Royal Ascot Tours & Trips

Enclosures

The are three enclosures to watch the races from that you can buy tickets for. However, unless you are a close personal friend of British royalty, you won’t be able to purchase entrance to The Royal Enclosure. Your other two options for a seat include the Windsor Enclosure or the Queen Anne Enclosure. 

Windsor Enclosure allows for close-up views of the Royal Procession (the arrival of the Royal Family) and is the first place the horses pass once racing begins. This particular enclosure offers a completely unforgettable experience as this is the location where the excitement and cheering first erupts at the beginning of a race. Picnics will break out on the lawn and beginning Thursday, live music plays into the evening. There is no formal dress code for this enclosure, but as always you are encouraged to dress smart!

Your other option for race watching is from the Queen Anne Enclosure. This is considered a premium public enclosure with a different standard of facilities that also provides access to the Pre-Parade Ring, Winners’ Enclosure and Parade Ring. You will get a great view of the Royal Procession from this spot as well. When the last race finishes, be prepared to join in as the whole crowd breaks out into song on the bandstand lawn. The dress code in the Queen Anne Enclosure is a little more formal than the Windsor Enclosure and the following needs to be observed in order to gain entrance:

For Ladies: 
- A fascinator (a fancy kind of hat) should be worn at all times
- No shorts
- No midriffs
- No strapless or sheer dresses or tops

For Men:
- Suit and tie to be worn at all times

How to Get There

Ascot Racecourse is located in the UK’s countryside, about a 50-minute drive or train ride from London. It may be of interest to note that if you are driving yourself to the racecourse, parking starts at £30.

If you’re driving from London and the North you can take M4 Junction 6 onto the A332 Windsor bypass and follow the signage to Ascot. 

Driving from the West? You can take the M4 Junction 10 to the A329 (M) signed to Bracknell and follow the signage. 

Driving from the South and East? Take M3 Junction 3 onto the A332 signed to Bracknell and follow the signage.

Driving from the Midlands? Take M40 southbound, Junction 4. Take the A404 towards the M4 (Junction 8/9). On the M4 head towards Heathrow/London. Leave M4 at Junction 6 and follow the A332 Windsor bypass to Ascot. 

Travelling by train? South West Trains run frequently to Ascot from both Reading and London Waterloo. The travel time is typically 27 minutes from Reading and 52 minutes from Waterloo. Conveniently, the railway station is a less than ten-minute walk from the racecourse! 

All information provided by Ascot.

Accommodation

There are plenty of options ranging from high-end hotels to small bed and breakfasts throughout Ascot that are conveniently located near the race course. You can also check out accommodations in the town of Sunninghill or Bracknell that are only a short drive away from the Royal Ascot.

Essentials

• Buy your ticket in advance!
• Book accommodations early
• Respect the dress code
• Bring sunglasses
• Ladies, avoid heels if you plan on spending most of your time on the grass
• Consider what level of experience you are aiming for and buy your entry ticket type accordingly