Late July
Few dispute that Goodwood is the world’s most beautiful racecourse, and the highlight of its year is the five-day ‘Glorious’ festival. Unlike the stiff starchiness of Royal Ascot, Goodwood’s garden party atmosphere calls for linen and panamas rather than tails and toppers. Yet the horseflesh it attracts is every bit as prestigious as Ascot’s, and the view it commands high on the Sussex Downs is without equal. In the 19th century, Goodwood marked the close of the English season, whereupon society would up sticks and head for Scottish society balls, fishing and grouse shooting. (To be seen in London in August announced that you had not been invited, and was social death.) The members congregate in the Richmond Enclosure, and only they may buy tickets for guests for the Glorious Goodwood festival.
Dress code: Goodwood always attracts a highly fashionable following, and linen suits, panamas and fascinators are encouraged. However, in the Richmond Enclosure, the only requirement is for a casual smartness, with men requiring a jacket and tie or cravat