What It’s Really Like to Attend Royal Ascot in 2025
Imagine a place where royalty and racing, hats and high fashion, pomp and Pimm’s all collide on the same day. That’s Royal Ascot, and if you're heading there tomorrow (June 17), here's everything you need to know.
A Storied Tradition Since 1711
Founded by Queen Anne in 1711, Royal Ascot has evolved into a five-day institution that mixes sporting excellence with regal ceremony. Set just outside Windsor, it's one of Britain’s premier flat-racing festivals, drawing around 250,000 to 300,000 attendees annually. From gold-chasing races to red-carpet fashion, it’s truly “Like nowhere else.”
Race Dates & Highlights: June 17–21, 2025
This year’s festival kicks off Tuesday, June 17, and runs through Saturday. Highlights include:
Opening Day (Tuesday) – Royal Procession + Queen Anne Stakes + St. James’s Palace Stakes
Wednesday – The Prince of Wales’s Stakes (£1 million)
Thursday – Ladies’ Day culminates in the prestigious Gold Cup
Friday – Commonwealth Cup & Coronation Stakes
Saturday – Platinum Jubilee Stakes
And yes, if you're sipping, be aware: over 56,000 bottles of champagne and 21,000 jugs of Pimm’s get consumed during the week .
The Royal Stamp: Procession and Prestige
Every day around 2 PM, the royals arrive via horse-drawn carriage through the Royal Gates. King Charles III and Queen Camilla—joined by other royals—lead the procession as the Irish Guards band plays. The crowd rises, toes tip, and thousands of black-topped hats salute as “God Save the King” echoes across the stands . It’s nothing short of magical.
What to Wear: Dress Codes by Enclosure
Royal Enclosure
Men: Morning dress—navy, grey, or black coat, waistcoat, tie/cravat, top hat, black shoes/socks and hats stay on, unless inside a private area .
Women: Formal daywear with a sturdy hat (≥ 10 cm brim), knees or longer, wider straps—fascinators are not allowed
Queen Anne Enclosure
Men: Suit & tie; Women: Dress/formal attire + hat or fascinator
Village Enclosure
Smart attire encouraged. Similar to Queen Anne but slightly more relaxed
Windsor Enclosure
The most relaxed: “smart-casual” encouraged; hats optional; expect a lively vibe .
Fashion tip: Bold, floral, pastel hats are trending—think pale pinks, sage green, fuchsia .
How to Get Inside the Royal Enclosure
Entry is strictly by invitation or membership. To join, you typically need:
A sponsor who attended for at least six years
A formal application and £100 joining fee
Each member receives two guest tickets per non‑Opening Day, and Opening Day itself is invite only.
The Races & Betting Culture
Each year hosts 35 races—including eight Group 1 events—with total prize money exceeding £10 million.
Betting: Mobile kiosks, trackside bookstalls, racecards everywhere—even betting on what color the Queen (now King’s) outfit might be.
Personal highlight? Winning £15 betting on pink—yes, really
Food & Drink: Party on Grass
Whether you're dining in high-end restaurants or picnicking on trackside lawns, options are abundant":
Fine dining: The Wyndham Club or Sandringham Restaurant—complete with Moët champagne
Casual eating: Gourmet street food, lobster rolls, and more
Drinks: Expect Bollinger, Pimm’s, Guinness, wine, tea, and mineral water at every turn
Tips for Attending Tomorrow (June 17)
Get there early—gates open ~10:30 AM for best views and less queueing
Bring a portable fan & water—summer days can get hot, and you’ll want hydration.
Capture the hats, not just the horses—the fashion is part of the spectacle.
Place your bets before 2 PM—the Royal Procession closes off the action.
Stay for the full day—the vibe peaks during the procession and racing events.
Why It’s Unforgettable
Regal spectacle: Horse-drawn carriage procession, royal attendance, a ceremonial buzz like nowhere else.
Glamour galore: Think garden-party chic meets high-stakes fashion.
A tribal experience: Shared cheers, collective applause, lookout for each royal entrance.
But above all, it’s an experience that blends British pomp, sport, culture, and tradition in a way nothing else does.
Wrap-Up & Call to Action
Heading tomorrow? Here’s your fast checklist:
☑️ Pack early—hat, sunscreen, and comfy shoes
☑️ Dress code sorted—know your enclosure
☑️ Book transport—train from London, allow enough time
☑️ Bring cash/cards—every food stall, drink booth & bet stand
☑️ Stay until the Royal Box appears—it’s worth it
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