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Release the hounds! Get ready for Goodwoof

Goodwoof | Press Article 12/05/26

  • The ultimate dog’s day out is set to celebrate its fifth anniversary this weekend.
  • Rescue dogs will take centre stage as the event supports Battersea.
  • Two Children’s Laureates to appear in Literary Corner – Sir Michael Morpurgo and Lauren Child.
  • Barkitecture entries include LEGO Group’s ‘U-Woof-O’ kennel created by Fairy Bricks.
  • Jellycat returns with two exclusive rescue dogs Fluff and Scruffles.
  • Line-up includes: AJ & Curtis Pritchard, Bill Bailey, Clare Balding, Fat Tony, Hugh Bonneville, Jack Dee, James Middleton, Kevin McCloud, Martin Clunes, Michelle Ogundehin, Pandora Christie, Russell Kane, Seann Walsh and Tim Peake.
  • Over 50 activities included in the ticket price, free parking and Bark & Ride shuttle bus.
  • Final tickets remain at com.

This weekend – 16 & 17 May – Goodwoof returns to The Kennels at the Goodwood Estate, ready to celebrate its fifth anniversary and dogs in all their brilliance. This year’s event promises to be the ultimate dog’s day out, offering something special for every canine and their human companion.

Goodwoof 2026 will shine a spotlight on rescue dogs and the remarkable bond they share with their owners. Kickstarting the event across the weekend, the Rescue Dog Parade will bring heart‑warming stories to life as dogs of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds take centre stage, celebrating the love, resilience and second chances that define the rescue community.

Goodwoof’s celebration of the bond between human and hound continues with Chien Charmant, the event’s elegant take on “best in show”. Dogs and owners are encouraged to embrace their most stylish selves, with judges rewarding individuality, flair and that unmistakable charisma that shines through the strongest partnerships.

Building on this spirit of connection, MARS Petcare is inviting Goodwoof guests to visit the Mars Wellness Centre over the event and share the quirky, heartfelt and often hilarious things they do for their four‑legged companions, while five lucky dogs and owners have already had the chance to win the ultimate day out at Goodwoof. The Mars Wellness Stage will also see a panel of experts share the latest advice for when it comes to caring for our four-legged friends.

Returning for 2026, Jellycat will once again charm visitors with an array of its plush pups. Fans of the much‑loved brand can explore a delightful collection of canines, while also being the very first to meet two new exclusive characters, rescue dogs Fluff and Scruffles, who will make their debut at Goodwoof.

At the heart of the event, Barkitecture will showcase an extraordinary collection of kennels created by some of the world’s most admired architects. This year’s theme, “Dogs in Space”, invites designers to imagine how a dog might travel or live beyond Earth – whether aboard a space station or on a distant planet. Kevin McCloud will lead a distinguished judging panel, including astronaut Tim Peake CMG, interiors writer and presenter Michelle Ogundehin and comedian Bill Bailey, before the kennels are auctioned on Sunday afternoon in aid of Battersea.

For those looking to let loose, Ministry of Hound offers the perfect opportunity to dance with your four‑legged friend. DJs Pandora Christie and Fat Tony will be spinning uplifting tracks throughout the weekend, with AJ and Curtis Pritchard leading Dancing Dogs sessions to teach dogs and owners alike a few new moves.

Visitors seeking a quieter moment can retreat to Literary Corner, where readings and illustration demonstrations will take place throughout the weekend. This year’s programme features an exceptional line‑up including Anita Mangan, Clare Balding, Hugh Bonneville, James Middleton, Kevin McCloud, Lauren Child, Martin Clunes, Sir Michael Morpurgo and Russell Kane.

Field and Trail will once again highlight the remarkable abilities of working dogs, as champion gundogs and sheepdogs demonstrate their skill and precision in the estate’s expansive parkland. The sporting showcase offers a fascinating insight into the world of canine athleticism and the deep connection between dog and handler.

The Randox Health Studio returns for 2026, offering visitors and their dogs the chance to unwind with complimentary sessions in reiki, pilates, dog massage, freedom techniques, meditation and DOGA. All sessions are free and can be booked on the day.

For those keen to try something new, the expanded Have‑a‑Go area provides the perfect opportunity to learn the basics of activities such as Flyball, with expert trainers guiding owners and dogs through each discipline.

The Grooming Parlour by Love My Human will once again be on hand to offer expert demonstrations and advice. A Spruce & Tidy area, available on a first‑come, first‑served basis, gives dogs the chance for a well‑deserved glow‑up, while selected pups will enjoy the full pampering experience at the Transformation Station.

Visitors can also enjoy a moment of calm in the Zen Den, with crystal healing, tarot card reading, forest bathing, sound bathing or speak to our pet psychic and astrologer.

Finally, Fido’s Lido presented by LeShuttle provides the perfect place for dogs to cool off and make new friends after a day of adventure. Located within the Field and Trail area, it promises plenty of splashes, smiles and wagging tails.

With over 50 activities for visitors to enjoy, Goodwoof 2026 is set to be an unforgettable weekend for dogs and owners alike.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors 

Goodwoof takes place Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May 2026 at The Kennels, Goodwood.

Tickets
Final tickets are available to purchase at goodwood.com or by calling the Ticket Office on +44 (0)1243 755055. Children aged 12 and under and dogs go free and a half-price Young Person’s ticket is available for those aged between 13 and 21. All activities across the event are included in the ticket price.

Contact
For more information about Goodwoof please contact, Katharine Morgan, PR Manager: Katharine.Morgan@goodwood.com

For all other press enquiries please contact: media@goodwood.com

Imagery and news from Goodwood are available from our Press & Media Site.

Stay up to date with all future announcement and on-event activation across our social channels:

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About Goodwoof
Goodwoof is a celebration of all that we love about dogs on the Goodwood Estate. It takes place in the fields around the James Wyatt-designed Kennels, which is now the social home of our sporting membership on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May 2026. The event offers a wide range of activities and demonstrations designed to delight, entertain and inform. Dog owners and their families and friends can encourage their own dog to have a go, browse our carefully hand-picked retailers, enjoy a dip in Fido’s Lido presented by LeShuttle, sit back with a glass of Taittinger champagne, relax in The Randox Health Studio with a spot of sound bathing, reiki or Dog Yoga, or marvel at the extraordinary kennels designed by architects from around the world as part of Barkitecture presented by Cazenove Capital