Royal Ascot

Ascot Racecourse gates open at 10.30am every day during Royal Ascot. This gives guests time to arrive, explore the enclosures, and enjoy breakfast or a coffee before the Royal Procession at approximately 2.00pm and the first race at 2.30pm.

Ascot Racecourse closes at 8.00pm for the Royal Enclosure, Queen Anne Enclosure and Windsor Enclosure during Royal Ascot. The Village Enclosure stays open later until 9.00pm. Racing finishes around 6.10pm, with post-racing entertainment starting from approximately 6.20pm. Always confirm the exact times for your specific enclosure and day.

The last race at Royal Ascot typically starts at 6.10pm each day. Racing concludes shortly after this time, with post-racing entertainment beginning around 6.20pm.

The Royal Procession at Royal Ascot takes place at 2.00pm every day. The Royal Family arrive in horse-drawn carriages along the Straight Mile, approximately 30 minutes before the first race at 2.30pm.

Access to Parade Ring and Paddock viewing depends on your enclosure. Guests in the Royal Enclosure and Queen Anne Enclosure have access to designated Parade Ring steppings to view the horses before and after races. Guests in the Village Enclosure and Windsor Enclosure do not have Parade Ring or Paddock access.

The dress code at Royal Ascot varies by enclosure. The Royal Enclosure has the strictest rules (morning dress for gentlemen; formal dresses or trouser suits with hats or qualifying headpieces for ladies). The Queen Anne Enclosure requires formal attire with hats, headpieces or fascinators. The Village Enclosure has a smart dress code, while the Windsor Enclosure has no formal dress code (smart daywear is encouraged).

You can watch the racing from the trackside lawns, rails and Grandstand steppings within your enclosure. Queen Anne Enclosure and Royal Enclosure guests also have Grandstand access and Parade Ring viewing. Village and Windsor Enclosure guests enjoy trackside views along the home straight. Hospitality guests can watch from their restaurant, box or private viewing areas.

Ladies’ Day at Royal Ascot is traditionally held on the Thursday of the meeting. It features the prestigious Group 1 Gold Cup and is known for its glamorous atmosphere, fashion and large crowds.

The Windsor Enclosure is the most relaxed and affordable, with trackside views and a picnic-friendly atmosphere. The Village Enclosure offers a festival-style experience with music and street food (Thursday–Saturday). The Queen Anne Enclosure is the premier public enclosure with Parade Ring and Grandstand access. The Royal Enclosure is members-only and the most exclusive area.

Yes, singing around the Bandstand takes place after the last race every day of Royal Ascot. This popular tradition is open to Queen Anne Enclosure and Royal Enclosure guests and usually begins around 6.20pm.

Essentials include your tickets (usually digital), comfortable but dress-code compliant shoes, a small bag, sunscreen or a light jacket depending on the weather, and cash/card for food, drink and betting. Check the forecast and official dress code for your enclosure before you leave.

A fascinator is a decorative headpiece, usually attached to a comb, clip or headband, worn as an alternative to a traditional hat. Fascinators are permitted in the Queen Anne, Village and Windsor Enclosures. They are not allowed in the Royal Enclosure, where ladies must wear a hat or a headpiece with a solid base of at least 4 inches (10cm) in diameter.

Picnics are only permitted in the Windsor Enclosure (and Heath Enclosure where applicable). They must be brought in a picnic hamper or cool bag and are subject to search. One bottle of sparkling wine or champagne per adult is allowed with a picnic. Picnics are not permitted in the Royal, Queen Anne or Village Enclosures.

You can only bring your own alcohol into the Windsor Enclosure (and Heath Enclosure where applicable). Each adult is allowed one bottle of sparkling wine or champagne to accompany a picnic. No other alcohol is permitted, and picnics are searched on entry. Alcohol cannot be brought into the Royal Enclosure, Queen Anne Enclosure or Village Enclosure.

Ascot Racecourse is in Berkshire, about 25–30 miles west of central London. The easiest public transport option is by train to Ascot station (a 7-minute walk from the course), with direct services from London Waterloo (around 50–55 minutes). By car, parking must be pre-booked for Royal Ascot as spaces are limited.

All Racing Breaks packages are inclusive of racecourse transfers from your chosen hotel, allowing you to sit back and relax and let us transport you to the races.

Yes, children are welcome in most enclosures. Under-10s are usually free in the Queen Anne, Village and Windsor Enclosures when accompanied by an adult (limits may apply). Children under 10 are not permitted in the Royal Enclosure. Proof of age may be requested.

Royal Ascot almost always goes ahead regardless of the weather. Racing may be delayed in extreme conditions, but the meeting is rarely cancelled. Enclosures remain open and many areas offer cover.

Yes, cloakrooms (left luggage) are available at Royal Ascot. Locations and opening times vary by enclosure: Royal and Queen Anne Enclosure cloakrooms are typically open 10.30am–7.00pm (later on Saturday), Windsor Enclosure until 7.30pm, and Village Enclosure until 9.00pm. All are subject to availability.

Yes, bags are routinely searched on entry as part of security measures. Large bags and luggage are best left in the cloakrooms. Security may also use sniffer dogs. Arrive with plenty of time to allow for entry procedures.

Yes, Ascot Racecourse provides accessible facilities across all enclosures at Royal Ascot. These include accessible viewing areas and ramps, accessible toilets, Blue Badge parking (forward spaces), wheelchair hire (subject to availability), and support via the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme. Dedicated accessibility information is available for each enclosure on the official Ascot website.

Yes, on-course bookmakers and Tote betting facilities are available in all enclosures. You can place bets on the day’s racing and other events. Cash and card payments are widely accepted.

Yes. Overseas visitors should check current UK entry requirements, including any visa or Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) needed. Tickets are usually digital, so ensure you can access them on your phone. Dress codes are strictly enforced, so plan outfits carefully. Ascot is approximately 25–30 miles from central London and Heathrow; allow extra travel time on racedays due to traffic. Pre-booking transfers or trains is strongly recommended.

Yes, electric vehicle (EV) charging is available in Car Park 3 at Ascot Racecourse. On racedays, tell the steward you need to charge and show your ticket or booking confirmation. Spaces are limited and allocated subject to availability.

All Racing Breaks Royal Ascot hotel packages can be booked with an initial 10% deposit. A further 20% deposit is then due two months after the date of booking, with the final balance typically due around 12 weeks before travel. If you book closer to the event, a 30% deposit (or payment in full) may be required at the time of booking.

Deposits for Racing Breaks packages are non-refundable at any stage of cancellation. If you cancel more than 60 days before departure, you will lose the full deposit paid (a minimum of 30% of the booking value). Cancellations made 59 days or fewer before departure result in the loss of the full value of the booking.

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Tickets for Racing Breaks Royal Ascot packages are usually distributed 1–2 weeks before the event. Most enclosure tickets are issued as e-tickets, with the exception of the Royal Enclosure. Hospitality packages include badges that are posted to your home address prior to travel.

Exact transfer timings for Racing Breaks Royal Ascot packages are confirmed in your itinerary closer to the date of travel. As a guide, our coaches aim to arrive at the racecourse shortly after the gates open at 10.30am and depart approximately 60 minutes after the last race concludes.