Goodwood with a little one

[someuser08]

It's going to be our first FOS on Sunday. We are going with a 6 yo son and therefore will be unable to a) get in very early (hopefully by 9:30ish) b) walk a lot of distance, so any tips and suggestions of what to do on the day would be much appreciated! For the little one its probably more interesting to do close-up/ hands-on things rather than watch from a distance (although GAS and Red Arrows are probably a must for us).

[DavidY]

Ear plugs, if you are likely to be near any noisy cars, remeber a 6yo is a lot closer to the noise than an adult is.

[someuser08]

DavidY said:

Ear plugs, if you are likely to be near any noisy cars, remeber a 6yo is a lot closer to the noise than an adult is.

Good point. Would ear defenders be suitable as well? I don't think I can make him wear ear plugs

[DavidY]

Yes, of course, last time I used them was to take my daughter to her first concert Girlschool, The Damned and Motorhead - it was loud!

[highway]

Took my daughter at that age. She hated it. Ten years later she likes the Revival

[MattyD803]

someuser08 said:

Good point. Would ear defenders be suitable as well? I don't think I can make him wear ear plugs

Yeah, absolutely. You can get them on Amazon.

I went 4 years ago and I am pretty sure the sound of the Williams F1 car starting up as we were stood behind is still ringing around my brain.....your little one won't be best pleased, so this is a great shout.

Also, the obvious, sensible footwear, sunscreen, cap, sunnies and plenty of fluids, because unfortunately you do need to trek about to see the various displays, stands, paddocks etc and if it turns out warm and sunny, you'll be grateful you prepared.

[KarlMac]

someuser08 said:

DavidY said:

Ear plugs, if you are likely to be near any noisy cars, remeber a 6yo is a lot closer to the noise than an adult is.

Good point. Would ear defenders be suitable as well? I don't think I can make him wear ear plugs

we took our 3 year old quite a few years ago.

- pram was a mistake (assuming this is not an issue for you!)
- 9:30 isn't early for goodwood, so make preparations to sit in a queue to get in. Gates open at 6:30am this year, I'd aim to arrive as close to 8ish as you can.
- You can get child friendly ear defenders which have been great for us and pretty reasonably priced. https://www.amazon.co.uk/PELTOR-Earmuffs-Pink-Head...
- if you're going to hike up to the rally stage at the top of the hill I'd suggest waiting for the tractor to run you up and have a nice walk back down the hill.

My last visit was 2018 and it was packed, I'm not sure how busy it has been post pandemic so things like queuing to get in might have improved by now.

[someuser08]

MattyD803 said:

Yeah, absolutely. You can get them on Amazon.

I went 4 years ago and I am pretty sure the sound of the Williams F1 car starting up as we were stood behind is still ringing around my brain.....your little one won't be best pleased, so this is a great shout.

Also, the obvious, sensible footwear, sunscreen, cap, sunnies and plenty of fluids, because unfortunately you do need to trek about to see the various displays, stands, paddocks etc and if it turns out warm and sunny, you'll be grateful you prepared.

Thanks, just ordered from Amazon. We are going to Silverstone a week later anyway, so I will definitely need them anyway.

We are generally well prepared for days out and the forecast for Sunday doesn't look too hot (if anything rather cold - 17C and chance of rain)...

[someuser08]

KarlMac said:

- 9:30 isn't early for goodwood, so make preparations to sit in a queue to get in. Gates open at 6:30am this year, I'd aim to arrive as close to 8ish as you can.

I know! But if the little one doesn't get enough sleep - it ruins the day for everyone afterwards, so I'd rather see less things but enjoy them
Its going to be around 2h drive for us, so we are already starting earlier than usual. I did my research though on which route and car park to aim for, so hoping that will help...

[ecsrobin]

someuser08 said:

It's going to be our first FOS on Sunday. We are going with a 6 yo son and therefore will be unable to a) get in very early (hopefully by 9:30ish) b) walk a lot of distance, so any tips and suggestions of what to do on the day would be much appreciated! For the little one its probably more interesting to do close-up/ hands-on things rather than watch from a distance (although GAS and Red Arrows are probably a must for us).

As has been mentioned aiming for 0930 could get you in an hour or 2 of traffic.

I’d miss out the rally stage if walking far is an issue and I’d hang around the lower parts of the track as there will be plenty for them to do. There is normally a child area near the start line.

[anonymous-user]

A leash.

On a more serious note, make it clear to the little one not to touch the cars unless supervised properly and told they can, some parts of the cars will be very hot.

Kids love to press red buttons too, always fun when a kid sets of a fire system if the mechanic forgot to knock off the arming switch before getting back into the paddock.

[Ian Wegg]

KarlMac said:

My last visit was 2018 and it was packed, I'm not sure how busy it has been post pandemic so things like queuing to get in might have improved by now.

The Festival has been a sellout every year since 2012 so the attendance will be the same: 50K. Traffic management and car parks have improved a lot though.

[SydneyBridge]

Is he light enough go on your shoulders? That will help him see the cars going up the hill a bit better. Part way up the hill there is a good place to sit on grass and watch cars, will be busy though.

My son used to love the kids area/tent, but not sure if they still have one

[someuser08]

ecsrobin said:

As has been mentioned aiming for 0930 could get you in an hour or 2 of traffic.

Is this guaranteed from every direction?

[Milkyway]

The BTCC races from Croft are being shown on the Sunday... if ‘littluns’ are into that.
https://www.btcc.net/2022/06/17/kwik-fits-btcc-sup...

Edited by Milkyway on Wednesday 22 June 15:34

[ecsrobin]

someuser08 said:

ecsrobin said:

As has been mentioned aiming for 0930 could get you in an hour or 2 of traffic.

Is this guaranteed from every direction?

I’d say so but only from reports posted on here/FB as I get in early.

[WhyOne]

Agreed - 9:30am is pretty much 'peak arrival time' and whilst traffic managemt has improved over the years, it will take an hour or so queuing to get into the carparks.

I aim to arrive 6:45am, but then I don't have a 6 year old in tow.

[2 GKC]

Usually can get to drive something around a little off road course. I did an Audi Q7, I’d have thought he’d enjoy that

[Milkyway]

WhyOne said:

Agreed - 9:30am is pretty much 'peak arrival time' and whilst traffic managemt has improved over the years, it will take an hour or so queuing to get into the carparks.

I aim to arrive 6:45am, but then I don't have a 6 year old in tow.

You still can still get there early but they will probably be asleep... a bit like going on holiday.

[ch37]

I put my kid in the car early and let them doze/sleep when we go to events, far far better than turning a 2hr drive into a 3+ hour drive in my opinion.

The paddock is a wonderful place between 7 and 8.30am, not so much after that!