Royal Ascot 2025: The Ultimate Guide to Britain's Most Prestigious Race Meeting
For five remarkable days in June, a corner of Berkshire transforms into the epicentre of global high society and world-class sport. Royal Ascot is more than a horse race; it's a quintessentially British institution, a symphony of sartorial elegance, royal pageantry, and unparalleled thoroughbred racing. It remains the crown jewel of the British summer season, attracting the finest horses, jockeys, and trainers to compete for over £10 million in prize money.
This guide serves as your definitive companion to the 2025 meeting, detailing everything from the prestigious race schedule and intricate dress codes to securing the most exclusive hospitality experiences. Whether you are a seasoned racing enthusiast or a first-time guest, prepare for an unforgettable spectacle.
The Race Schedule & Feature Races
The week unfolds with 35 races, each day carrying its own distinct character. Tuesday is for the purist, featuring three Group 1 races, while Thursday's "Ladies' Day" is built around the historic Gold Cup, the nation's most important race for stayers.
| Date | Feature Races (Group 1) | Other Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Tue, | Queen Anne Stakes, King Charles III Stakes, St James’s Palace Stakes | Coventry Stakes, Ascot Stakes |
| Wed, | Prince Of Wales’s Stakes | Queen Mary Stakes, Queen’s Vase |
| Thu, | Gold Cup | Norfolk Stakes, Ribblesdale Stakes |
| Fri, | Commonwealth Cup, Coronation Stakes | Albany Stakes, King Edward VII Stakes |
| Sat, | Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes | Chesham Stakes, Hardwicke Stakes |
The Fashion & Social Scene
Nowhere is the union of sport and style more pronounced. Royal Ascot is globally renowned for its strict dress codes, which uphold the formal traditions of the event. In the Royal Enclosure, gentlemen are required to wear morning suits and top hats, while ladies don formal daywear and hats of distinction.
Thursday is colloquially known as “Ladies’ Day”—a day of sartorial splendour famous for its showcase of extravagant hats and high fashion.
The event is a magnet for celebrities, influencers, and members of the Royal Family. Last year, His Majesty The King attended four of the five days, arriving each day in the iconic horse-drawn Royal Procession, a tradition that signals the start of each race day.
Tickets, Enclosures & Unrivalled Hospitality
Access to Royal Ascot is tiered across several enclosures, from the relaxed Windsor Enclosure to the prestigious Queen Anne Enclosure. For the ultimate experience, however, nothing compares to official hospitality.
While some premium options are already sold out for 2025, Above + Beyond provides unparalleled access to the most sought-after experiences, including private boxes with panoramic views, fine dining restaurants, and exclusive garden areas. Our packages ensure a seamless day of luxury, from arrival to the last glass of champagne.
Discover Royal Ascot HospitalityExpert Tips for an Unforgettable Experience
To make the most of your day, consider these insider recommendations:
- Book Early: Tickets and hospitality, especially for the final three days, sell out months in advance. Secure your place early to avoid disappointment.
- Adhere to Dress Codes: Meticulously check the dress code for your specific enclosure. It is strictly enforced and integral to the event's tradition.
- Arrive for the Royal Procession: Plan to arrive before 2:00pm to witness the Royal Family's arrival down the Straight Mile. It's a truly iconic moment.
- Plan Your Journey: Whether arriving by train or car, expect significant crowds. Pre-book parking and allow ample travel time.
- Explore the Grounds: Beyond the track, explore the bandstands, champagne bars, and immaculately manicured gardens that make the racecourse so special.
Royal Ascot 2025 FAQs
Royal Ascot 2025 takes place from Tuesday, June 17 to Saturday, June 21. The festival features 35 races across five days at Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire.
- Gates open at 10:30am.
- The Royal Procession is at 2:00pm.
- The first race starts at 2:30pm and the last race is at 6:15pm each day.
All 35 races will be broadcast live on ITV1 and Sky Sports Racing. Races can also be streamed via the Racing Post website and app, as well as ITVX and the STV Player.
Ladies’ Day at Royal Ascot is Thursday, June 19, 2025. This day is famous for high fashion and the prestigious Gold Cup race.
- Royal Enclosure: Morning dress for men (black or grey), formal daywear and hats for women.
- Queen Anne Enclosure: Jacket and tie for men, formal dress and hat or headpiece for women.
- Village Enclosure: Smart occasion wear; no strapless, sheer, or short dresses. Trouser suits must be full-length; jumpsuits must fall below the knee. Shorts and midriffs are not permitted.
- Windsor Enclosure: No formal dress code, but smart daywear is encouraged.
- Windsor Enclosure: £49–£65 (cheapest option).
- Village Enclosure: Around £85.
- Queen Anne Enclosure: £90–£99.
- Royal Enclosure: Price on application (POA), with access by invitation or membership only.
Expect to pay around £7.50 for a pint of Guinness, £6.50 for Grolsch, and £7.60 for a bottle of Peroni.
Tuesday, the opening day, is considered the most prestigious, featuring three Group 1 races including the Queen Anne Stakes and King Charles III Stakes. Thursday’s Gold Cup is also a major highlight.
Yes, anyone can attend with a ticket. However, children under 10 are not permitted in the Royal Enclosure, and those aged 10–17 require a ticket if attending the Royal Enclosure. Up to four children per adult can attend free in other enclosures.
Yes, popular days—especially Saturday and Gold Cup day (Thursday)—often sell out in all enclosures. Early booking is advised.
Yes, Ladies’ Day is open to everyone. Men are encouraged to dress smartly and enjoy the event alongside female racegoers.
You can bring your own picnic and a bottle of Champagne or sparkling wine only in the Windsor Enclosure, where there are designated lawns for picnicking. Other enclosures do not permit outside food or drink.
The Windsor Enclosure is the most affordable, with tickets starting from £49.
- C: The horse has previously won at the course.
- D: The horse has previously won over the same distance.
Tuesday is widely regarded as the best day for racing quality, with three Group 1 races and the prestigious Queen Anne Stakes.