There are dog events… and then there’s Goodwoof.
Set within the grounds of Goodwood House, it somehow manages to feel both completely over the top and incredibly relaxed at the same time. One minute your dog is diving headfirst into a ball pit, the next you’re walking past champagne bars and some of the most stylish dog people you’ve ever seen… all with the backdrop of the prestigious Goodwood House.
Breakfast Inside Goodwood House
Our day actually started before we even made it into the event itself – with breakfast inside Goodwood House.
Matt went for the full English while I chose the mushrooms on toast which, considering I’m not even really a mushroom person, felt like a slightly rogue decision. Somehow it turned out to be one of the best things I’ve eaten in ages. Genuinely the best mushrooms I’ve ever had in my life. So tasty!
Breakfast itself felt like an experience. We were sat around large shared tables filled with beautiful flowers and surrounded by the kind of interiors that you just can’t stop looking at. I’m talking elaborate paintings, gold detailing and the most dramatic period features you have ever seen. It honestly felt like we were eating breakfast inside a palace.
Afterwards, we had a wander around the house itself before heading down into Goodwoof.
The Best Things To Do At Goodwoof
We have three dogs – Oscar, Henry and Archie. Every dog had their own favourite part of the day.
Oscar was completely obsessed with the sand pits. Which is ironic really, considering we live on an island and he sees sand all the time. Yet somehow he acted like he’d discovered it for the very first time in his life. He even brought his own emotional support stick into the sand pit and repeatedly tried to bury it, launching sand over every nearby dog in the process. Sand everywhere. Zero regrets.
Henry is much more of a chilled out dog. He enjoyed sitting in the classic cars, receiving treats for it, as well as the endless belly rubs from strangers who fell in love with him as soon as he tried to roll over into their laps. Honestly, he treated the entire event like a celebrity meet and greet.
Archie, meanwhile, discovered the ball pit and honestly could have stayed there all day. At just one year old, this was actually his first ever dog event, so we weren’t quite sure what he’d make of it all. That said, he’s completely obsessed with balls at home, so we had a strong suspicion the ball pit might end up being his highlight of the day. Safe to say we were right.
That’s the thing about Goodwoof – there’s just so much going on. Everywhere you turn there’s another activity or another experience to suit dogs of all kinds.
There are have-a-go activities, demonstrations, wellness areas, food stalls, talks, live music, dog swimming pools, training sessions and so much more. It feels much more considered than your average dog festival. Even the shopping areas and trade stands are genuinely enjoyable to walk around.
Exploring Barkitecture At Goodwoof
But my personal favourite part of the whole event is always Barkitecture.
If you’ve never seen it before, it’s essentially a collection of architect-designed luxury kennels / dog beds created by some incredibly talented designers and studios from around the world. Some are funny, some are completely bonkers and some look like they belong in a perfectly interior designed home. It’s one of those things that could only exist at Goodwoof.
Charlie from Bonhams Cars hosts the auction each year and honestly brings so much energy to the whole thing. This year’s judging panel included Kevin McCloud, Tim Peake, Michelle Ogundehin, Bill Bailey and Seamus, the Irish Guards regimental mascot.
I am on the edge of my seat the whole time. One year, I will absolutely bid. It’s on my bucket list to buy a one of one piece for my dogs.
Here are some of my favourite lots, but you can see more in this social media post.
Chien Charmant – Goodwoof’s Most Stylish Competition
Another fabulous part of the day was Chien Charmant – Goodwoof’s celebration of style, personality and the bond between dogs and their owners.
Each afternoon, stylish dogs and their humans take to the runway beside the giant Goodwoof letters while the judges look for the pairings with the most charm, charisma, personality and connection. This year’s judges included Jodie Kidd and Lydia Slater, with the event hosted by Scott Wimsett.
Some dogs strutted around like seasoned professionals, others completely ignored their owners and a few looked genuinely confused about why they were there at all – which honestly made it even better.
It felt very Goodwoof though. Less about perfection and more about celebrating dogs exactly as they are.
Is Goodwoof Worth It?
I think what makes Goodwoof feel so different is that it doesn’t just feel like a dog event. It feels like a genuinely good day out that happens to revolve around dogs.
Yes, it’s busy. Yes, you may need to queue for some things (namely Jellycat). But there’s also something happening everywhere you look, whether that’s dogs launching themselves into giant swimming pools, Ministry of Hound getting your dogs dancing, or crowds gathering around Chien Charmant completely invested in dogs they’ve known for all of three minutes.
It’s also one of the few dog events where the setting genuinely adds to the experience. Walking around the grounds of Goodwood House with thousands of dogs somehow feels both chaotic and very civilised at the same time.
The whole thing just has a really unique atmosphere to it.
And honestly, I think that’s why so many people come back every year.
Goodwoof 2027 Dates
If you’re already planning next year’s visit, Goodwoof 2027 will take place on 15th and 16th May 2027 at Goodwood House.
Personally, I’d recommend booking early if you’re planning to stay nearby, especially if you want dog friendly accommodation close to the event. It is extremely popular and accommodation does sell up fast.
We’ll definitely be back. See you next year, Goodwoof!
This was a PR invite, but all opinions are entirely genuine and our own.
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