Goodwoof 2026 weekend: When is it and what’s on – your ultimate guide to the best dog day out in Sussex

Goodwoof’s kennel design contest and charity auction returns this year, hosted by TV’s Kevin McCloud MBE, featuring an exciting new theme - Dogs in Space – and a shortlist of world-renowned architects ready to design and build unique homes for our beloved companions. AND LEGO® will be building an exclusive U-Woof-O kennel for Barkitecture this year too.

Kennels that are out of this world

Goodwoof has reached for the stars this year with the Barkitecture contest, asking participants to make it a kennel fit for a dog to travel into space – with our without its human sidekick. Expect futuristic materials, doggy des-res’s fit for deep space or stellar pads for putting your paws up on an alien planet

And who better to join this extra-terrestrial event than British astronaut Tim Peake who makes his debut Goodwoof appearance to join various activities including judging the Barkitecture entries and appearing in the Literary Corner.

Now in its fifth year, the Barkitecture competition showcases an inspiring collection of contemporary kennels. Past participants have included architectural luminaries such as Foster & Partners (creators of the Gherkin, Apple HQ, and McLaren Technology Centre), RSHP (behind the Lloyd’s Building, Pompidou Centre, and Millennium Dome), and Marc Newson, the celebrated industrial design visionary.

You can check out this year’s star-spangled shortlist here. 16 architects and artists from around the world have responded to this year’s brief, which takes a playful leap into the cosmos, challenging designers to create kennels on the theme Dogs in Space, which has pushed their creativity and imagination into a new orbit. All Goodwoof attendees are invited to enjoy the exhibition of kennels in the Barkitecture tent, located in the Duchess Paddock. Here, you and your dog can inspect and test the features of each kennel and judge them based on design, functionality, and—of course—the interpretation of the Dogs in Space theme. Plus, returning in 2026 is the People and Paws Award, where you can cast your vote on your space-dog’s favourite kennel.

LEGO® comes to Goodwoof

This is what happens when the world’s most famous creator of bricks comes to Goodwoof! LEGO® is entering the Barkitecture competition this year with a bespoke kennel design created by Fairy Bricks.

Kev Gascgoine, LEGO Certified Professional and Chief Fairy, said of the special creation: “In imagining the ‘U-Woof-O,’ we saw our canine companion, not as a passenger, but as an explorer, one destined to travel between worlds. That vision naturally led us to design a landing craft. From there, the shape revealed itself: a form created for canine comfort, rather than human convention.”

He will be leading free workshops for adults and children, so you can design your own mini version.

Helping hounds

Bonhams will auction all Barkitecture kennels, with proceeds supporting Goodwoof’s charity partner, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

Goodwood Estate owner, the Duke of Richmond, CBE DL said: “This is a rare opportunity for LEGO collectors and design fans to own a truly exclusive piece of brick-built artistry. We are incredibly grateful to the team at the LEGO Group for helping us to raise funds for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and are sure that their lot will attract a high level of interest at the charity auction.”

What is Goodwoof?

They say every dog has its day but this event devoted to dogs gives them a whole weekend. If you’ve not been to Goodwoof before, then you’ve been missing a treat, and if you have – then there’s all your favourites plus some extra-special additions for 2026.

It’s a festival of fun for all the family – including old faithful. Because dogs have been at the heart of life on the Goodwood Estate for over three hundred years the family created this event to share their passion.

With over 50 activities included in your ticket price, stalls, stands, competitions, events, training ideas and a host more, Goodwoof offers the chance to celebrate everything we love about our canine companions.

Who let the dogs out?

Calling all hounds, mutts, diamond dogs and pampered pedigree pals – man’s best friend deserves the best day out and this year’s Goodwoof is shaping up to be the best yet! Find out even more here and book your tickets here.