodwood Festival is a beautiful week and Goodwood is the most picturesque racecourse in the country.