A Guide To Visiting Ascot Racecourse

Located in Ascot, Berkshire, Ascot Racecourse is one of the UK’s most prestigious and historic venues for horse racing. It is known for high-quality flat and jumps racing throughout the year, but the most famous event to take place here is the Royal Ascot meeting in June. 

Royal Ascot has become a highlight of the British racing calendar. This five-day meeting is attended by members of the royal family and it attracts visitors from all over the world. It is rich in tradition, with racegoers usually turning out in their finest attire. 

Read on for all you need to know about visiting Ascot, including details on the course itself, and information on parking and accommodation. If you’re after odds and tips, head over to our dedicated Ascot betting page. 

The Queen Anne Enclosure is slightly less formal than the Royal Enclosure but still requires visitors to dress smartly. This has excellent views of the race course. The Village Enclosure is more relaxed yet stylish. It has a range of dining options and entertainment too. Finally, the most informal enclosure is the Windsor Enclosure. This offers a relaxed experience with various food and drink options. 

Where Is Ascot Racecourse

Ascot Racecourse
Ascot
Berkshire
SL5 7JX

Flat Racing At Ascot

During the spring and summer each year, Ascot is home to multiple flat racing events — the main one being Royal Ascot in June. The season typically begins in April and runs throughout the summer. 

Royal Ascot is a five-day event that is as much a sporting spectacle as it is a social and fashion event. It is attended by the British royal family as well as some celebrities and racing enthusiasts. At Royal Ascot, there is a variety of Group 1 and 2 races. These include the Gold Cup, Queen Anne Stakes, St James’s Palace Stakes, and the Diamond Jubilee Stakes. 

National Hunt Racing At Ascot

In the autumn and winter months, Ascot plays host to National Hunt racing, which offers a contrast to the summer’s flat racing. There are a variety of jumps races, some of which serve as trials for the prestigious Cheltenham Festival. 

You can expect to see the world’s finest racehorses here as they race a mixture of steeplechase and hurdles. Both constitute crucial preparation for the Cheltenham Festival, which is held in March each year, allowing both jockey and horse to fine-tune their racing ahead of the festival. 

The courses offer challenging terrain, which is a test for novices and experienced jumpers alike. Compared to the summer season, these races enjoy a slightly more relaxed, less boisterous atmosphere. One of the most notable race events here this season is the QIPCO British Champions Day, which is the finale of the British flat racing season.

Directions And Parking

If you’re coming by car, you’ll find Ascot Racecourse to be easily accessible. It’s close to the M3, M4, M25, and M40 motorways., and there are brown signs with ‘Ascot Racecourse’ indicating the way. The journey from London takes around 50 minutes, and it’s also relatively close to Heathrow Airport for those coming from further afield. 

There is ample parking available for racegoers–around 8,000 spaces on race days. The main car park is near the grandstand but there are additional parking areas for the Royal Enclosure, the Queen Anne Enclosure, and the Windsor Enclosure. The prices vary depending on the specific meeting, and you can pay for parking up to five days before the event. There is also first-come-first-serve parking on the day, but this is only payable in cash.

During the Jumps season, you don’t have to pay for parking and pre-booking is neither available nor required. 

For those who prefer public transport, Ascot has its own railway station, Ascot Station. This is served by South Western Railway and there are frequent trains running from nearby cities, including London Waterloo.

History Of Ascot Racecourse

Ascot Racecourse was first established by Queen Anne in 1771, who was a big horse racing fan. The first race took place on August 11th that year and marked the beginning of Ascot as we know it today. Her love of horse racing contributed to the name of the course, “Her Majesty’s Plate.”

The royal connections to this racecourse were established early on. King George III attended races towards the end of the 18th century and it was at this time that men in the Royal Enclosure were instructed to wear top hats. 

There has been significant modernisation over the years. The Queen Elizabeth II Grandstand was opened in 1961, and the current grandstand was constructed in 2006.

Big Races Run At Ascot Racecourse

Many enthralling races take place at Ascot each year. Here are some of the big ones.

Queen Anne Stakes

This is a Group 1 flat race that is always held on the opening day of Royal Ascot. The race is named after the racecourse’s founder and covers a one-mile distance. It is a part of the British Champions Series and is open to Thoroughbreds aged 4 and over. It has featured elite racehorses, including Frankel. 

St James’s Palace Stakes

This is another one-mile flat race. It is named after St James’s Palace and often includes horses that have previously competed in the 2000 Guineas in Newmarket. It’s for three-year-old horses and is a key miling division race.

Ascot Gold Cup

This is Ascot’s oldest and most prestigious event, having been going for over 115 years. The Ascot Gold Cup covers 2.5 miles and is reserved for horses aged 4 and over. Throughout the years there have been countless famous winners here, including Yeats, who won the race four times in a row between 2006 and 2009. 

The Gold Cup is held on Thursday at Royal Ascot.

Ascot Chase

This is a significant steeplechase event that takes place in February each year. It attracts top-class chasers who compete over 2 miles and 5 furlongs.

Jockeys and trainers view this as a trial for the Cheltenham Festival and many use it as a stepping stone for the Cheltenham Gold Cup. 

Long Walk Hurdle

This is a Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race that takes place in December each year. It covers three miles, which is a significant test of endurance. 

The Long Walk Hurdle is often used by jockeys and horses as a trial for the Cheltenham Festival Stayers’ Hurdle. This is a highly regarded event due to its challenging distance and competitive field.

Enclosures At Ascot Racecourse

There are a range of enclosures available at Ascot Racecourse, each catering to a range of preferences and requirements, especially during Royal Ascot. Each enclosure offers a unique experience, so let’s go through them one by one.

The Royal Enclosure is the most exclusive of all, and has a strict dress code of formal daywear and hats for ladies. It offers prime viewing over the races and includes access to both the Royal Enclosure Gardens and the Parade Ring, where you can see the horses and jockeys up close. The enclosure is frequented by celebrities and members of the royal family, and you can enter by invitation only. To join, a person needs to be sponsored by two existing, eligible members of the Royal Enclosure.

The Queen Anne enclosure is less exclusive, but there is still a smart dress code. There are excellent views of the action, and racegoers can also access the Village Enclosure and the lawns.

The Village Enclosure is a stylish yet relaxed enclosure. There is a dress code allowing for more fashionable and contemporary clothing. There are different bars, dining options, and live entertainment available here, which makes it a more social and vibrant experience. 

The Windsor Enclosure is the most informal of all enclosures and offers a truly relaxed experience with a much more flexible, smart-casual dress code. There are plenty of picnic areas and food and drink options, which make it an ideal enclosure for families. 

Local Accommodation

Ascot Racecourse is close to many hotels and guest houses. Here are some suggestions:

• The Royal Berkshire: This is just over one mile from the racecourse, and is a mansion with a leisure club and restaurant. 
• Sunningdale Park: A stunning country estate with high-end accommodation options, part of the De-Vere group. 
• Lyndricks House: This is a family-run B&B with free parking. It’s less than a mile to the racecourse and offers a home-from-home experience.
• Berystede Hotel and Spa: This is a French Chateau located 1.5 miles from Ascot Racecourse. It is used by many of those attending the Royal Enclosure, so expect high standards. 

Ascot Summary

Ascot Racecourse offers a true royal racing experience. Whether you attend Royal Ascot or other calendared events throughout the year, you’re bound to have an excellent time. If you fancy placing a bet while you’re there, our Ascot betting page has you covered with all the latest odds, tips and racecards.

Frequently Asked Questions