For horse racing aficionados, there’s nothing better than a day at the races. Even for the uninitiated, it’s a fantastic day out, full of excitement and fun. With the racing season at Goodwood now open, there’s no better time to plan a perfect day at the races.
You can begin your day with a leisurely breakfast – the gates usually open at 11:30, or 11am for the Festival Meeting, and it should only take about twenty minutes to drive to the Goodwood racecourse from Crouchers Hotel.
Remember to dress well – especially if you’re heading for the Richmond enclosure. This is the premier spot, and during Glorious Goodwood it’s only open to members and their guests. At all meetings, a dress code is enforced – no jeans or shorts, and gentlemen must wear jackets with ties, cravats or polo-neck sweaters. Ladies must also dress smartly, and for the Festival Meeting are encouraged to wear hats. Stiletto heels are not recommended, due to the terrain, but aren’t strictly banned. If you’re watching from the Gordon or Lennox enclosures, informal dress is allowed, but no fancy dress or bare chests.
Before the races themselves begin, you can enjoy a picnic; this is permitted either in the car parks or in the Lennox enclosure. In the enclosure, there are some restrictions – no glass bottles, and no alcohol. You can also explore Goodwood Country Park, which is right next to the racecourse.
The three enclosures generally have different admission prices, but you can often transfer by paying the difference on the day. It is much easier, however, to simply choose the right one in advance. The main differences are that the Richmond enclosure, as mentioned above, has a stricter dress code, and the Lennox enclosure is the only one into which you’re permitted to bring food and drink.
For those who fancy a flutter, you’ll find a betting shop, kiosks and betting windows throughout the enclosures. Although there are cash machines on site, it’s recommended that you take cash with you to avoid the queues.
If you’re taking the family, then you’ll find the races surprisingly affordable – accompanied children under 18 are admitted free to most meetings, and there is even a children’s playground for 4 to 12 year olds at the east end of the Lennox enclosure.
At the end of the day, when the races are over, the bar and restaurant here at Crouchers Country Hotel are an ideal place to relax and hopefully count your winnings – and even if your bets haven’t paid off, you’ll be able to sleep well in one of our comfortable and luxurious rooms.
If you’re looking for Chichester hotels to provide a base for your perfect day at the races, here at Crouchers Country Hotel we offer a warm welcome and award winning accommodation. Why not contact us online or call us on 01243 784995 to ask about availability today?
