Official Hospitality Partners

Your Ultimate Guide to Royal Ascot

Royal Ascot. An annual fixture in the British social calendar since the 18th Century, Royal Ascot remains the UK’s most valuable race meeting to this day, attracting some of the finest horses from around the world for five days of thrilling flat racing action.

Over 200,000 racegoers descend on Ascot to attend one of the highlights of the British sporting calendar, bringing with it the fabulous millinery, fine dining and top-notch racing the event has become famed for.

 

Making the Most of Your Day

Arrive early to soak in the atmosphere and explore the grounds. There are numerous activities beyond the races, including fashion displays and live music, ensuring a full day of entertainment.

Whether you’re a seasoned racing fan or a first-time visitor, Royal Ascot promises an unforgettable experience. By understanding the different enclosures and planning ahead, you can create a day that’s as exhilarating as the races themselves.

 

The Enclosures Explained

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.

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 once the action on the track has finished, that goes on well into the evening.

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.

 

Hospitality Options

ICON by Engage

An excellent opportunity for entertaining guests, there is no finer way to enjoy this thrilling event than with ICON by Engage. You can be assured that every moment of your day, from arrival to departure, will be perfectly planned and luxuriously appointed.

Throughout the day you’ll be treated to a VIP dining experience, centred around a superb four-course lunch ahead of the action on track.

2025 Royal Ascot – Day 1
Engage Hospitality

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 with both chefs’ stations and a signature menu with table service.

Engage Hospitality

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.

Engage Hospitality

ON5

Watch Royal Ascot with ON5, a fifth-floor glass fronted restaurant with spacious trackside viewing balcony and roof-top 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.

Engage Hospitality

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; 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.

Engage Hospitality

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.

Engage Hospitality

Register your interest

Royal Ascot Racing Guide

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, complimented 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)

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