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Local Information for Ascot

Ascot was originally a village called East Cote meaning Eastern Cottage from the old English Estcota and lies just 6 miles from Windsor Castle. Home to arguably the most famous racecourse in the country as might be expected most commercial development has grown up around it. It is in June that it seems that the whole of Britain, if not the World, comes to the Windsor area for the races.

It was Queen Anne in 1711 who ordered the races to be transferred from Datchet Meads and continued royal patronage has further increased the popularity of this major event in the social calendar. The first race was on Saturday August 11th 1711 and was worth 100 guineas. The contest bears little resemblance to racing held at Ascot today.

The Royal Enclosure was originally established to provide the Royal Family and their selected guests with privacy, security and exclusivity, allowing them to enjoy their day in comfort and style.

Today Ascot stages 25 days of racing throughout ...More