Goodwood Revival: best time/day to check out car park??
Discussion
Hi all, occasional lurker, first time poster.
I'm an American traveling to the UK next week for the Revival and some other tourism. It will be my first time to Goodwood. However, due to the cost and distance, a return trip to the Revival is probably unlikely, regardless of how much I enjoy myself. Because of that, I made sure to get tickets for all three days.
I have been doing some research on how to make sure I see/do the most amount of things possible, and gleaned some good advice from this and other forums...check out indoor things (Earl's Court Motor Show, vintage Tesco, etc) on Friday when it will be less crowded, get there early each day, go to the far side of the track to get smaller crowds, etc.
But one thing I have been wondering is when to check out the car park. I understand that tax-free cars from 1975 or so back have free parking in a specific lot, and that it makes for a great show of classic road cars. I'm particularly interested in checking out classics that aren't too common in the US.
Can anybody give some advice with respect to what's a good day/time to check this stuff out? I would think Saturday or Sunday would be best, but not sure if it is recommended to go early before racing starts, during racing events that I am less interested in, or after track action ends. I think I read that a small selection of these cars will get VIP parking inside the track, so those should be easy to check out on the way to something else. But as for the general classic lot, about how long does it take to get there from the main start/finish area? And how long do you guys usually spend checking it out?
Thanks in advance for any tips,
Ryan
I'm an American traveling to the UK next week for the Revival and some other tourism. It will be my first time to Goodwood. However, due to the cost and distance, a return trip to the Revival is probably unlikely, regardless of how much I enjoy myself. Because of that, I made sure to get tickets for all three days.
I have been doing some research on how to make sure I see/do the most amount of things possible, and gleaned some good advice from this and other forums...check out indoor things (Earl's Court Motor Show, vintage Tesco, etc) on Friday when it will be less crowded, get there early each day, go to the far side of the track to get smaller crowds, etc.
But one thing I have been wondering is when to check out the car park. I understand that tax-free cars from 1975 or so back have free parking in a specific lot, and that it makes for a great show of classic road cars. I'm particularly interested in checking out classics that aren't too common in the US.
Can anybody give some advice with respect to what's a good day/time to check this stuff out? I would think Saturday or Sunday would be best, but not sure if it is recommended to go early before racing starts, during racing events that I am less interested in, or after track action ends. I think I read that a small selection of these cars will get VIP parking inside the track, so those should be easy to check out on the way to something else. But as for the general classic lot, about how long does it take to get there from the main start/finish area? And how long do you guys usually spend checking it out?
Thanks in advance for any tips,
Ryan
rbc2014 said:
Hi all, occasional lurker, first time poster.
I'm an American traveling to the UK next week for the Revival and some other tourism. It will be my first time to Goodwood. However, due to the cost and distance, a return trip to the Revival is probably unlikely, regardless of how much I enjoy myself. Because of that, I made sure to get tickets for all three days.
I have been doing some research on how to make sure I see/do the most amount of things possible, and gleaned some good advice from this and other forums...check out indoor things (Earl's Court Motor Show, vintage Tesco, etc) on Friday when it will be less crowded, get there early each day, go to the far side of the track to get smaller crowds, etc.
But one thing I have been wondering is when to check out the car park. I understand that tax-free cars from 1975 or so back have free parking in a specific lot, and that it makes for a great show of classic road cars. I'm particularly interested in checking out classics that aren't too common in the US.
Can anybody give some advice with respect to what's a good day/time to check this stuff out? I would think Saturday or Sunday would be best, but not sure if it is recommended to go early before racing starts, during racing events that I am less interested in, or after track action ends. I think I read that a small selection of these cars will get VIP parking inside the track, so those should be easy to check out on the way to something else. But as for the general classic lot, about how long does it take to get there from the main start/finish area? And how long do you guys usually spend checking it out?
Thanks in advance for any tips,
Ryan
The pre 75 cars park close to the area that is known as "over the road". Most people get directed to this area which has displays, food and drink stalls and cars for sale by dealers and other displays/shops from the main carparks. From "over the road" there is a bridge that takes you into the main circuit, it takes 5 mins max to get across from the two area's. "over the road" is best viewed at the end of the day as it stays open late ish.I'm an American traveling to the UK next week for the Revival and some other tourism. It will be my first time to Goodwood. However, due to the cost and distance, a return trip to the Revival is probably unlikely, regardless of how much I enjoy myself. Because of that, I made sure to get tickets for all three days.
I have been doing some research on how to make sure I see/do the most amount of things possible, and gleaned some good advice from this and other forums...check out indoor things (Earl's Court Motor Show, vintage Tesco, etc) on Friday when it will be less crowded, get there early each day, go to the far side of the track to get smaller crowds, etc.
But one thing I have been wondering is when to check out the car park. I understand that tax-free cars from 1975 or so back have free parking in a specific lot, and that it makes for a great show of classic road cars. I'm particularly interested in checking out classics that aren't too common in the US.
Can anybody give some advice with respect to what's a good day/time to check this stuff out? I would think Saturday or Sunday would be best, but not sure if it is recommended to go early before racing starts, during racing events that I am less interested in, or after track action ends. I think I read that a small selection of these cars will get VIP parking inside the track, so those should be easy to check out on the way to something else. But as for the general classic lot, about how long does it take to get there from the main start/finish area? And how long do you guys usually spend checking it out?
Thanks in advance for any tips,
Ryan
The pre 75 car park would probably be good to view between 10am and 4pm on Sat or Sun I guess, I've been several times and have never found time to actually do this properly, other than just walking through it on the way in from the main carparks. From speaking to others you could spend several hours in that car park.
We are going just Sunday this year, hope you have a US based costume sorted to wear.
I'd make time for a stroll around the car park on all three days - obviously some cars will be repeat viewings but there will be plenty of variety each day. The 'car park' (Revival Car Park) is located 'over the road', so there are a fair few stalls & part of the Revival Market. You just show your entrance ticket to get out & back into the circuit proper. Lunchtime is good. If you are on a budget you can buy sandwiches in the period Tesco in the circuit & have a picnic 'over the road'.
http://grrc.goodwood.com/goodwood-revival/revival-...
I'll be there on Friday.
http://grrc.goodwood.com/goodwood-revival/revival-...
I'll be there on Friday.
Is my memory correct in thinking that 'over the road' and the pre 1975 car park is accessible without tickets?
I am trying to get hold of a pair of tickets now at reasonable cost, but if not, I would be tempted just to go for a mooch anyway, a la breakfast club I.e. Nice early morning drive and coffee while looking at some nice cars.
I am trying to get hold of a pair of tickets now at reasonable cost, but if not, I would be tempted just to go for a mooch anyway, a la breakfast club I.e. Nice early morning drive and coffee while looking at some nice cars.
Rich
Looks like the weather is going to be splendid so you should be able to fit all the must dos in. There is a break in the racing programme of an hour for lunch each day which is probably the optimum time for viewing the classics car park. Many of the cars are leaving by 4 pm (I don't understand why when there's a quarter of the day's events left to run.) so by 6 pm there are large gaps, but still some very interesting / beautiful sights.
Enjoy
Looks like the weather is going to be splendid so you should be able to fit all the must dos in. There is a break in the racing programme of an hour for lunch each day which is probably the optimum time for viewing the classics car park. Many of the cars are leaving by 4 pm (I don't understand why when there's a quarter of the day's events left to run.) so by 6 pm there are large gaps, but still some very interesting / beautiful sights.
Enjoy
Thanks for the helpful comments guys. Sounds like it is pretty easy to pop over to the car park to take a look during lunch. I have heard that there are typically 4000-7000 classic cars in the parking lot. That seems like an unbelievable number. Is that right? Or are they double and triple counting cars that are there multiple days, to get a higher number?
I couldn't come up with a US themed costume...I thought about doing a 1960s California look, but decided against it in the end. Also not interested in military gear. So, I'm defaulting to tweed and a flat cap. A bit predictable perhaps, but oh well.
Let's hope the forecast of good weather holds!
I couldn't come up with a US themed costume...I thought about doing a 1960s California look, but decided against it in the end. Also not interested in military gear. So, I'm defaulting to tweed and a flat cap. A bit predictable perhaps, but oh well.
Let's hope the forecast of good weather holds!
alolympic said:
Is my memory correct in thinking that 'over the road' and the pre 1975 car park is accessible without tickets?
I am trying to get hold of a pair of tickets now at reasonable cost, but if not, I would be tempted just to go for a mooch anyway, a la breakfast club I.e. Nice early morning drive and coffee while looking at some nice cars.
Are you still looking for tickets ? I am trying to get hold of a pair of tickets now at reasonable cost, but if not, I would be tempted just to go for a mooch anyway, a la breakfast club I.e. Nice early morning drive and coffee while looking at some nice cars.
May have 2 x Saturday plus Woodcote grandstand (will confirm Thursday evening / Friday Morning), face value but would like to sell as a package.
There are 2 options for viewing the tax free car park. Study the race programme and when a race you are least likely to watch view the car park then. Or, a number of people take a picnic around lunchtime alongside their cars, so there are people around to chat to, often with their own interesting stories. Whichever you choose you will need at least a couple of hours
Only problem is if you've ventured over to the far side of the track it's a bit of a walk back - I usually get there at 7am and watch the classics coming into the car park until 8:30ish before much is happening inside - you can then chat to owners if you want - this year I'm going to make an effort to get out there during Friday for a couple of hours as well - only a week to go - can't wait
rbc2014 said:
I have heard that there are typically 4000-7000 classic cars in the parking lot. That seems like an unbelievable number. Is that right?
It sounds a lot!rbc2014 said:
I'm defaulting to tweed and a flat cap. A bit predictable perhaps, but oh well.
Predictable is fine, it’s not a fancy dress despite what our German & Dutch friends may think 
rbc2014 said:
Hopefully the stuff I am less interested in (motorcycles, formula juniors, etc) will be right before or after lunch...
Indeed, the motorcycle races are usually just before lunch. Whatever you do don’t miss the St Marys Trophy
Sounds like you've got the info you need already but, as RichB states, 4-7000 sounds optimistic!
You will find several hundred (at least) each day though. There is a real charm to the pre 75 car park. Where else would you see a gorgeously used triumph GT6 next to a restoration fresh Ferrari 275 GTB/4?
It's great!
You will find several hundred (at least) each day though. There is a real charm to the pre 75 car park. Where else would you see a gorgeously used triumph GT6 next to a restoration fresh Ferrari 275 GTB/4?
It's great!
Hi RBC2014 - when the flying displays are in progress, various parts of the public areas are closed to comply with the safety rules. They are the perimeter walkways along part of the Lavant Straight and between Madgwick and St Mary's. Also there is a walkway across the infield from the central area behind the GRRC enclosure to the Lavant Straight. It's very useful, but again it is closed when there is a flying display (and also if the wind direction differs from the norm dictating a take-off and landing patterns).
It's easy to get stranded while these restrictions are in progress if you're not aware.
It's easy to get stranded while these restrictions are in progress if you're not aware.
Hi all, OP here. Just wanted to say thanks for the various pieces of advice. I ended up strolling through the car park on Friday evening and Saturday morning. I would have liked to do it properly during the middle of the day, but there was just too much other great stuff to do. Despite the car park being only partially full in both cases, there was still tons of cool stuff I'd never seen before and in some cases never even heard of...a Panhard, various Jensens, an Ockelbo, a Gilbern, etc. Of course, lots of more common things too, like Jags, MGs, TRs, Porsches etc. The whole event is so amazing, and if I lived in Europe, I'd go every year. Hopefully I can return again soon!
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