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Everything you need to know about Royal Ascot
Whether you’re planning your first visit to Royal Ascot or returning for another unforgettable day, this guide will cover everything you need to know—from race day schedules and dress codes to enclosures, dining experiences, and how to make the most of your time at the racecourse.
What is Royal Ascot?
Royal Ascot is Britain’s most prestigious horse racing event, a unique blend of elite sport, pageantry, high fashion, and social prestige. The historic five-day event is attended by members of the Royal Family, celebrities, and racegoers from across the globe. It’s a highlight of the summer season, famous not only for its Group 1 racing but for its glamorous atmosphere and hospitality.
Dating back to 1711, Royal Ascot has a rich heritage that blends tradition with modern elegance. The event showcases the finest in flat racing, with a prize fund totalling millions of pounds. Each day begins with the Royal Procession, a ceremonial carriage parade led by the Royal Family, setting the tone for a day of sophistication, excitement, and celebration.
Where is Royal Ascot?
Royal Ascot takes place at Ascot Racecourse, a historic Berkshire venue just six miles from Windsor Castle. The racecourse is renowned for its stunning facilities and world-class hospitality offerings. It is easily accessible by road, rail, and even helicopter, with London less than an hour away.
Attendees travelling by train can arrive directly at Ascot station, just a short walk from the racecourse gates. Ample parking is available for those arriving by car, especially for hospitality guests.
When is Royal Ascot 2025?
Royal Ascot 2025 will run from Tuesday 17th June to Saturday 21st June, with a full five-day programme of world-class racing, fashion, and hospitality. From the prestigious Queen Anne Stakes on opening day to the showstopping Gold Cup on Ladies’ Day, every day offers something special.
What to know about Royal Ascot before you go
Royal Ascot is not your average race day. It’s an event steeped in tradition, formality, and spectacle. Planning ahead ensures you make the most of your visit. Be sure to:
- Choose the right enclosure to suit your vibe, whether that’s laid-back picnicking or luxury hospitality.
- Make sure your outfit adheres to the dress code for your enclosure – Royal Ascot is known as much for its fashion as for its racing.
- Organise travel and accommodation early, especially for midweek dates like Ladies’ Day.
- Consider booking with Engage Hospitality for a seamless, elevated experience with curated packages.
Arrive early, take in the atmosphere, and enjoy one of the most iconic events in the British sporting calendar.
Royal Ascot enclosures
Royal Ascot features several enclosures, each offering its own unique atmosphere and amenities:
The Royal Enclosure
The Royal Enclosure is the most exclusive area at Royal Ascot. Open only to Members of the Royal Enclosure and their guests, the origins of the enclosure date back to 1807, when an area was reserved exclusively for family, guests and the Household of King George III to view the first running of the Gold Cup.
Membership to the Royal Enclosure remains exclusive as all prospective Members need to be sponsored by two existing Members. Applications are subject to approval by His Majesty’s Representative at Ascot.
Alternatively, you can gain access to the Royal Enclosure by booking a reservation at one of the few designated Royal Enclosure restaurants, which comes complete with a personalised day badge.Enjoy the finest hospitality, excellent views of the races, and a strict dress code that encourages elegance and sophistication.
The Queen Anne Enclosure
The Queen Anne Enclosure is the premier public enclosure at the Royal Meeting. With access to the majority of amenities, including the parade ring, trackside race viewing, and the grandstand ground floor, the Queen Anne offers a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for those who want to enjoy the races while soaking up the buzz of the crowd. With numerous bars and dining options, this enclosure is ideal for social butterflies looking to enjoy a lively day out.
The Village Enclosure
Launched for the first time in 2017, The Village Enclosure is a great choice for those seeking a balance between elegance and a casual atmosphere. The Village Enclosure boasts unrivaled views of the iconic Ascot grandstand and a range of food and drink options, making it perfect for a relaxed yet stylish day at the races.
This enclosure also hosts a fantastic afterparty that goes on well into the evening once the action on the track has finished.
The Village enclosure also includes our own private facility, ICON by Engage. Situated in the heart of Royal Ascot, ICON offers a unique Royal Ascot experience with unrivalled views of the racing and the famous Ascot grandstand.
The Windsor Enclosure
This more casual setting provides a friendly vibe, perfect for families and groups. While it offers fewer amenities than the other enclosures, it still captures the essence of Royal Ascot, making it an excellent option for a fun day out.
Royal Ascot Dress Code
The Ascot Royal Enclosure Dress Code
The Royal Enclosure has the strictest dress code of all areas at Ascot. Attendees are expected to maintain the highest standards of formalwear, reflecting the event’s long-standing association with the British Royal Family.
Dresscode for women:
Dresses, skirts, or jumpsuits must be of modest length (falling at the knee or longer)
Shoulder straps must be at least one inch wide
Strapless, off-the-shoulder, halter neck, and spaghetti strap dresses are not permitted
No sheer or see-through fabrics
Midriffs must be covered
A hat or headpiece with a solid base of 4 inches or more is mandatory
Full-length trouser suits of matching colour and material are permitted
Dresscode for men:
Black, grey, or navy morning dress with a waistcoat and tie (no cravats)
A black or grey top hat must be worn (may be removed within a restaurant, Private Box, or enclosed external seating area)
Black shoes with socks are required
Royal Ascot Women’s Dress Code
Women attending Royal Ascot in the Queen Anne or Village enclosures must adhere to the dress code, though it is less formal than the Royal enclosure:
- Dresses and skirts should be of modest length
- Tops and dresses must have straps of at least one inch
- No sheer or see-through fabrics
- Midriffs must be covered
- Jumpsuits are permitted, as long as they adhere to the overall dress code
- Full-length trouser suits of matching colour and material are permitted
- A hat, headpiece, or fascinator should be worn at all times
Royal Ascot Men’s Dress Code
Gentlemen attending Royal Ascot in the Queen Anne or Village enclosures are expected to dress smartly:
- Gentlemen must wear suits in the Queen Anne enclosure
- No bow ties or cravats are permitted in the Queen Anne enclosure
- Suits are not mandatory in the Village enclosure, but jacket, full-length trousers or chino, collared shirts, and tie (including bow tie or cravat) are mandatory
- Socks should be worn and cover the ankle
- Shoes should be smart and polished
- Jackets and ties must be kept on at all times unless permission is given due to high temperatures
While there is no formal dress code in the Windsor enclosure, adults are encouraged to dress in smart daywear.
Experience Royal Ascot with Engage Hospitality
ICON by Engage
ICON is our brand-new luxury facility at Ascot, offering a premium race day experience like no other. Located in the Village enclosure right by the winning post, this exclusive venue blends contemporary design with traditional refinement, giving guests an immersive and elegant setting from which to enjoy the action.
Every aspect of your day at ICON is expertly managed, from seamless arrival to exceptional in-suite service. With one of the best vantage points on the course, you’ll feel at the heart of the event while enjoying the privacy and comfort of a beautifully appointed space.
Guests can look forward to a VIP hospitality experience, centred around a seasonal four-course lunch crafted by top chefs.
2025 Royal Ascot – Day 1
The Sandringham
The Sandringham is a striking orangery-inspired structure nestled in a sunny corner of Lavender Courtyard, just a short stroll from the trackside and beautiful Royal Enclosure Gardens.
Tom Shepherd, of Michelin-starred restaurant Upstairs, will return to the Sandringham in 2025 to present his modern British dishes.
An ideal spot for a relaxed yet vibrant day at the Royal Meeting, the Sandringham benefits from a large outdoor deck with lounge-style furniture and offers flexible dining options, including chefs’ stations and a signature menu with table service.
The Wyndham Restaurant
The Wyndham Restaurant is located in the Royal Enclosure, and offers a wonderful formal dining experience overlooking the beautiful Royal Enclosure gardens.
Named after The Master of the Buckhounds in 1711, this inviting first-floor Fine Dining restaurant has been designed with a summer colour palette to create a fresh calm space in which to enjoy the Royal Meeting.
Guests can enjoy a delicious four-course à la carte luncheon before taking a short stroll to the Winners’ Enclosure, Parade Ring, Pre-Parade Ring and Royal Enclosure trackside viewing areas to view all the action. The restaurant features a spacious balcony which is perfect for observing the colourful spectacle in the Royal Enclosure Gardens below.
ON5
Watch Royal Ascot with ON5, a fifth-floor glass-fronted restaurant with spacious trackside viewing balcony and rooftop terrace offering spectacular views of the track.
Modern innovative interior based on the artistry of horse racing, taking inspiration from the farrier, the trainer, the groom, the saddler, and the jockey.
ON5 is in a prime location from which to watch the Royal Procession journey along the straight mile and witness all the racing action.
Furlong Restaurant
A Bespoke marquee in an exclusive setting at the east end of the Grandstand, before the winning post.
Watch the racing from an extensive private balcony, with plentiful seating and uninterrupted views of the finishing straight. This is a wonderful vantage point for the Royal Procession and all the racing action.
Gain access to the Queen Anne Enclosure where you can see the horses in the Parade Ring and revel in traditional Singing around the Bandstand after racing.
Enjoy a private table with access to an array of interactive chefs’ stations offering classic summer dishes. Alternatively, those looking for a more formal experience can choose from a three-course menu served freshly prepared to their table.
Private Boxes
Private boxes at Ascot are located on Levels 2 to 5 within the Grandstand and they can accommodate between 10-72 guests. You can choose between either a sit-down or buffet menu lunch.
Whether it’s with friends, family or clients, all boxes are catered to the very highest standards and come with a private bar and dining area, a large flat screen TV and private balcony so you won’t miss a second of the action.
Soak up all of the atmosphere at the stunning Ascot Racecourse in a memorable setting exclusive to you and your guests.
Raceday Information
Day 1
Royal Ascot Day 1 is arguably the strongest day of flat racing in the UK calendar.
Three Group 1s, and a Group 2 to commence the Royal Meeting, this is a day for the racing purists!
Highlights of the card:
Group 1 – Queen Anne Stakes – 1m
Group 1 – King Charles III Stakes – 5f
Group 1 – St James’s Palace – 1m (3yo only)
Group 2 – Coventry Stakes – 6f (2yo only)
Day 2
Day 2 at Royal Ascot is host to the richest race of the week, the Group 1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes.
Run over 1 mile 2 furlongs for 4yo horses and upwards, recent winners include Auguste Rodin, Love and Crystal Ocean.
Highlights of the card:
Group 1 – Prince of Wales’s Stakes – 1m 2f (4yo+)
Group 2 – Queen Mary Stakes – 5f (2yo fillies only)
Group 2 – Duke of Cambridge Stakes (4yo+ fillies and mares)
Group 2 – Queens Vase – 1m 6f (3yo only)
Day 3
Day 3 is Ladies Day at Royal Ascot which hosts the week’s blue riband event, The Ascot Gold Cup.
Recent winners include Kyprios, Yeats, and her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s, Estimate in 2014.
Highlights of the card:
Group 1 – Ascot Gold Cup – 2m 4f (4yo+)
Group 2 – Ribblesdale Stakes – 1m 4f (3yo fillies only)
Group 2 – Norfolk Stakes – 5f (2yo)
Group 3 – Hampton Court Stakes – 1m 2f (3yo only)
Day 4
Day 4 of Royal Ascot is all about the fillies!
The Group 1 Coronation Stakes crowns the best 3yo filly miler, the G3 Albany Stakes is one of the most prestigious 2yo filly races in the world, complemented by the ultra competitive Sandringham handicap, restricted to 3yo fillies over the straight mile.
If that was not enough, the day also includes the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup for 3-year-old sprinters over 6 furlongs!
Highlights of the card:
Group 1 – Coronation Stakes – 1m (3yo fillies only)
Group 1 – Commonwealth Cup – 6f (3yo only)
Group 2 – King Edward VII Stakes – 1m 4f (3yo colts and geldings)
Group 3 – Albany Stakes – 6f (2yo fillies only)
Day 5
The final day of the Royal Meeting is a perfect blend of speed and stamina.
The Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes for older sprinters over 6 furlongs headlines the card.
The Hardwicke Stakes over 1m4f is an iconic race for the middle distance stalwarts, whilst the meeting culminates in the longest flat race in the UK calendar – The 2 mile, 5 furlong Queen Alexandra Stakes.
Highlights of the card:
Group 1 – Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes – 6f (4yo+)
Group 2 – Hardwicke Stakes – 1m 4f (4yo+)
Group 3 – Jersey Stakes – 7f (3yo only)
Listed – Chesham Stakes – 7f (2yo only)
Experience Royal Ascot with Engage Hospitality
Whether you’re looking to entertain clients, immerse yourself in the horse racing experience, or just enjoy a day out in style, Engage will ensure your Royal Ascot experience is nothing short of extraordinary. With premium packages, exclusive facilities like ICON, and a team dedicated to delivering a seamless service, now is the time to secure your place at Royal Ascot 2025.
FAQS about Royal Ascot
How many days is Royal Ascot?
Royal Ascot is a five-day event running from Tuesday to Saturday, with each day featuring a unique set of races and traditions.
How do I get to Royal Ascot?
The racecourse is easily accessible by train from London Waterloo or Paddington, or by car. Transfers are available depending on the package. The railway station is a seven-minute walk from the racecourse, via a spacious paved path away from roads.
Is there parking at Royal Ascot?
Car parking will be available to purchase online for all racedays during the Flat season, but only up to five days before the event.
What time do gates open at Royal Ascot?
Gates typically open at 10:30 AM, with the first race usually starting around 2:30 PM. Arriving early allows time to enjoy the atmosphere, explore the enclosures, and settle in for the day.
When is Royal Ascot Ladies’ Day?
Ladies Day takes place on Thursday 19th June 2025. It’s the most fashion-focused day of the week and a highlight of the summer social calendar.
Can men go to Ladies’ Day at Ascot?
Yes. While ladies day is known for its fashion and style, men are very welcome and many attend as part of corporate groups or couples. Dress code still applies.
What is the biggest day at Royal Ascot?
Each day offers something unique, but Tuesday is considered to be the best day of flat racing, featuring the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes. Ladies’ Day (Thursday) is the most popular for fashion and socialising.
Can I book as an individual or only in groups?
You can book as a group or individually, though many packages are designed for tables of 4-10.
How much are tickets to Royal Ascot?
Ticket prices vary depending on the enclosure, hospitality level, and package details. Engage Hospitality offers bespoke experiences tailored to your needs, so pricing is flexible based on your preferences.
Is Royal Ascot wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Blue Badge holders can park in all Ascot car parks free of charge. These parking areas can be booked in advance up to 7 days before your visit.
All Ascot entrances can accommodate guests requiring accessibility access. Access to the different areas within the racecourse are available via ramps and/or lifts.
What is the address for Royal Ascot?
Ascot Racecourse, High St, Ascot SL5 7JX