Goodwood Aerodrome was built during the Second World War by the Royal Air Force as a relief landing ground for nearby RAF Tangmere.
The Airfield stands on land from the Goodwood Estate, home to the Dukes of Richmond for over 300 years. The 9th Duke, Freddie March, an amateur racer and aircraft engineer, donated the land to support the war effort.
During the conflict, RAF Westhampnett operated from July 1940 to May 1946 as a Battle of Britain station. It hosted 43, 129, 145, 602, and 610 Squadrons, which flew Hawker Hurricanes, P-51 Mustangs, and Supermarine Spitfires.
At the same time, flying training began early in 1940. Young pilots learned essential combat flying techniques in both Hurricanes and Spitfires.
Soon after, Fighter Groups of the US 8th Air Force launched their first operational sorties from Goodwood, fighting alongside the Allies. One of these missions included the infamous Dieppe raid. In fact, the legendary Douglas Bader took off from Westhampnett for his final wartime flight before bailing out over Northern France. Today, a bronze statue at Goodwood honors his bravery.
After the war, engineers converted the airfield’s perimeter road into a racing circuit. As a result, it became the spiritual successor to Brooklands.
Today, Goodwood Aerodrome continues to thrive. It now hosts several active flying schools and many historic aircraft, including Spitfires. In addition, visitors can enjoy thrilling flight experiences with Ultimate High.
Goodwood motor circuit
Goodwood Motor Circuit is a 3.8 km track completely encircling the Aerodrome. The circuit dates back to 1948, and is now used all year round for classic races (such as the Goodwood Revival), as well as private track days, and public driving experience days.
Goodwood festival of speed
The Festival of Speed is the largest motoring garden party in the world – a unique summer weekend that brings together an impossibly heady mix of cars, stars and motor sport ‘royalty’ to create the largest car culture event in the world. Held in the immaculate grounds of Goodwood House, this annual Hill climb event held over 4 days in late June/ early July is a true celebration of motor sport and all things automotive.
Goodwood revival
The Revival is the world’s most popular historic motor race meeting and the only event of its kind to be staged entirely in the nostalgic time capsule of the 1940s, 50s and 60s. This three-day festival is held each September for the types of cars and motorcycles that would have competed during the circuit’s original period, 1948–1966. Historic aircraft help to complete the vintage feel. Nearly everyone dresses up in vintage outfit from mods and rockers to smart period clothes.
goodwood breakfast club
The Sunday ‘Breakfast Club’ is a semi-regular, free to enter, and open-to-all monthly gathering of drivers and riders who come to view each other’s cars, bikes etc. Each meeting is themed with striking examples of the days theme paraded on the start finish straight.
Goodwood racecourse
Goodwood racecourse is most famous for the annual summer meeting in July named ‘Glorious Goodwood’. It is one of the highlights of the racing Summer as some of the finest equine talents head to the Sussex Downs to contest an array of ultra-competitive contests over the five-day horse racing extravaganza.