Royal Ascot, a cornerstone of the English summer social calendar, returns from June 18 to 22 - five days of thrilling horse racing, exquisite fashion and world-class cuisine.
Located just outside London, Royal Ascot offers a quintessential British experience. Steeped in tradition, the event boasts exceptional racing alongside pageantry and vibrant crowds.
We spoke to Felicity Barnard, Deputy CEO & Commercial Director, Ascot Racecourse, for a lowdown on the top experiences that money can buy at the Royal Meeting.
What are some services that luxury consumers can opt for at the Royal Ascot?
Guests attending Royal Ascot who are looking for ultimate luxury have a plethora of services and experiences to choose from to elevate their day. Among the top-tier experiences available are the array of private boxes with unrivalled views of the racecourse which afford guests privacy, exclusivity, and impeccable service at the heart of the action. All private boxes are catered to the very highest standard and come with a private bar and dining area, an LEDTV, private balcony and dedicated service staff. Additionally, there are a number of award-winning restaurants, where a line-up of world-class chefs collectively hold an impressive 12 Michelin stars and 3 Michelin green stars, offer the most spectacular dining experiences. Bespoke hospitality packages can also be tailored to include helicopter flights, access to exclusive lounges, Moët & Chandon champagne receptions, and chauffeured transfers.
We welcome a number of high-profile guests from the Middle East regio– Felicity Barnard
Can equine experts be hired during the races to better understand the prospects?
Yes, Ascot has a curated team of resident tipsters across all the fine dining restaurants and private boxes who are on-hand to guide VIP guests through each day’s racing and offer their top tips.
Please let us know about VIP entrances to the facility.
Ascot has a dedicated helipad that welcomes more than 500 aircraft throughout the week of Royal Ascot. Guests can indulge in a moment of luxury at the vanity station and add finishing touches to hair and makeup before being whisked off to their destination for the day by a private chauffeur. Most Royal Enclosure guests arrive via the world-renowned Car Park 1 – named one of the world’s most exclusive places to picnic with a waiting list for spaces spanning more than a decade long.
Do you recommend any other facilities in the vicinity to help build an equine-themed itinerary?
Only a couple of miles from the racecourse is Coworth Park, a 5-star destination of choice in the Ascot area. Guests can enjoy ultimate luxury within the rural estate which boasts an equestrian centre offering polo lessons, private tuition, and pony treks. Also close to Ascot is the Guards Polo Club which hosts a myriad of captivating events throughout June and offers an opportunity to witness the thrilling sport of polo at its finest. Moreover, a visit to the nearby Highclere Castle, renowned for its breath-taking beauty and historical significance, promises an enriching cultural experience for travellers.
Often guests, whether staying in Ascot or London, opt to indulge in the services of a beauty concierge such as Glow & Dry to ensure a tranquil pre-racing experience. As the gates to Royal Ascot open at 10.30am, many guests also prefer to savour a leisurely lunch before the arrival of the Royal Procession at 2pm. Following a day of thrilling racing, London’s finest restaurants and bars are often buzzing with Royal Ascot enthusiasts seeking to prolong their day well into the evening.
Could you share any data on travellers from the Middle East region visiting the races over the years? How many from the region do you expect this year?
We welcome a number of high-profile guests from the Middle East region, including numerous racehorse owners who invest significantly in British racing and enjoy visiting to experience the unique hospitality that is on offer at Royal Ascot. We’re optimistic about the potential for increased participation from Middle East travellers at Royal Ascot over the coming years and it is a key focus for us. The Royal Meeting is also broadcast across 19 countries in the MENA region by DMI, allowing everybody to enjoy the event from home as well.
Please share a calendar of other races that take place at Ascot Racecourse over the year.
The spectacular action on the track doesn’t end with the Royal Meeting. The King George VI And Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes, officially rated Britain’s best race in 2023, is the undoubted midsummer highlight and attracts a world-class field every year. The Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup always offers up unique thrills with its team-based tussles for supremacy. The Flat season finishes with QIPCO British Champions Day, featuring four Group 1 races on Britain’s richest raceday which crowns the equine elite of 2024.