Ascot Racecourse

Royal Treatment at Ascot Racecourse

Located in Berkshire, England, Ascot Racecourse is one of the most iconic horse racing venues in the world. With a history dating back to 1711, when Queen Anne established the course on the heath, this prestigious track has shaped British sporting and social culture for more than three centuries. From the thundering hooves of elite thoroughbreds to the carefully observed dress codes that define its social calendar, Ascot offers a singular experience that goes well beyond an afternoon at the races.

The course hosts around 26 race days per year, spanning Flat and Jump meetings. The highlight of the calendar is Royal Ascot in June, a five-day festival that draws the royal family, trainers from across the globe, and tens of thousands of spectators. Other notable fixtures include the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes in July, one of the most prestigious Flat races in Europe, and the November Handicap, which closes the Flat season.

Where to Visit

  • The Parade Ring: Before each race, horses are led around the parade ring while owners, trainers, and jockeys gather in the centre. It is one of the best spots on the course to study the horses at close range and assess their condition before placing a bet.
  • The Grandstand: The main grandstand offers elevated views along the straight mile, which is the primary track at Ascot. The final furlong of the straight is where races are decided, and a position in the grandstand puts you directly in line with the finish.
  • The Royal Enclosure: Access to the Royal Enclosure is by application and sponsorship from an existing member. Once inside, it offers a closer experience of the track and a specific atmosphere shaped by long-standing traditions, including strict dress requirements.
  • The Windsor Enclosure: A good option for first-time visitors who want access to the main areas of the course without the formality of the Royal Enclosure. It still offers views of the parade ring and the track.
  • The Heath: The large open area on the far side of the course is free to access on most race days and gives a long view of races run on the round course. It attracts a more relaxed crowd and is popular with families.

Where to Eat

  • On The Rails: A well-regarded restaurant within the course offering track-facing tables and a menu focused on British produce. Booking in advance is recommended, particularly during Royal Ascot week.
  • The Pavilion Restaurant: Located in the grandstand complex, this restaurant serves modern British cuisine in a more formal setting. Tasting menus are available on selected race days.
  • Trackside Food Outlets: Throughout the course, a range of food stalls and bars offer everything from fish and chips to wood-fired pizza. Quality has improved significantly in recent years, and there are options to suit most budgets.
  • Picnicking on the Heath: Bringing a picnic remains one of the most popular ways to enjoy a day at Ascot. Visitors on the Heath can set up at leisure, and the atmosphere on a sunny summer race day makes it an excellent way to spend an afternoon.
  • Ascot Village: The village itself has a small number of cafes and pubs within walking distance of the racecourse, which fill up quickly on race days. Arriving early gives a better chance of finding a table.

Where to Stay

  • The Royal Foresters Hotel: Situated near Bracknell on the edge of Windsor Great Park, this hotel is a short drive from the racecourse and is a popular base during major race meetings.
  • Coworth Park: This country house hotel, located a few miles from Ascot in Sunningdale, sits within its own parkland and offers a range of leisure facilities. It is one of the closest upscale options to the course.
  • The Macdonald Berystede Hotel and Spa: Located in Sunninghill, this hotel is within a couple of miles of the racecourse and offers spa facilities, which makes it a practical choice if you want to recover after a long day on the course.
  • Windsor: For visitors who want access to more accommodation options and evening entertainment, the town of Windsor is around six miles from Ascot and is well connected by road and rail. A wide range of hotels, guesthouses, and serviced apartments are available across different price points.
  • Reading: For budget-conscious visitors, Reading is a 20-minute train journey from Ascot station and offers a large choice of chain hotels and independent guesthouses at lower prices than those closest to the course.

Activities

  • Horse Racing: The core attraction. Ascot runs both Flat and National Hunt (Jump) racing, giving visitors two distinct styles of race to follow. Flat races tend to feature higher-profile horses, while Jump racing adds the spectacle of fences and hurdles.
  • Guided Tours: Ascot offers behind-the-scenes tours on non-race days, covering the weighing room, parade ring, winning post, and the course’s history. These are available to book through the racecourse website and are suitable for all ages.
  • The Ascot Authority Archives: For visitors with a specific interest in the history of the course, the racecourse holds historical records and photographs that can be viewed by arrangement.
  • Walking on Ascot Heath: The heath surrounding the course connects to a broader network of footpaths across the Crown Estate land. Short walks are accessible directly from the village and offer a quiet contrast to a busy race day.
  • Windsor Great Park: A few miles from Ascot, Windsor Great Park covers around 5,000 acres and includes formal gardens, woodland walks, a lake, and the Long Walk leading to Windsor Castle. It is one of the finest publicly accessible parkland areas in southern England.
  • Windsor Castle: The oldest continuously occupied castle in the world, Windsor is a 15-minute drive from Ascot. The State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House are all open to visitors on most days. Pre-booking is strongly advised.

Tips

  • Dress Code: Each enclosure at Ascot has its own dress requirements. In the Royal Enclosure, gentlemen must wear morning dress including a top hat, while ladies are required to wear formal daywear with a hat or substantial headpiece. The Windsor and Village Enclosures have a smart dress code but allow more flexibility. Casual or sportswear is not permitted in the main enclosures.
  • Arrive Early: Ascot fills quickly on major race days. Arriving at least an hour before the first race allows time to walk the course, study the form in the parade ring, and find a good viewing position.
  • Bring Binoculars: The straight mile at Ascot is long, and races on the round course cover ground at a distance. A pair of compact binoculars makes a real difference, particularly for watching the early stages of a race.
  • Plan Your Transport: Ascot station is a short walk from the racecourse and is served by trains from London Waterloo via Reading. Driving to the course is possible but parking fills fast on busy days, and the roads around Ascot can be congested after racing ends. Rail is generally the more straightforward option.
  • Study the Form: Even a basic understanding of the racing form gives a richer experience of the day. The Racing Post and the Ascot racecourse website both publish race cards and form guides ahead of each meeting.
  • Check the Calendar: Not all race days are equal. Royal Ascot week in June is the most famous and the most formal, but the summer Flat meetings and the autumn Jump fixtures offer a less crowded and often more affordable way to visit the course.

Other Things of Interest

  • Ascot Village: The village surrounding the racecourse has a post office, a small number of independent shops, and several pubs that have served racegoers for generations. Outside of race days, it is a quiet residential area, but on race days it becomes a useful stopping point for visitors arriving on foot from the station.
  • Swinley Forest: Immediately to the south of the racecourse, Swinley Forest is a large area of managed woodland owned by the Crown Estate. It has mountain bike trails, walking paths, and a Go Ape adventure course. It is a good option for visitors who want outdoor activity away from the racecourse itself.
  • Legoland Windsor: Located near Windsor, Legoland is around 10 miles from Ascot and is one of the most visited theme parks in the UK. It is worth considering if you are travelling with children and want to combine a race day visit with a wider trip.
  • The Berkshire Countryside: The area between Ascot, Bracknell, and Windsor sits within the Thames Valley and is characterised by heathland, river valleys, and historic parkland. Cycling and walking routes connect many of the local villages, and the terrain is generally accessible to most fitness levels.

Ascot Racecourse offers a combination of sporting tradition, social history, and high-quality racing that is hard to find anywhere else in Britain. A single visit rarely feels sufficient.