Food & Drink
Arrive early to enjoy lunch on Ascot’s lawns and in our many restaurants.
The Royal Meeting’s spectacular heritage, unlike any other, has made the event anticipated and revered the world over. From the arrival of the Royal Procession at 2pm sharp to the communal singing around the Bandstand, with six top class races between, each of the five days is unforgettable. A choice of four enclosures each with an individual character or numerous hospitality packages allow you to curate your own truly special occasion.
The curtain goes up. Our week begins with three Group One races (the most prestigious class of Flat race). The first is the Queen Anne Stakes, named after our founder. The second is the King’s Stand Stakes, the first British leg of the Global Sprint Challenge. Finally, the St James’s Palace Stakes which often attracts horses that have run in the English, French and Irish 2,000 Guineas.
If you require further assistance please call+44(0)844 346 3000
A more gently-paced day that nevertheless features an exciting card and includes the Group One Prince of Wales’s Stakes. This is held by many to be Royal Ascot’s most important race of the modern era, though it actually dates back to 1862. Traditionally watched by a slightly smaller crowd, it is the perfect opportunity to entertain in a more relaxed atmosphere.
If you require further assistance please call+44(0)844 346 3000
The day of the historic Gold Cup. This is Britain’s most important event for stayers (horses that run over long distances), the race that launched the Royal Meeting as we know it. As thousands turn out to see this coveted prize contested, it is also the day that designer creations and millinery masterpieces take centre stage.
If you require further assistance please call+44(0)844 346 3000
The traditional highlight of the day is the Group One Coronation Stakes. This was first run in 1840 to commemorate the crowning of Queen Victoria two years earlier. This race typically pits the leading three-year-old fillies in Europe against each other. A second Group One race, the Commonwealth Cup, was introduced in 2015 making Friday the perfect lead-in to a long weekend.
If you require further assistance please call+44(0)844 346 3000
The week’s fitting finale. Royal Ascot closes with the Group One Diamond Jubilee Stakes: one of the world’s great international sprint races and the second British leg of the Global Sprint Challenge. It was famously won in 2012 by Black Caviar, who put her unbeaten record on the line to ensure global prestige.
If you require further assistance please call+44(0)844 346 3000
Relive an unforgettable 2017, on and off the track, including the Royal Procession, best of fashion and our feature length Royal Ascot documentary.
Since the 1970s racegoers have gathered at the end of each day of the Royal Meeting for a joyous choir. Click below to listen and view the 2017 playlist and ensure you close your day at Royal Ascot around the Bandstand.
First introduced in 1825 by King George IV, the Royal Procession continues to be a huge draw for the thousands of racegoers who attend Royal Ascot every year. As we look forward to Royal Ascot, take a look back at the history of the Royal Procession - a tradition unique to the Royal Meeting.
We recommend arriving early and refreshed to study the form over a light breakfast, explore the Lawns or visit one of new Ascot shops. Download the Ascot App to shape your day as you please.
From leisurely Champagne lunches and delicate afternoon teas, to the best of London’s street food scene and picnicking in Windsor Enclosure, Royal Ascot caters to all tastes throughout the day.
At 2pm sharp on each day so it begins. The Royal Landaus, led by four Windsor Greys approach along the famous straight mile. A journey that since 1825 has signalled the start of the Royal Meeting.
Each day features six top-class Flat races with prize money of at least £1 million per day. With eight Group One races, Royal Ascot offers a truly international flat racing spectacle. Black Caviar, Frankel and Yeats have earned legendary status with victory at the Royal Meeting.
From the much-loved tradition of Singing Around The Bandstand in the Queen Anne Enclosure, live music across Windsor Enclosure, eclectic acts across three stages in the Village Enclosure until 9pm and a post-racing Barbeque in Villiers Club, Royal Ascot lifts the spirits long into the evening.
Car parks close at 9pm.
There are four enclosures at Royal Ascot, each with their own individual character, and
all put you at the heart of the racing action.
Please note, the Royal Enclosure is for members or by invitation only.
On the lawns and terraces of the Queen Anne Enclosure, you can enjoy first-rate views of the day’s six races, joining the jubilant crowds as they cheer each winner home. Here you will be at the heart of the day’s activity. Close to the runners and riders in the Pre-Parade and Parade Ring, and front row as the Royal Procession passes by the Queen Anne Enclosure lawns.
More InfoAt the heart of the racecourse - The Village offers a unique view of the action, framed by an exciting offering of restaurants, pop-up and al-fresco dining, champagne and cocktail bars and an eclectic mix of music throughout the day and into the evening. Vibrant yet refined, surprising yet unmistakably Royal Ascot. The Village moves to a tempo of its own.
Enjoy close-up views of the Royal Procession as it proceeds past the stylish lawns of the Windsor Enclosure. Our most vibrant enclosure, it is here where the roar of the crowd begins in earnest, as the horses race past this enclosure first on their way down the Final Straight.
More InfoFrom viewing upgrades to private marquees and fine dining, we have put together a selection of upgrades to suit all tastes allowing you to make the most of your day at Royal Ascot.
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Royal Ascot is synonymous with sartorial elegance
Ladies are kindly reminded that formal daywear is a requirement in the Royal Enclosure, defined as follows:
• Dresses and skirts should be of modest length defined as falling just above the knee or longer.
• Dresses and tops should have straps of one inch or greater.
• Jackets and pashminas may be worn but dresses and tops underneath should still comply with the Royal Enclosure dress code.
• Trouser suits are welcome. They should be of full length to the ankle and of matching material and colour.
• Jumpsuits are welcome. They should be of full-length to the ankle, with regulations matching that for dresses.
• Hats should be worn; however a headpiece which has a solid base of 4 inches (10cm) or more in diameter is acceptable as an alternative to a hat.
Ladies are kindly asked to note the following:
• Strapless, off the shoulder, halter neck and spaghetti straps are not permitted.
• Midriffs must be covered.
• Fascinators are not permitted; neither are headpieces which do not have a solid base covering a sufficient area of the head (4 inches/10cm).
Gentlemen are kindly reminded that it is a requirement to wear either black or grey morning dress which must include:
• A waistcoat and tie (no cravats)
• A black or grey top hat
• Black shoes worn with socks
A gentleman may remove his top hat within a restaurant, a private box, a private club or that facility’s terrace, balcony or garden. Hats may also be removed within any enclosed external
seating area within the Royal Enclosure Garden.
The customisation of top hats (with, for example, coloured ribbons or bands) is not permitted in the Royal Enclosure.
Top hats by Oliver Brown are available at 75 Lower Sloane Street, oliverbrown.org.uk.
(Admitted on Friday and Saturday only)
Girls (aged 10-17) should dress in accordance with the Ladies’ dress code. However, they may wear a headpiece or fascinator as an alternative to a hat, without any size restriction.
Boys (aged 10-17) should either dress in accordance with the gentlemen’s dress code; or alternatively may wear a dark-coloured lounge suit with a shirt.
Please note Children are only admitted to the Royal Enclosure on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Overseas visitors are welcome to wear the formal National Dress of their country or Service Dress.
Serving military personnel are welcome to wear Service Dress or equivalent.
Ladies within the Queen Anne Enclosure are encouraged to dress in a manner as befits a formal occasion and ladies are kindly asked to take note of the following:
• A hat, headpiece or fascinator should be worn at all times.
• Strapless dresses and tops are not permitted. Please note our definition of strapless includes off the shoulder, bardot style and one shoulder dresses.
• Trouser suits and jumpsuits must be full length and worn with a top that adheres to the guidelines above.
• Midriffs must be covered.
• Shorts are not permitted.
Gentlemen are required to wear a suit with jacket and trousers of the same colour and pattern with a shirt and tie.
Gentlemen are kindly asked to wear a tie at all times and to note that bow ties and cravats are not allowed.
Socks must be worn.
Ladies within the Village Enclosure are encouraged to dress in a manner as befits a formal outdoor occasion and ladies are kindly asked to take note of the following:
• A hat, headpiece or fascinator should be worn at all times.
• Strapless dresses and tops are not permitted. Please note our definition of strapless includes off the shoulder, bardot style and one shoulder dresses.
• Trouser suits and jumpsuits must be full length.
• Midriffs must be covered.
• Shorts are not permitted.
Please note, the Village Enclosure is largely an outdoor area and ladies should consider their hat size and choice of shoe accordingly. Smaller hats or fascinators and wedges are recommended in place of larger hats or stilettos.
Gentlemen are required to wear a jacket, full length trousers, collared shirt and tie.
Jeans, trainers and shorts are not permitted.
Bow ties and cravats are not permitted.
Girls (aged 17 and under) should be dressed for a formal occasion. Smart summer dresses are suggested. Hats, headpieces or a fascinator may be worn but are not compulsory.
Boys (aged 13-16) should wear a suit or jacket with a shirt and a tie. Younger boys (aged 12 or under) should be dressed smartly but are not required to wear a jacket or tie.
Ascot Racecourse recognises that there may be instances where a degree of discretion is required in determining compliance with our dress code within the Queen Anne Enclosure or Village Enclosure. In such instances, reasonable judgement will be exercised.
Guests within Queen Anne Enclosureand Village Enclosure are welcome to follow the Royal Enclosure dress code..
Whilst we encourage racegoers to wear smart clothes, no formal dress code applies in the Windsor Enclosure except that replica sports shirts are not permitted.
Whilst we encourage racegoers to wear smart clothes, no formal dress code applies in the Windsor Enclosure except that replica sports shirts are not permitted.
Get the most out of your visit to Royal Ascot
Arrive early to enjoy lunch on Ascot’s lawns and in our many restaurants.
View our full times featuring the six races on each day of Royal Ascot
Find out the easiest ways to reach Ascot by road, rail, air and more.
We are delighted to be able offer all racegoers access to free wi-fi during your visit to Royal Ascot.
You are welcome to bring your own picnic in the Windsor Enclosure and Heath Enclosure.
Children aged 10-17 must purchase a ticket on the day, while Under 10’s go free.
Queen Anne & Village Enclosures: £15
Windsor Enclosure: £10
ForRoyal Ascot
| Advance | On The Day | |
|---|---|---|
| Car Parking | £35.00 | £40.00 |
| Minibus* | £85.00 | £90.00 |
| Limo* | £130.00 | £230.00 |
| Coach Park 6* | £115.00 | £120.00 |
| Coach Park 10 | £80.00 | £85.00 |
| Coach Park 8C* | £130.00 | £135.00 |
Dedicated parking facilities are available for disabled customers displaying a Blue Badge. Customers are advised to pre-book their car parking space. For more information, please email[email protected]or call
For Royal Ascot, coach drivers can obtain a free Heath Enclosure ticket on production of their PCV or PSV licence and work docket in any Ticket Office.
A £1 booking fee now applies to all orders placed online (excluding print at home tickets).
This charge will be applied at the payment stage or is included in any additional charge for special postage methods settings.
Orders placed by telephone will incur a £3 booking fee.
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