Horse Racing News & Updates

When is Ascot Ladies Day?

Ladies Day is always on the Thursday of Royal Ascot, which falls on  Thursday 18th June 2026.

What is Ascot Ladies Day?

Ladies Day is a perennial favourite of racing festivals all across the world, but Royal Ascot takes the tradition to new heights of elegance and glamour. On the third day of Royal Ascot guests, ladies, in particular, are encouraged to come dressed to the nines and enjoy a day of racing in style. The practice is thought to have come from Ascot itself originally, either from Queen Anne herself, who founded the racecourse or from an anonymous poet, who described the Thursday of the Royal Meeting as ‘when the women, like angels, look sweetly divine.’ in 1823.

Whatever the story, the tradition continues and 2026 looks just to be just as glamorous as ever.

Afternoon tea on the Queen Anne Lawns – Royal Ascot

What is the Ascot dress code?

Although other racing events encourage a refined sense of style, Ascot is renowned for the strictness of its dress code. Woven into the fabric of the event, Regency fashion arbiter Beau Brummel dictated the dress code for men in the 19th Century, and the formal tradition continues to this day.

Royal Ascot Royal Enclosure Dress Code

Ladies should wear a dress or skirt falling just above the knee (or longer), shoulder straps with a minimum width of 1 inch (2.5cm), a jacket or pashmina, a trouser suit, a jumpsuit that falls below the knee and a hat, which is mandatory.

Gentlemen should wear morning dress (black, grey or navy) a waistcoat and necktie, a top hat (black or grey), black dress shoes (with socks)

Children in the Royal Enclosure should wear clothing in accordance with the above dress code if they are aged between 10 and 17.

Hospitality Facilities in the Royal Enclosure include:

• The Parade Ring Restaurant
• The Vista (Formerly The Old Press Room)
• Windsor Forest
• Panoramic
• Trackside Restaurant
• The Veranda
• The Sandringham
• Wyndham Club

Royal Ascot Queen Anne Enclosure Dress Code

Ladies should wear a dress or top with a skirt with shoulder or halter neck straps, a trouser suit, a jumpsuit and a hat (or headpiece or fascinator)

Gentlemen should wear a full-length two or three-piece suit, a collared shirt, a necktie and socks.

Children should comply with the above dress code, but hats, headpieces and fascinators are not compulsory.

Hospitality Facilities in the Queen Anne Enclosure include:

• On 5
• The Furlong
• The Gallery
• Old Paddock Restaurant
• Pavilion One Restaurant
• The Lawn Club
• The Deck

Royal Ascot Village Enclosure Dress Code

Ladies and children should wear clothing as mentioned for the Queen Anne Enclosure. This is the same for men, although men can also wear a full-length trouser or chino in this particular enclosure.

Facilities in the Village Enclosure include:

• Restaurant in the Village
• The Villiers Club

In the Windsor Enclosure, there is no official code, but you are encouraged to wear smart daywear, with hats, headpieces and fascinators encouraged, as are jackets and collared shirts.

Where is Ascot?

Ascot Racecourse is located in beautiful Berkshire, less than an hours drive or train journey from London. Visitors coming from further afield will find it convenient from the M3, M4, M40 & M25 motorways as well as London Heathrow, ensuring you can make the most of your day at this remarkable event.

Popular Royal Ascot Facilities:

The Ascot Pavilion

With a private balcony overlooking the gorgeous Plaza Lawns, the Royal Ascot Pavilion packages provide your esteemed clientele with a delicious three-course lunch, complimentary bar and afternoon tea, before sauntering down to the Grandstand and Parade Ring to watch the thrilling action unfold.

Treat yourself, your employees or your important clients to this magnificent sporting and social occasion with our Royal Ascot Pavilion hospitality packages. In this glorious setting, tradition, pageantry and style intertwine to create a truly unforgettable experience.

The Gallery Restaurant

This facility has a superb second-floor suite being introduced above The Lawn Club, providing guests with a fabulous corporate hospitality option, taking the place of the original Sandringham Restaurant. A splendid benefit of this new and delightful location is its situation relative to the racecourse; from its prime viewing position, attendants can enjoy the thrilling racing action like never before. The Royal Procession will also pass directly in front of the facility.

Eventmasters is delighted to be providing Royal Ascot hospitality. However, if you want to secure your place, there is limited availability remaining at Ladies Day 2026.

Have an enquiry about Royal Ascot hospitality?