Ascot Racecourse
The UK’s Most Prestigious Horse Racing Venue
Ascot Racecourse is a leading horse racing venue located in Ascot, Berkshire, situated in the gorgeous wooded countryside near the Royal beauty of Windsor Great Park. This prestigious course retains a major name in the sporting world due to its close ties with the Royal Family. The beautiful racecourse features well-groomed lawns and terraces, balconies with superb views, elegant tea rooms and fine dining restaurants.
The prized horse racing location boasts thirteen of Britain’s thirty-six annual Group One horse races – the highest level of thoroughbred and standard-bred flat races. The racecourse currently stages twenty-six days of racing throughout the year, including eighteen flat meetings held between May and October. It also hosts some of the most significant racing fixtures of the Jumps season.
As an Official Hospitality Supplier (OHS) directly appointed by Ascot Racecourse, we are delighted to provide exclusive Ascot Corporate Hospitality Packages and tickets for numerous race days in 2022.
Royal Ascot is undoubtedly the calendar’s highlight; the highly prized event is often regarded as the ‘jewel on the crown’ of Ascot Racecourse. Alone, Royal Ascot holds an astounding eight Group One races spread across its five spectacular days of unparalleled action.
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Travelling to Ascot Racecourse
Please use the map provided by Google for further information.
How do I get to Ascot Racecourse by car?
From London and the North:
Exit the M4 at Junction 6, merge onto the A332 Windsor by-pass, and follow the signs to Ascot.
From the West, South, and East:
Take the M4 to Junction 10, join the A329 (M) to Bracknell, and follow the Ascot signs. Take the M3 Junction 3 to the A332 to Bracknell if coming from the south or east.
From the Midlands:
We recommend taking the M40 southbound (Junction 3) and continuing on the M4 (Junction 8/9) towards Heathrow/London. Then, take the A332 Windsor by-pass to Ascot and exit the M4 at Junction 6.
How do I get to Ascot Racecourse by train?
From Reading, Guildford, and London Waterloo, South Western Railway maintains a regular service to Ascot. Reading will take roughly 27 minutes, and Waterloo will take approximately 52 minutes. Ascot Racecourse is a seven-minute walk away.
How do I get to Ascot Racecourse by bus?
The 299, 40, 998 and 999 are frequent bus services near Ascot Racecourse.
View our guide on travelling to Ascot Racecourse here.
Ascot Racecourse FAQs
Is parking available at Ascot?
There are 8,000 car parking spaces available for guests at Ascot; please bring cash with you during the Flat season. Car parking is free and only permitted on the day at the Racecourse during the Jumps season.
Blue Badge holders should display their badges when entering the parking area for Royal Ascot and other events.
Are there COVID-19 measures in place?
With restrictions recently lifted, there is no requirement to provide proof or a negative COVID test upon arrival. Hand sanitiser will be available across the site for guests to use.
Is betting available on site?
For Royal Ascot, betting rings and rail bookers will be available. Bets will operate on race day by cash or debit card. The Racecourse will not accept credit cards for betting.
How will payments be accepted?
Ascot Racecourse accepts cash, card and Apple Pay payments across the grounds. However, not all outlets will take all these payment methods.
What time does the racecourse close?
Due to the final race at 5:30pm, the Racecourse will close at 8pm.
Ascot Racecourse Hospitality
Eventmasters are delighted to be Official Hospitality Providers (OHS) directly appointed by Ascot Racecourse, providing outstanding service and fine dining to entertain clients and stakeholders with high-quality horse racing. Experience Royal Ascot in VIP style with a wide range of corporate hospitality packages.
Ascot Racecourse is undoubtedly one of the finest racecourses in the world. No matter the meeting, you can expect style and flair both on and off the course and hospitality of the highest quality. We have a range of facilities available, particularly during Royal Ascot, including fantastic course facing options and restaurants and private boxes. Treat your important guests and clients to the experience of a lifetime; they won’t be disappointed.
QIPCO British Champion’s Day is another phenomenal landmark race day held at Ascot Racecourse every year. This winter race day is often regarded as a grand finale of the flat racing season in Britain and thus attracts some of the world’s finest horses.
Discover more about Ascot Racecourse
The History of Ascot Racecourse
Queen Anne built the legendary Racecourse in 1711 when out riding near Windsor Castle and discovering an area of open heath that seemed perfect for “horses to gallop at full stretch.” The first race meeting was held in August 1711, with the inaugural event being Her Majesty’s Plate, which was valued at 100 guineas and was accessible to any horse, mare, or gelding over the age of six. Each horse had to carry a weight of 12st with seven runners in the race, which has little resemblance to the racing at Ascot today. The seven horses were all English Hunters, unconcerned about the speedy thoroughbreds who usually compete on the flat. The event is divided into three four-mile heats, allowing the victorious horse to show off his incredible stamina.
Popularity in racing at Ascot increased over time as Parliament passed an Act of Enclosure in 1813. The act guaranteed that Ascot Heath would remain a racecourse, now used for the public. In 1913, Parliament founded the Ascot Authority, with His Majesty’s Representative serving as Chairman and the Clerk of the Course as Secretary. Currently, Sir Francis Brooke Bt. holds both of these posts, with the Chief Executive and departmental directors supporting him.
The number of races at Ascot also expanded with the introduction of the steeplechase and hurdle course in 1965. Currently, Ascot hosts 26 days of racing, with approximately 50,000 racegoers visiting the racecourse each year. Did you know there was one instance in 1945 when the Royal Meeting was only staged for four days?
Ascot Racecourse Community
Ascot Racecourse proudly supports over 250 local charities, community groups and businesses by making monetary contributions or by supplying complimentary tickets for use as raffle and auction prizes.
The racecourse launched the Colts & Fillies Club in 2002 to make horse racing more accessible and popular with younger audiences. Currently, the club has over 18,500 members and is free to join.
Events including bulb painting are run to involve local schools in various activities. The charity Racing To School supports young people’s learning and development to encourage an interest in horse racing. The racecourse also works closely with the National Citizen Service and supports the Active Communities Network.
Dress Code
Whilst there is no strict dress code for all race days at Ascot Racecourse, racegoers are strongly encouraged to dress as though attending a fine, formal occasion. Ladies usually dress in smart attire and opt for hats, while gentlemen wear sports jackets with collared shirts and ties.
For Royal Ascot, a firm dress code applies and varies depending on the enclosure guests attend. The event is synonymous with style, elegance and unrivalled sophistication, so guests are expected to uphold these values through their clothing choices.
Details on the Royal Ascot Dress Code Guide can be found in our blog post.
Local Area at Ascot Racecourse
Windsor Great Park
Discover a 1,000-year royal heritage in Windsor Great Park, including historical monuments, old woods, and spectacular horticultural displays. Windsor Great Park covers 4,800 acres and is shrouded in mystery and legend.
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle has served as a family home for the Royal Family for 1,000 years and is a must-see on a trip to Windsor. Located between Notting Hill, Holland Park and Kensington, The Windsor Castle is the perfect setting for a relaxed lunch and dining experience.
Coral Reef Waterworld – Bracknell’s Water World
Coral Reef Waterworld is the largest water park in Bracknell and the largest in England. Coral Reef Waterworld is ideal for staying active, enjoying thrilling waterslides and relaxing in the Coral Spa.
More Events at Ascot Racecourse
In addition to horse racing, Ascot Racecourse is also home to numerous other events such as the Luna Cinema, a Beer Festival and a spectacular fireworks display in November.
Furthermore, the Royal Ascot Cricket Club was founded in 1883, with the grounds situated in the middle of the racecourse.
Ascot United F.C., founded in 1965, is likewise based on the racecourse and is located towards the site’s eastern side. The club plays their home games there with a capacity of 1,150.
Established in 2011, QIPCO British Champion Series involves the 35 top Flat races and festivals in the British horseracing calendar. British Champions Day is the finale of the European Flat racing season and is being held for its eighth year at Ascot. It is regarded as the richest race day for horse racing spectators, offering the chance to see the World’s finest horses and jockeys battle it out on the Ascot turf.
Ascot Racecourse News & Updates
The Royal Meeting begins with seven races instead of the regular six. With 18 group races throughout the week, including eight Group One events, Royal Ascot offers the world’s finest standard of flat racing.
Follow Royal Ascot’s racing news and events to stay up to date.
