Set in the heart of the Sussex Downs, Goodwood is England’s greatest sporting estate and has been home to the Dukes of Richmond for over 300 years.
One of the UKs finest stately homes
The history of Goodwood House as we know it today, spans back many centuries. The house was first purchased by the 1st Duke of Richmond – the natural son of King Charles II and his French mistress, Louise de Keroualle. The 1st Duke of Richmond originally bought Goodwood as a hunting lodge and subsequent Dukes enlarged the existing Jacobean house to create the magnificent house that we see today – one of the finest stately homes in the country, set in mature parkland against the backdrop of the Sussex Downs.
Indulge in Regency
Goodwood House looks like three sides of an octagon, and it used to be thought that it was intended to build the complete figure, but this has never been proved. It is not known what the intentions were when this somewhat picturesque shape was devised, but the layout certainly works perfectly for a private family home combined with grand public apartments and far reaching views over the park. The house has recently been refurbished by the Duke and Duchess of Richmond, giving it an up to date sense of the Regency, with strong colours and stylish drapes and fabrics.
Art at Goodwood House
Home to some astonishing treasures including celebrated paintings by Stubbs and Canaletto, the house is open to the public on set days and waiting to be explored. Each year, taking place from August to October, an exhibition is held at Goodwood House relating to the history of Goodwood. Previous exhibitions include Royal Goodwood. Dancing into Battle, 2019's Glorious Goodwood which complemented the publication of Glorious Goodwood: A Biography of England’s Greatest Sporting Estate, and in 2022, An Aristocratic Amateur showcased the work of Lord Henry Gordon Lennox, a talented amateur photographer in the mid-nineteenth century, and younger son of the 5th Duke of Richmond. This exhibition was hosted following the discovery of two albums containing his photographs in 2019.
Tours and Afternoon Tea
If you’re looking to learn more about the magnificent Goodwood House, you can do so on a visit. Goodwood House is open to the public most Sundays and Mondays when you can explore the State Apartments and Old House in your own time.
Glorious Goodwood tour guides are on hand in each room, ready to answer any questions that you may have. Private group tours are also available upon request.
If you’re looking to extend your stay, or truly indulge in all things Goodwood, why not combine your visit with afternoon tea? Enjoy an array of sandwiches, cakes, pastries and traditional English scones in Goodwood House’s magnificent Ballroom.
