Goodwood Festival of Speed with a 16 month old?

[IslandIsla]

Would we be crazy to take our DD - who will be 16 months - to the Goodwood Festival of Speed next year?

It is DH's 30th birthday and I am trying to think of something special to do. His passion is motorsport, and I'd like to arrange something where we can do it as a family and take DD along.

Looking for any advice from anyone who has been or suggestions for any alternative family motorsport days out...

I haven't been so can't advise about Goodwood. But have been to Silverstone and Castle Coombe since Ds was 2 as he's as car mad as his dad.

Your dd (as will your DH!) will probably have a great time but buy some ear defenders for everyone (B & Q do them for about a fiver) as the noise can be really loud.

I've been a few times, and it is much more interesting than F1. But you'll need a sling - it is crowded, and mostly on uneven grass. You won't need ear defenders unless you are going to be at the start line

We took a 13 month old two years ago and then again the following year - do get ear defenders, its VERY loud - you won't want to restrict yourself to quieter bits.
It's quite nice just sitting on the grass bank watching the cars go up the hill climb... and then watching them all come down again... and room for toddling, but it is loud. When DS was 2 he really wanted the ear defenders. Don't buy special over-priced children's ones there, try to get them beforehand so you know you've got them - we got ordinary but adjustable adult ones (they were useful for fireworks this year too!).
Other than that its a lot of fun, and I'm certainly no petrol-head.

Isla,
Thought of a couple more things - if the weather is good take sun hats - not much shade and maybe a picnic too. Lots of food outlets, mostly good, but expensive and might have to queue...

Many thanks for your replies and advice! Sounds like it would be a good day out for us as a family then. DH has been wanting to get DD to a motorsport event since she was born!

I went once and 6 MO DS was with grandparents. DH loves it but I think we'll delay taking him another year until he's 3 and a half and can appreciate the different cars etc. I wouldn't have taken DS at 18 MO as he desperately needs a nap in the day and it just wouldn't have been possible there as it would have been too noisy and busy.

I've been with a 9 month old and a sling or off road pram is necessary. I'd also get ear defenders like these.

Definitely take a picnic as the food isn't just expensive, the queues are huge. You can get a tractor ride up to the top of the hillclimb which takes the pain away from the walk up the hill.

We're going again next year and are camping for 3 nights too.

Meant to add, with the ear defenders on my little girl managed a 3 hour nap - I think it was her best ever!

blanche- thanks, only just seen this (how can I find out when threads are updated. Haven't worked that out yet). Would a bugaboo cope do you think? (if you know anything of them).
We are going to be staying near Goodwood. Is it possible to leave the site during the day and going back later, or not. If so, is it worth it? I'm thinking of naps here.

Sorry, just seen this too!

As long as you have pneumatic tyres you should be ok.

Yes, you can leave and return but if the weather is ok I'd aim for naps in the pram. Mainly because you wouldn't want to move the car as when you come back you'll have to park at the very back.

It is possible for the little ones to sleep, it's noisy but doesn't seem to bother them too much, more like white noise.

Thankyou! Our tickets are now booked - DH is very excited! :-)