Considered by many to be the ultimate event in horseracing, Ascot’s unmissable races are set to take place from the 20th to the 24th of June 2023, with more than 34 races across just five days.
A British institution in itself, the Royal Ascot horse races will soon return for another year of exhilarating sport, historic traditions and of course, lavish fashion. Why not dust off your best hat or fascinator and join the celebrations, hosted just outside of London near our stunning neighbouring city, Windsor?
The Ascot races are steeped in history and British tradition. Having first been founded by Queen Anne in 1711, the event has boasted the patronage of more than eleven monarchs, with our late Queen having won the event several times.
Whether you are looking to attend every day, or simply pass by on your trip to London, we would be proud to be your home away from home, just a short distance from the Championships. This June, why not make the most out of your visit and experience our neighbourhood’s bountiful selection of restaurants, theatres or galleries, moments from our doorstep…
The festivities are set to begin on Tuesday the 20th of June, as the racecourse’s stunning lawns and amenities at last reopen and the championships kick off with a staggering 7 races. Races will notably include the Queen Anne stakes, which has historically hosted many outstanding performances. Gates will open at 10:30 each day, with the first race beginning later at 14:30.
As the first season of Ascot under the reign of new monarch King Charles III, particular attention will be paid to the royal procession, where select members of the Royal Family will arrive to open the event.
The following day is expected to set a gentler pace, where more reserved or timid guests may take in the racing or a leisurely afternoon tea sitting lawn side, without the excitement of the opening day. Key highlights of the 21st are expected to include the prestigious Prince of Wales Stakes, as well as a series of group Two races.
The third, and to many favourite day of Ascot is often referred to as ‘Ladies Day’, where high fashion and spectacle take centre stage and trends are set for the summer. If there is ever an occasion to dust of your best wardrobe, this would be it!
Thursday’s championships will also feature one of the week’s most beloved races, the Gold Cup. First founded in 1807, this marks the oldest existing race in Ascot’s sporting calendar.
The championships draw close to their conclusion on Ascot’s penultimate day, as two tense group one races take place, including the apt Coronation Cup, as well as the Commonwealth Cup, assuring an exhilarating day of sportsmanship.
Join the celebrations as Ascot reaches its final day, concluding the championship with the ground-breaking Jubilee Stakes, where Group One sportsmen compete for an incredible sum of £1M, a fitting finale to a week of remarkable competition.
Fashion and luxury lie at the heart of Ascot’s celebrations, making your clothing selection vitally important. While the event welcomes you to show off your creative flare regardless of your budget, there are a series of clothing requirements for you to be aware of…
The dress code of Ascot is said by many to be ‘dress to impress’. As you’ll likely be in the presence of the King, this is the ultimate opportunity to dust off the very best items in your wardrobe.
To learn more, visit their helpful dress code here.
Ladies attending the event are advised to dress modestly, with dresses falling just below the knee or longer. Off the shoulder, strapless or spaghetti strap dress are also strictly prohibited. Ladies are of course more than welcome to subvert tradition and don fetching suit or trousers, so long as these are of a suitable length, material and colour.
A significant question for many Ladies attending for the first time may experience is how to choose an appropriate hat for the event. Hats or fascinators are advised, however a headpiece is considered acceptable so long as it’s diameter is larger than four inches. While this may be slightly daunting, Ascot presents a fun opportunity to put yourself out there, whether this be with a extravagant headpiece or a wacky fascinator.
Gentlemen attending the event are advised to wear a dapper full-length suit, with a collared shirt. Ascot kindly requests that guests pay special attention to their suiting matching and appropriate tie choices. While not essential for all enclosures, gentlemen in the Royal enclosure are advised to wear a top hat where possible.
Whether you are in need of a shopping spree on Bond Street, advice on the best place to purchase an Ascot-appropriate hat or simply directions to reach the event, our friendly Resident Insiders would be more than happy to assist you however you need.
Lunch facilities at Ascot vary incredibly, with selections ranging from fine dining and afternoon tea sittings to more casual street food facilities depending on your booked enclosure.
With the final race of the day taking place at 18:10 each day, you will have ample time to return to the heart of London and experience the city’s world-renowned variety of restaurants and bars, ideally situated just moments from our doors. Guests retiring from the festivities slightly early would be more than welcome to join our Evening Drinks, where you may recount the day over a complimentary glass of wine, cared for by our friendly team.
