By Vik Chauhan, Food Goblin Central Correspondent
When you think of Goodwood, the first things that might come to mind are the Festival of Speed, Goodwood Revival or Glorious Goodwood, all taking place within a few months during the summer. Think again; Goodwood is much more than the festivals that take place on the estate and has an array of activities and amenities for all year round. Whether it’s on the green, at either of the two 18-hole golf courses available; or on the track with one of the Goodwood driving experiences; on the table at the renowned Farmer, Butcher, Chef restaurant; or in the air through for one of Goodwood’s aerial adventures. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing time at the spa, or something more adventurous at the 12,000-acre estate, Goodwood has something for everyone in mind.
Fortunate to have a whirlwind tour of the estate, I was able to take in a few of the wonders that Goodwood has to offer. The tour of the farm gave me an insight into behind the scenes of Farmer, Butcher, Chef which is just that; a collaboration of the farmer, butcher and chef at Goodwood who then plate up local, sustainable produce at the restaurant. The farm, boasting a size of 3,400 acres, prides itself on raising its livestock with great care and compassion. Producing milk, cattle, lambs, pigs and more, Goodwood prides itself on the ability to deliver food that has been reared within a couple of miles of the restaurant itself. Tim Hassle, the farmer; John Hearn, the butcher, and Darron Bunn, executive chef all work very closely together to ensure the diner receives the very best of the farm’s produce. That all said, Farmer, Butcher, Chef is a little different to your fine dining from London. It’s about enjoying high quality local produce in a relaxed atmosphere. A cosy, homey feel, perfect for a Sunday roast.
The Kennels is the central clubhouse for all of the Estate's Sporting Members – be it horseracing, golf, motorsport, aviation or health club enthusiasts. The Kennel’s offer a range of different memberships, even a dog membership! However, for those that are visiting for a weekend trip, activities for guests also include a Gin Trolley experience, the opportunity to taste and smell an array of different gins and then make a gin cocktail of your choice.
Accommodation is plentiful at Goodwood, with options to stay at the hotel itself, or make use of the Hound Lodge, a 10-bedroom country retreat with guests booking the lodge in its entirety for their stay. As the home of the world’s first major foxhunt and the very reason the first Duke of Richmond bought a house at Goodwood in 1697, The Kennels, and later Hound Lodge were considered to be the most luxurious dog houses in the world. A Hound Lodge stay comes with a butler and chef, making sure you and your guests are looked after for the duration of your visit. Every room at Hound Lodge has its own character and charm and you’ll feel like you never want to leave. A perfect backdrop for a birthday, Christmas, a spot to see in the new year or any other occasion.
A visit to Goodwood is a must. Whether it’s for a weekend trip, for a festival, an opportunity to celebrate a birthday, Christmas or New Year, a golf trip, even your wedding (or honeymoon) plus much much more, Goodwood has an activity for everyone, even if you choose to just sit back and relax with a spa treatment. Goodwood prides itself on its rich history, the provenance of food and its sustainability, and the ability to educate those who come to learn about it all. It’s somewhat hard to believe there is something for everyone at this beautiful English estate.
