Overview

What a wonderful experience, a great day out. The drive to reach Goodwood racecourse is delightful, with open countryside views and woodland scenes, and it’s quite exciting as you see the sign for Goodwood (photo 1). You approach the course with views towards the stands (photos 2, 3 and 4) and for this enclosure, you follow directions for car park 8, well signposted for you (photo 5). You will be directed by stewards to the disabled parking, which is on grass areas, but flat, with a hardcore path (photo 6). You need to be pushed across a main road, but stewards help you cross, then it’s a bit of a push, and downhill, to reach main gate (photo 7) which opens at 11.30. You will pass the ticket office, and lovely views over the downs (photo 8) before joining the queue at the main gate (photo 9). We suggest you buy your ticket for the course online, well before race day, but for those last minute tickets you can buy them at the ticket office (photo 10). You can now go along to the Gordon enclosure (photo 11) and enter the facilities area, where a well earned cup of coffee may be taken, and from here you can watch what is happening on the race with the TV screens (photo 12) however, if you wish to see the race live, then there are steps to have to get up to get into the stand itself. The Gordon enclosure (photo 13) offers outstanding views though, with lots of space for wheelchair movement, except on the main festival event, when that becomes overcrowded, so pick a smaller meeting to enjoy this fantastic experience. If you can, get up by the rails for some dramatic views, not just the racing, but over the downs as well (photo 14). Just at the far right hand corner of the stadium, there is a raised platform for disabled chairs, and you will be able to see over the heads of people, and be right up on the fence as the horses make that final dash for the winning post. From the next level up in the stand, if you can manage a few steps on your own, then there are outstanding views of the race as you glance over towards the winning post (photo 15) Or you can exit the racecourse and cut across the stand to the parade ground with close up views of the horses as they strut their thing (photo 16) Go back into the stand to watch them race past you to the finish post (photo 17) or watch that final dash on the large screen just above your head, and from up here you will just make out the horses as they return to exit the course (photo 18) although it’s quite far away, and the winning horses will parade again on the parade ring, this is really something to get the excited feel of the crowds (photo 19). OUR FINAL THOUGHTS If you ever wonder what it would be like to visit a race course, then give Goodwood a go, You won’t be disappointed, it’s ideal for disabled persons, and you get all the atmosphere and be able to see all the horses from the parade ground. Like ourselves, you do not need to bet, we are not gamblers, but throughly enjoyed the day. We are so glad we made that effort, and recommend Goodwood racecourse to you.

Transport & Parking

A very lovely drive takes you across the downs over wonderful scenic roads. The disabled car park for the Gordon enclosure is number 8 and it’s well signposted to get you there. You park on grassland, but a hardcore path takes you to the stands. There’s a bit of a slope to go down, brakes on, but it’s more difficult for carer getting you back up the slope to car.

Access

Car park 8 is reasonably close to the stadium, directions are well signposted, and although parking is on grass, there is a hardcore path to take you towards the stands, with quite a downhill ride to reach main gates, which open at 11.30. It’s nearly all level once inside stadium, for eating places, toilets, ect. But you may only be able to enjoy racing on the main concourse, but there is a raised platform that disabled can use and see over the top of others, and it’s right against the fence of the track, so you get a lovely view of the race itself. On this stand there is no lift, so unless you can manage a few steps, you won’t be able to enjoy the upper levels of the Gordon Enclosure, but you will still feel the atmosphere and thrill on the ground level forecourt. We would suggest you pay a little extra and buy tickets for the RICHMOND ENCLOSURE as this has a lift, with better views over the course.

Toilets

Basic, but clean and tidy, situated at the far corners of the stand.

Staff

Everyone is so friendly and helpful.

Photos