The C&TH Guide To Royal Ascot 2024

As legend goes, in 1711 Queen Anne rode her horse from Windsor Castle to Ascot and said: ‘This would be a fine place for a race’. Later that year, the first horse racing event took place there and the tradition has continued ever since. Royal Ascot has grown to become arguably the most famous racecourse in the world, offering five days of unparalleled racing, high fashion, fine dining and pageantry every summer – and it’s back from 18–22 June 2024.

Royal Ascot 2024: Everything You Need To Know

(Photo by Miles Willis/Getty Images for Ascot Racecourse)

‘Founded by Queen Anne in 1711, for over 300 years, Royal Ascot has held its place as the Crown Jewel of the British racing season,’ says Felicity Bernard, Commercial Director at Ascot Racecourse. ‘Steeped in history, each year we celebrate the sport of horse racing in all its joy with a  five-day spectacle of thrilling racing, spectacular style, and truly British enjoyment.

‘It is an experience shaped by the distinct moments that punctuate each day,’ says Felicity. ‘Whether it’s the arrival of the Royal Procession, seven world class races throughout the afternoon or the communal singing around Ascot’s bandstand early evening, each day is an unforgettable whirlwind of excitement and colour.’

When Is Royal Ascot 2024?

Royal Ascot will return from 18–22 June 2024.

‘Thrill seekers and racegoers will come together to escape the ordinary and indulge in a week of celebration and festivities,’ says Felicity. ‘Whether it be the sport, the fashion, or the food that captures the imagination, there really is nothing quite like enjoying a British summer’s day with us at Royal Ascot.’

The Timings

But when should you arrive for your day at Royal Ascot? The gates open at 10.30am, and you can kick things off with breakfast and a coffee – plus you’ll have some time to explore the grounds and facilities before the races begin. At 2pm sharp each day the Royal Procession takes place: an Ascot tradition which dates back to 1985, when King George IV would process down the Royal Parade. For almost seven decades, the late Queen Elizabeth II was a regular fixture at Ascot, and King Charles took the reins for the first time in 2023. While it has not yet been confirmed whether he will be at this year’s event, there has been a big turnout from the Royal Family since the 18th century, so we imagine the King will show his face.

The Royal Procession is followed by the first race at 2.30pm, with the last race taking place at 6.10pm. Afterwards, racegoers gather around the bandstand as a choir run by a military band performs a songbook of hits (though only guests in certain enclosures can access this). In the Royal, Queen Anne and Windsor Enclosures, the day finishes at 8.30pm, while on Thursday, Friday and Saturday the party in the Village Enclosure continues until 9pm.

(c) Getty Images

The Enclosures

There are various types of ticket on offer, each allowing access to different areas. The Windsor Enclosure is the most informal space, with tickets available from just £49. You’re close to the heart of the action here, with a relaxed dress code, live music and plenty of casual dining options. Slightly pricier is the Village Enclosure, located on the inside of the track facing Ascot’s iconic grandstand – which means a unique perspective of the Royal Procession and races.

The Queen Anne Enclosure is the most upmarket enclosure for the general public. Here you get excellent views of the horses before and after each race, plus you have access to the Singing Around The Bandstand. It’s a sophisticated space decked out with many champagne bars and restaurants.

Finally: the Royal Enclosure, the most exclusive part of the course. At its inception, this space was reserved for guests of the King – and though it has expanded and adapted over time, it remains an invitation-only enclosure. Members have access to a private trackside viewing lawn, an area around the Parade Ring, a fourth floor vantage point in the Grandstand and several fine dining restaurants. To gain membership, you’ll need to be sponsored by two eligible members, and there’s a £100 joining fee.

Stephanie Peers attends day 3 of Royal Ascot on 21 June 2018. (Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Ascot Racecourse)

What To Wear To Royal Ascot

‘The fashion on display is a spectacle of its own and we’re expecting extravagant headpieces, bold patterns and bright colours this summer to give “dress to impress” an entirely new meaning, as racegoers are invited to take centre stage,’ says Felicity. ‘Guests come to see and be seen – the elegant artistry showcased across the week sets the sartorial trends for the rest of the summer season.’

Discover more about Royal Ascot’s style guide here

Food & Drink

When it comes to eating and drinking at Royal Ascot, there is ample choice. All enclosures have a wide selection of offerings, from picnic packages and street food stalls to fine dining experiences. The restaurants for 2024 include:

• Parade Ring: Royal Ascot stalwart chef Simon Rogan is back cooking up a storm at The Parade Ring Restaurant, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience for discerning guests.
• Wyndham Club: Located in the Royal Enclosure Gardens, the Wyndham Club offers an intimate setting with a balcony, from which the spectacles below can be observed.
• The Old Press Room: On Level 2 of the Grandstand, The Old Press Room offers an exceptional six-course tasting menu curated by Tom Barnes, Executive Head Chef at three Michelin-starred L’Enclume and one Michelin-starred Rogan & Co.
• Windsor Forest: This warm and inviting restaurant offers fine dining with personalised service, flexibility and attention to detail.
• The Sandringham: Nestled in a striking orangery-inspired structure in a sunny corner of Lavender Courtyard, The Sandringham is an ideal spot for a relaxed yet vibrant meal at Royal Ascot.
• Trackside: Positioned just after the finishing post, dine at Trackside for a relaxed setting at the heart of the action.
• Panoramic: This sixth floor Panoramic Restaurant promises an afternoon delight thanks to another Royal Ascot stalwart, Raymond Blanc OBE, who is chef-in-residence for 2024.
• The Veranda: With a superb view of the winning post on the inside of the track, enjoy a delightful meal at The Veranda with a panoramic view of Royal Ascot.

Another option is to book a private box, which can fit between 10 and 108 guests. Each box has its own private bar and dining area, a large flat screen TV and a private balcony to ensure you don’t miss any of the action.

If you’re in the Windsor Enclosure, you can either pre-order a picnic or bring your own supplies – including drinks. The lawn features picnic tables, and there are also street food stalls dotted around serving everything from fish and chips to ice cream, plus endless bars offering champagne, cocktails and beers.

The Days

Each day at Royal Ascot has a slightly different feel and purpose. The first day is always seen as the most important for racing purists, with three Group 1 contests: The Queen Anne Stakes, King’s Stand Stakes and St James’s Palace Stakes. Day two tends to be a more relaxed affair, the racing highlight being the prestigious Group 1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes.

The third day is Ladies Day, a day where fashion takes centre stage – alongside the historic Gold Cup, of course. Friday, the penultimate day, features two Group 1 races: the Coronation Stakes and the Commonwealth Cup. All this culminates in the final day, Saturday 22 June, with the highlight being the Group 1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes, one of the world’s great international sprint races.

BOOK IT

For more information and to book tickets, visit ascot.com