Royal Ascot: First Time Attendee Guide

Attending the Royal Ascot for the first time is an exciting blend of tradition, glamour, and world-class horse racing. This iconic event, steeped in British history, offers an unforgettable experience, from the thrill of placing your first bet to the elegance of the Royal Procession. We’ve been fortunate to attend multiple times and learn something new on each visit. Whether you’re navigating dress codes, looking for the best ticket options, or deciding what bar to order from, there’s a lot to take in. To help you make the most of your debut at the Royal Ascot, here’s a guide to ensure your day is both enjoyable and memorable.

How Tickets Work: The Queen Anne Enclosure

If you’re attending for the first time, the Queen Anne Enclosure is our recommended option. This enclosure offers a vibrant atmosphere, with access to many areas. It’s one of the most popular enclosures, allowing you to get up close to the action without the stricter requirements of the Royal Enclosure. Tickets for the Queen Anne Enclosure provide access to food and drink outlets, betting facilities, and plenty of spots for watching the races. The tickets also grant access to the coveted Parade Ring, Bandstand and Grandstand areas.

When purchasing tickets, it’s best to book as early as possible, as they can sell out quickly, especially for the more popular days of the event. All 5 days of the Royal Ascot provide the same great experience so we recommend going with what works best for your schedule.

What we enjoy most about this enclosure is that you can change things up throughout the day. Our time is often split between relaxing on the general admission lawn furniture, watching races from the Grandstand bleachers, and exploring food and drink options in the Bandstand area.

Planning Your Royal Ascot Outfit

One of the highlights of attending the Royal Ascot is dressing up for the occasion. The dress code is taken seriously, especially in the more exclusive enclosures like the Queen Anne Enclosure. For men, a suit with a collared shirt and tie is required. While a waistcoat is optional, many attendees embrace the opportunity to dress up. Hats are also encouraged but not mandatory.

For women, the dress code suggests a formal day dress, with hemlines that should fall just above the knee or longer. Straps on dresses must be at least one inch wide, and hats or fascinators are a must. Be mindful of your footwear—while stylish shoes are encouraged, comfortable ones are a smart choice given the amount of walking involved.

We encourage having fun with your outfits and going all out. When else are you going to get to wear a top hat or style an elegant fascinator? The Royal Ascot’s dress code page offers up to date information and style inspiration.

Royal Ascot Arrival and Departure

The train is one of the most convenient ways to get to the Royal Ascot. We’d highly recommend this option on your first visit Trains to Ascot Station run from London Waterloo, with a journey time of about 50 minutes. If you’re coming from the west, trains from Reading also serve the station, taking roughly 25 minutes. Once you arrive at Ascot Station, it’s a short, pleasant walk to the racecourse, with signs and staff to guide you along the way.

To avoid the crowds, consider arriving early. The station gets busy closer to race time, and queues are common during peak hours. Returning to London after the event is also popular, so prepare for a bustling station on the way back. Gates open at 10:30am with the first race not going until 2pm. This gives you plenty of time to explore, eat, and drink prior to the action starting. The last race of the day typically goes between 5:30pm and 6pm

It is important to ensure you have the proper ticket purchased for the train to Ascot Station as it is an additional fare beyond the standard London transportation zones. Your tickets will be checked on arrival and they are serious about handing out fines if you do not have the correct ticket. We’d highly recommend purchasing online ahead of time (including your return trip) to efficiently navigate this process. We use Rail Europe for our online train ticket purchases.

How to Place a Bet

Betting is part of the Royal Ascot tradition, and you don’t need to be an expert to get involved. On arrival, you’ll notice various betting stations, where you can place your bets with a bookmaker. You’ll also find electronic betting terminals and betting counters throughout the racecourse.

To place a bet, first choose the horse you believe will win or place (finish in the top two or three, depending on the race). Then, decide how much you want to wager. The minimum bet is usually £2. You’ll need to tell the bookmaker the number of the horse, the race, and the type of bet (win or place). If your horse wins, head back to the betting station with your ticket to collect your winnings.

If you’re new to betting, don’t be afraid to ask for help at the counters. Staff are used to assisting first-time bettors and can explain the odds and payouts. Make sure to pick up a Royal Ascot betting guide on arrival. In it you can learn more about the horses in each race. Have fun with it – some people do the best by picking a horse because they like its name or color!

Food and Drink Options at the Royal Ascot

A visit to the Royal Ascot is as much about enjoying the culinary delights as it is about the races. With a range of food and drink options to suit all tastes and budgets, you’ll be spoiled for choice throughout the day. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a fine dining experience, the Royal Ascot has something for everyone.

Quick Bites and Casual Dining

If you’re after something more casual, the Royal Ascot offers a variety of food stalls and pop-up restaurants located throughout the racecourse. These stalls serve everything from traditional British fare to international cuisine. Many of the casual dining areas are set up with outdoor seating, so you can enjoy your meal while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the event. The food courts and bars are located conveniently around the racecourse.

Fine Dining Experiences

For those looking to elevate their Royal Ascot experience, there are numerous fine dining options available. From Michelin-starred chefs to curated dining experiences, the racecourse is home to several restaurants that require advance booking. These dining options are perfect if you want to sit back and enjoy a more leisurely meal in elegant surroundings. Dining in one of these venues also often comes with the perk of prime viewing areas for the races. Make sure to make reservations ahead of time if you’re looking to partake in one of these options.

Bars and Drinks

No trip to the Royal Ascot would be complete without a glass of bubbly. The racecourse is famous for its champagne bars. Here you can enjoy a glass of premium champagne while mingling with other guests. The most iconic of these is the Moët & Chandon Champagne Bar, a must-visit for those looking to sip on the finest champagne amidst the lively atmosphere. For those who prefer other drinks, there are also a range of bars serving Pimm’s, cocktails, and wine. Beer and spirits are available as well, catering to all tastes. Throughout the venue, you’ll find various pop-up bars, perfect for grabbing a drink as you make your way to your next race.

Afternoon Tea

In true British fashion, afternoon tea is a popular choice at the Royal Ascot. Many of the restaurants and enclosures offer a traditional afternoon tea experience, complete with delicate finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and an array of sweet pastries. Served with tea or a glass of champagne, it’s the perfect way to relax and recharge during the day.

The Royal Family

One of the most anticipated moments at the Royal Ascot is the daily Royal Procession. This is where members of the British royal family make their grand entrance. This tradition dates back to 1825, when King George IV first led a procession to the Ascot racecourse. For first-time attendees, witnessing this iconic moment adds a touch of regal splendor to the day.

The Royal Procession typically takes place at 2:00 PM each day, signaling the official start of the racing events. The procession begins in Windsor Great Park, with the royal family traveling the mile-long route in horse-drawn carriages. As they approach the racecourse, they make their way along the track in front of the cheering crowd, heading towards the Royal Enclosure.

Another great opportunity to see the royal family is in the Parade Ring as they hand out trophies. The program for each day details which family members will be handing out awards for which races. We’ve been fortune to see a large number of royal family members including Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III

Singing Around the Bandstand: A Royal Ascot Tradition

After the final race of the day, the Royal Ascot isn’t quite over. Attendees gather for one of the most delightful traditions: singing around the bandstand. This lively singalong takes place in the Queen Anne Enclosure, where a brass band leads the crowd in a number of songs. The bandstand singalong typically features a mix of classic British anthems, traditional tunes, and popular songs that everyone can enjoy. The lyrics are provided in booklets and projected on screens, so everyone can join in. It’s a joyous way to end the day, and a highlight for many who attend.

Attending the Royal Ascot for the first time is an unforgettable experience. With these tips in hand, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy the races and soak in the atmosphere. Perhaps you’ll even come away with a win! Check out our horse racing blog posts for more tips and inspiration.