When you’re heading to Goodwood for a car event, it only makes sense to stay as close to the action as possible. So this spring, when we made plans to visit the iconic Goodwood Motor Circuit, we booked into The Goodwood Hotel—a four-star stay located right on the Goodwood Estate in Chichester, West Sussex.
Location, Location, Lap Time
You can’t get much closer to the track than this—literally a two-minute drive, or a brisk walk if you fancy stretching your legs before a day surrounded by horsepower. The hotel sits within the estate, so you feel part of the Goodwood experience from the moment you arrive.
Booking and Arrival
We booked a few months in advance and had no trouble finding availability, though we noticed it was fully booked closer to the event—so get in early. Finding the hotel was easy, and the site offers ample parking. That said, a word of warning: the archway leading to the car park has a few speed bumps. We were fine, but we heard a couple of low-slung cars scrape going through.
First Impressions
The hotel grounds are stunning and well kept, and the reception area is warm and welcoming. Staff were friendly, check-in was swift, and the whole vibe is relaxed—like a home away from home, but with a bit of Goodwood flair.
Facilities
There’s a leisure club onsite with a gym and swimming pool, though we didn’t get round to using them. Still, nice to know it’s there for longer stays or if you fancy a post-track cooldown.
The Room
Our king room was a great size, with all the usual comforts—tea and coffee facilities, TV with digital channels, and some lovely ambient lighting. The bed was particularly comfy, and the room had a calming, stylish feel throughout. We could even see our cars from the window—always a bonus.
If you’re travelling with kids, it’s worth noting that children of all ages are welcome. We requested a cot, which was set up in advance and came with a lovely touch: a box of organic baby goodies, including a sponge. The room was still spacious with the cot in place, and the bathroom was equally roomy. The bath/shower combo was decent, though the plug was a bit fiddly.
Dining
We headed to the Bar & Grill for dinner, one of the hotel’s two dining spots. It serves until 6pm, and while the menu is fairly limited, it caters well for kids with a small selection of good meals. For adults, it’s more café-style—with paninis, sandwiches, and soup of the day. Think casual rather than fine dining. You can view the menus online, which helps manage expectations.
Breakfast, however, was a different story—plenty of options, both cooked and continental, served in the same Bar & Grill area. We went for the classic breakfast and were genuinely impressed. Tasty, well-portioned, and a good way to fuel up before a day at the track.
The Verdict
All in all, The Goodwood Hotel is a brilliant base for a weekend at the circuit. It’s stylish, comfortable, and right in the heart of all the action. We wouldn’t hesitate to book again for future events—though we might explore other dining options nearby if we fancy a change from the onsite offerings.
What We Paid: £250 for one night in a king room, including breakfast. Cot bed was provided free of charge, but if you’re travelling with older children, extra beds are available for £25.
