If you’re even remotely into cars, engineering or just seeing people completely obsessed with doing incredible things, Goodwood Festival of Speed deserves a place on your bucket list.
I’d seen plenty of videos over the years but nothing quite prepares you for the atmosphere. One minute you’re watching a priceless historic racing car climb the hill, the next a brand-new hypercar appears, followed by a Formula 1 car that makes the ground shake as it flies past. It’s a brilliant mix of old and new.
What surprised me most was how close you can get to everything. The paddocks are fascinating, the manufacturers go all out with their displays, and there always seems to be something happening wherever you wander.
Top tip: wear comfortable shoes, take plenty of water (especially if the sun decides to make an appearance!), and arrive early if there’s something specific you want to see. It’s a big site and you’ll easily cover 20,000+ steps without noticing.
I’ve been to plenty of events over the years, but Goodwood has a really unique feel. Whether you’re a lifelong petrolhead or just looking for a fantastic summer day out, it’s one of those experiences that’s genuinely worth doing at least once.