Like neighbouring Virginia Water and Sunningdale, Ascot is noted for its magnificent displays of trees and flowering shrubs.
The town is home to Royal Ascot, arguably the most famous racecourse in the UK, and often the reason for a visit here.
In 1845 a railway was opened in Ascot to serve the racecourse. Most commercial development in the town has grown up around the racecourse. Today there is a frequent rail service between Waterloo and Reading and residents now commute both directions to work.
Royal Ascot racing began at Ascot in 1711, after Queen Ann ordered the races to be transferred here from Datchet Meads. When George II came to the throne in 1760 Ascot became the most important racecourse in England after Epsom.
Continued royal patronage meant that Ascot increased in popularity and today it is a major event in the social calendar.
Ascot stages 25 days of racing each year but the most famous of these is The Royal Meeting, held in June. During the Royal Meeting the Royal Family drive along the course at around 2.00 pm in open, horse-drawn carriages to the cheers of the race-goers.
Gold Cup day (the third day) is the busiest of the week. On this day, also known as Ladies Day, all ladies entering the Royal Enclosure must wear a hat that covers 'the crown of the head'.
In June 2006 Ascot Racecourse reopened after a Ł200 million redevelopment programme, the most extensive project of this type in Europe.
Ascot Racecourse, Ascot SL5 7JX
One of the most famous horse racing courses in England. Ascot Racecourse information
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Blacknest Road Ascot SL5 7SE MAP A luxurious spa with a roof of fragrant herbs, an excellent gourmet restaurant, and an equestrian centre are offered at this stunning, 5-star country house. Its sumptuous rooms boast Bang and Olufsen TVs. Spacious and elegantly furnished, each room featu... More Information and Book ... |
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Bagshot Road, Sunninghill Ascot SL5 9JH MAP Styled like a French chateau, this historical manor is 1.5 miles from Ascot Racecourse. It has a relaxing spa with swimming pool and gym, and boasts an AA Rosette-rated restaurant. The Macdonald Berystede Hotel & Spa is set in peaceful gardens and woodla... More Information and Book ... |
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London Road Ascot SL5 8DR MAP With a large garden and free parking, Premier Inn Ascot is good for the M3/M4 motorways, 2 miles (3.2 km) from Royal Ascot, 5 miles (8 km) from Legoland and not far from historic Windsor Castle. Ideal for the world-famous Ascot Racecourse and surrounding... More Information and Book ... |
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The Avenue Ascot SL5 7ND MAP With free Wi-Fi and free parking, Lyndricks House offers cosy rooms and homemade breakfasts. Just a mile from Ascot Racecourse, the hotel is 10 minutes’ drive from Legoland and Bracknell. The compact bedrooms at Lyndricks each have a private bathroom a... More Information and Book ... |
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Larch Avenue Ascot SL5 0QE MAP In 65 acres of gardens and woodland, Sunningdale Park features a stylish restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool and luxury rooms with free Wi-Fi. Ascot Racecourse is just 2 miles away. The boutique-style bedrooms have a flat-screen LCD TV and a work desk. ... More Information and Book ... |
Towns Near Ascot To Visit - straight line distance:
Sunningdale Tourist Information (2.10 miles) Bracknell Tourist Information (3.23 miles) Old Windsor Tourist Information (5.24 miles) Chobham Tourist Information (5.30 miles)