A vintage weekend at Goodwood

If you love cars, Goodwood means the Festival of Speed. If you prefer single horse power, it’s all about Glorious Goodwood and the racecourse. Or for history buffs, it’s the home of the Dukes of Richmond, descended from Charles II.

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But if you love fashion, especially vintage, Goodwood is all about the Revival. Three days of all things retro, set around a historic motor race meeting, with the sound of jazz, swing and rock’n’roll as a back-drop, and plenty of dressing up in authentic 40s, 50s and 60s style.To complete the effect, Goodwood has its own collection of vintage clothing and accessories, used to dress the Revival actors.

Outside September, between ongoing repairs and a fiercely fought battle against moths, it’s squirreled away at the Motor Circuit under the protective eye of costume curator and chief moth massacrer Sue O’Donoghue. But earlier this year, the Goodwood hotel decided to open up its collection as part of a special Vintage Treasures experience.

And there was no way I was going to let a small thing like having a toddler get in the way of trying that out. Best of all, I got a sneak peek behind the scenes and into the heart of the treasure trove of vintage, with Goodwood letting me pick out my own outfit from the rails.

The 60s collection includes original Pucci, while there’s also rare beautifully tailored 40s pieces (not out for loan). But as I have more of a 50s shape, and fondness, that’s where I started.

Original dresses in the New Look style – and I mean the Dior-inspired circle skirts, not the high street chain – sat next to Hepburn-esque capri pants. And as I delved into the rails, I found the perfect dress.

On the hanger, it didn’t actually look perfect – with a wide black velvet band at the top, and burnt orange flowers.

But once on, especially with a huge petticoat to kick the skirt out, saucer hat, faux fur shrug, buckled gloves, heels, patent bag and my own retro shades, I could barely stop swishing and wondering what this dress had seen over its six decades.

Throw in hair and make-up, including a perfect liner flick and glossy red manicure, and I was ready to go – off for champagne afternoon tea at the Kennels private club on the Goodwood Estate.

Minnie, who’s more used to seeing me in my mummy uniform of skinny jeans and stripy top, barely knew what to stare at first, leaning in to touch my lipsticked lips and attempting to grab the hat (who knew Kirby grips were so strong).

Despite the mild terror of combining one toddler, champagne (for me, not her), cake, scones and sandwiches with an almost certainly priceless dress, we had a fabulous time, tucked away in the library after being reassured a toddler would be fine and ‘couldn’t do any harm’.

I had my doubts there, but as it turned out, despite a sugar rush and total lack of nap, the only casualty was a glass of water and Minnie’s own slightly damp book.

The hotel itself is lovely too, right in the heart of the Sussex countryside, with its own health club (complete with toddler-friendly pool), restaurant, bar and several grassy courtyards for hyper 20-month-olds to burn off cake.

Even with a cot in our room, there was plenty of space for the three of us, and while there was no minibar, the hotel was happy to store Minnie’s food in their main fridge, labelling and fetching it whenever we needed something, as well as sending up room service milk for her at top speed first thing in the morning.

And while she slept, the dress got another outing for cocktails in the bar and dinner in the Richmond Arms, including some fantastic scallops, lamb with baby root vegetables and the Douglas Fir shortbread which came with my ‘milk pudding’ and blood orange sauce – pannacotta by any other name.

In the meantime, I tried to work out how to manoeuvre in flouncy skirts and soaked up all the compliments.

Another great reminder that having kids doesn’t mean that only ‘family’ holidays are an option. Because there’s nothing like children to remind you of the sheer joy of dressing up – and letting your imagination run wild.

Need to know: vintage Goodwood weekend

The Vintage Treasures experience costs from £193 per person, including hair, make-up, nails, costume hire from the Goodwood vintages collection, champagne afternoon tea, dinner, accommodation in a Signature room and breakfast, based on two people sharing. Room upgrades are also available.

While you’re staying at the hotel, check out the Cass Sculpture Foundation next door – worth visiting, even with a toddler

Disclosure: My stay and all meals were courtesy of the Goodwood Hotel, but all opinions and shoes are my own.

All images copyright MummyTravels

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