What makes the Goodwood Festival of Speed so special

This iconic event celebrates speed like nothing else on the planet. It’s too good to miss.

Ever-stricter speed limits, emissions controls, noise requirements and rising prices make life hard for those who live behind the wheel.

Thankfully, there are a few sanctuaries where speed is celebrated, roaring engines are met with enthusiasm and incredible rare cars are everywhere.

The best of them might be the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Set against the grand backdrop of the Goodwood House in West Sussex, England, it draws more than 200,000 people to celebrate the full spectrum of motoring.

From vintage race cars to legendary F1 machines, road cars and outlandish concepts, Goodwood has it all.

Goodwood Festival of Speed. (Picture: Supplied)

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As soon as you step through the iconic gates of Goodwood, you’re immediately immersed in a breathtaking display of automotive evolution.

Leading car manufacturers from around the world showcase cherished historic models alongside modern metal and revolutionary conceptsthat will shape the roads of tomorrow.

I stood in awe, absorbing the atmosphere and watching historic cars conquer the iconic hill climb, and thought the event couldn’t get any better.

However, one moment sealed it in my memory forever.

I strapped into the passenger seat of a Bentley Continental GT Speed for a ride up the hill.

Bentley’s GT Speed launches from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.1 seconds, and being in the thick of it was nothing short of heart-pounding.

We hit over 180 km/h through corners, tyres screeching as the road tightened and twisted beneath us on the charge uphill.

It was an unforgettable experience, one countless people dream of having.

For me, it stands out as a truly prominent moment I will forever cherish.

Adrian Newey driving the Lotus-Cosworth 49B during the Goodwood Festival of Speed event. (Photo by Bob McCaffrey/Getty Images)

A McLaren-TAG MP4/4 driving at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. (Photo by Bob McCaffrey/Getty Images)

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But it was the slow parade back down the hill that captured my perception and revealed what makes this event truly special.

As we crawled back towards the tent where the Bentley would be placed back on display, crowds lined the return route, and people began stepping closer.

If you want a perfect example of just how far #F1 has come in its 75-year history, then look no further than this dual run up the #FOS Hill featuring the 1954 title-winning #Mercedes W196 and the 2022 race-winning Mercedes W13. There's many differences between these two, but both… pic.twitter.com/xDAu1lmURa

— Goodwood FOS (@fosgoodwood) July 12, 2025

Phones came out, kids pointed, and some even leaned in for a better look, almost close enough to touch it.

No barriers, no aggressively attentive marshals telling people off — just genuine excitement.

This is what makes it so unique.

Duncan Pittaway driving the FIAT S76 during the Goodwood Festival of Speed. (Photo by Bob McCaffrey/Getty Images)

With unrestricted access, you are free to wander through rows of priceless machinery, talk to drivers and engineers, and soak in the atmosphere.

It’s a weekend for anyone and everyone. Whether that’s claiming a long-sought-after autograph, turning your gaze skywards for an incredible aerial display, or staring in bewildered awe at a multimillion-dollar car as it muscles its way up the Goodwood hill.

The sound is also truly unforgettable. You hear everything from the thunderous growl of classic V8 muscle cars to the high-pitched shriek of modern F1 engines to the crowd’s cheer of approval. There’s even the whizz of hyper-electric performance cars that may not sound as appealing, though their looks more than make up for it.

Liam Lawson was also at the Goodwood Festival of Speed event. (Photo by Bob McCaffrey/Getty Images)

Nigel Mansell driving the Williams FW14B Renault at Goodwood. (Photo by Bob McCaffrey/Getty Images)

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The event also has a rally stage, an off-road area, a supercar corral, a concours, an auction, and an exhibition for vendors. The enthusiasts who attend the event in their wide variety of classic cars, sports cars, and supercars make the parking lot one of the best car shows you’ll ever see.

Goodwood is brilliant.

If it isn’t on your bucket list, I’d highly recommend adding it.

Bentley's Bentayga Speed at Goodwood. Picture: Supplied

Esteban Ocon doing donuts during the Goodwood Festival of Speed. (Photo by Bob McCaffrey/Getty Images)

Whether you’re a lifelong racing nut or just someone who appreciates a beautifully engineered machine, Goodwood has a way of pulling you in.

Even if you don’t know your GT40 from your GR Yaris, it’s hard not to get swept up in the atmosphere.

Originally published as What makes the Goodwood Festival of Speed so special