Royal Ascot is the crown jewel of the British summer Season—a heady mix of top-tier flat racing, royal pageantry, and high style. Whether you're a seasoned racegoer or attending for the first time, this guide sets out the essentials: key dates, ticket options, dress codes, and tips for attending in style.
📅 When Is Royal Ascot 2025?
Royal Ascot 2025 will be held from Tuesday 17 June to Saturday 21 June at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire.
Each day follows a traditional rhythm:
- Gates Open: 10:30 AM
- Royal Procession: 2:00 PM
- First Race: 2:30 PM
- Last Race: Around 6:15 PM
- Evening Entertainment (Village Enclosure only): Until 9:00 PM
Each of the five days has its own tone and set of feature races:
- Tuesday – Opening Day, featuring the Queen Anne Stakes
- Wednesday – Includes the Prince of Wales’s Stakes
- Thursday (Ladies’ Day) – The social highlight, home to the Gold Cup
- Friday – Stylish, slightly less formal, with the Commonwealth Cup
- Saturday – A celebratory finale with the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes
🎟️ Ticket Options: Which Enclosure Should You Choose?
There are four public enclosures at Royal Ascot, each offering a distinct experience—ranging from the strictly traditional to the stylishly relaxed.
🏛 Royal Enclosure (Invitation Only)
- The most exclusive and historic enclosure, with views of the Royal Procession and Parade Ring.
- Access by invitation or sponsorship only.
- Dress code: Traditional morning dress (tailcoat, waistcoat, top hat) for gentlemen; formal day dress with hat for ladies.
👑 Queen Anne Enclosure
- The premier public enclosure, with Grandstand access, Parade Ring viewing, and post-race singing around the Bandstand.
- Offers close proximity to the racing and pageantry.
- Tickets: From £99
- Dress code: Suits and ties for men; formal dresses with hats or fascinators for women.
🎉 Village Enclosure
- Situated inside the track with views back toward the Grandstand.
- Known for its boutique bars, DJ sets, and relaxed but fashionable crowd.
- Only enclosure with evening entertainment until 9 PM.
- Tickets: From £75–£85
- Dress code: Same as Queen Anne Enclosure—formal but modern.
🌿 Windsor Enclosure
- The most relaxed and affordable option.
- No access to the Parade Ring or Grandstand, but good trackside views and a festive atmosphere.
- Tickets: From £35
- Dress code: No formal requirements, though smart daywear is encouraged. Men may forgo jackets or ties. Women are not required to wear hats. Still, many guests dress stylishly for the occasion.
- Men may forgo jackets or ties.
- Women are not required to wear hats.
- Still, many guests dress stylishly for the occasion.
👗 What to Wear at Royal Ascot
Royal Ascot is synonymous with elegance, and each enclosure has its own expectations:
EnclosureDress Code for MenDress Code for WomenRoyal EnclosureMorning dress, waistcoat, top hatKnee-length formal dress, hat (no fascinators)Queen AnneSuit and tieFormal daywear with hat or fascinatorVillageSame as Queen AnneSame as Queen AnneWindsorNo code; smart daywear suggestedNo code; stylish but informal encouraged
For more guidance, see our full post: Morning Dress Decoded →
🚗 Getting to Ascot
Ascot Racecourse is roughly 25 miles west of London and easily reached by public or private transport:
- By train: Direct services from London Waterloo to Ascot Station (approx. 50 minutes). The station is a short walk from the racecourse.
- By car: Pre-booked parking is available on-site.
- By coach or transfer: Many opt for hospitality packages that include travel, especially for groups.
🏨 Where to Stay
Nearby towns such as Windsor, Bracknell, Reading, and Egham offer a variety of hotel options. These book quickly, so early planning is key.
Providers like RacingBreaks offer packages from £129 per person, which may include:
- Return transport
- Hotel accommodation
- Breakfast
- Race tickets
- Private preview events
🍾 Hospitality & Experiences
Royal Ascot offers a range of elevated experiences beyond general admission, including:
- Private boxes
- Fine dining
- Champagne receptions
- Afternoon tea
- Lawn clubs and pop-up lounges
These can be booked via Ascot’s Hospitality site or through select luxury providers.
📝 Tips for First-Time Racegoers
- Arrive early to enjoy the grounds and pre-race atmosphere.
- Bring binoculars or download the Ascot app for live race details.
- Study the form and try your hand with the on-site bookmakers or Tote.
- Stay for the Bandstand singing in Queen Anne—an old Ascot tradition.
- Style matters, even in the Windsor Enclosure—Ascot is always an occasion.
