Royal Ascot Racecourse Events: Dates, Location and Tickets
There’s no event in the British summer calendar quite like Royal Ascot. A timeless fusion of high fashion, world-class horse racing, and aristocratic tradition, this five-day spectacle draws royalty, celebrities, and style aficionados from across the globe. Founded by Queen Anne in 1711, Royal Ascot has grown into an emblem of British elegance—where the thrill of the racecourse meets the grandeur of couture.
Every June, Ascot Racecourse transforms into a scene of polished pageantry, from the dramatic flair of hats and fascinators to the thunder of hooves and champagne toasts. Whether you're attending for the horses, the glamour, or the history, Royal Ascot promises an unforgettable experience.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know: key race dates, full event fixtures, Ascot’s location, ticket pricing, and, of course, what to wear to ensure you look every bit the part. Let’s dive in.

When is Royal Ascot 2025?
Royal Ascot 2025 runs from Tuesday, 17th June to Saturday, 21st June, delivering five days of thrilling flat racing and high society fashion. Gates open daily at 10:30 AM, with the first race at 2:30 PM and the final race around 6:15 PM.
This glamorous event is a cornerstone of the British summer season, attracting royalty, fashion icons, and racing enthusiasts from around the world. Each day features its own standout races, with Thursday celebrated as the prestigious Ladies’ Day.
Royal Ascot 2025 Full Schedule & Prize Money
Tuesday, June 17th – Opening Day
Time |
Race |
Prize Money |
14:30 |
The Queen Anne Stakes |
£750,000 |
15:05 |
The Coventry Stakes G2 |
£175,000 |
15:45 |
The King Charles III Stakes (Group 1) |
£650,000 |
16:25 |
The St James’s Palace Stakes G1 |
£650,000 |
17:05 |
The Ascot Stakes Handicap |
£110,000 |
17:40 |
The Wolferton Rated Stakes |
£120,000 |
18:15 |
The Copper Horse Stakes |
£110,000 |
Wednesday, June 18th
Time |
Race |
Prize Money |
14:30 |
The Queen Mary Stakes G2 |
£150,000 |
15:05 |
The Queen’s Vase (Group 2) |
£265,000 |
15:45 |
The Duke Of Cambridge Stakes G2 |
£225,000 |
16:25 |
The Prince of Wales’s Stakes G1 |
£1,000,000 |
17:05 |
The Royal Hunt Cup Handicap |
£175,000 |
17:40 |
The Kensington Palace Stakes |
£110,000 |
18:15 |
The Windsor Castle Stakes |
£110,000 |
Thursday, June 19th – Ladies’ Day
Time |
Race |
Prize Money |
14:30 |
The Norfolk Stakes G2 |
£150,000 |
15:05 |
The King George V Stakes Handicap |
£110,000 |
15:45 |
The Ribblesdale Stakes G2 |
£250,000 |
16:25 |
The Ascot Gold Cup G1 |
£650,000 |
17:05 |
The Britannia Stakes (Heritage Handicap) |
£120,000 |
17:40 |
Hampton Court Stakes (Group 3) |
£150,000 |
18:15 |
Buckingham Palace Stakes (Handicap) |
£110,000 |
Friday, June 20th
Time |
Race |
Prize Money |
14:30 |
The Albany Stakes G3 |
£125,000 |
15:05 |
Commonwealth Cup (Group 1) |
£650,000 |
15:45 |
Coronation Stakes (Group 1) |
£650,000 |
16:25 |
Duke of Edinburgh Stakes |
£110,000 |
17:05 |
Sandringham Stakes |
£110,000 |
17:40 |
King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2) |
£250,000 |
18:15 |
Palace of Holyroodhouse Stakes |
£110,000 |
Saturday, June 21st – Finale Day
Time |
Race |
Prize Money |
14:30 |
The Chesham Stakes |
£110,000 |
15:05 |
Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2) |
£250,000 |
15:45 |
Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes G1 |
£1,000,000 |
16:25 |
Jersey Stakes (Group 3) |
£150,000 |
17:05 |
The Wokingham Stakes Handicap |
£175,000 |
17:40 |
The Golden Gates Stakes |
£110,000 |
18:15 |
The Queen Alexandra Stakes |
£110,000 |
Where is Royal Ascot Held?
The world-famous Royal Ascot takes place at Ascot Racecourse, nestled in the picturesque county of Berkshire, England. Just a 50-minute train ride from Central London, it’s one of the most accessible major racecourses in the UK—yet it retains a regal, countryside charm befitting its royal heritage.
Established in 1711 by Queen Anne, Ascot has grown into a globally renowned venue, with facilities fit for royalty and racing fans alike. The venue itself boasts sweeping grandstands, pristine lawns, and elegant enclosures where pageantry and tradition thrive.
Ascot Racecourse Essentials
Detail |
Information |
📍 Location |
Ascot, Berkshire, England |
🚉 Nearest Train Station |
Ascot Station (5-min walk to main gates) |
🕰️ Event Gates Open |
10:30 AM daily during Royal Ascot |
👥 Average Attendance |
60,000+ guests per day during Royal Ascot |
👑 Royal Association |
Hosted by the British Royal Family since 1711 |
Whether you arrive by train, chauffeur, or even helicopter, Royal Ascot’s setting is as memorable as the racing itself.
How Much Are Royal Ascot Tickets?
Attending Royal Ascot 2025 offers a range of experiences—from relaxed picnics on the lawn to exquisite hospitality in regal enclosures. Ticket prices depend on the day, enclosure type, and level of exclusivity. Here’s a clear breakdown to help you plan your visit:
🎟️ Royal Ascot Ticket Prices – At a Glance
Date |
Queen Anne Enclosure |
Village Enclosure |
Windsor Enclosure |
Royal Enclosure |
Tuesday 17 June |
From £99 |
— |
From £35 |
From POA |
Wednesday 18 June |
From £99 |
— |
From £35 |
From POA |
Thursday 19 June |
From £110 |
From £85 |
From £45 |
From POA |
Friday 20 June |
From £110 |
From £85 |
From £40 |
From POA |
Saturday 21 June |
From £110 |
From £89 |
From £45 |
From POA |
(Prices are based on official listings for 2025 as of the latest update. Subject to change.)
📍 For the latest updates and to purchase tickets, visit the official Royal Ascot ticketing page.
🏇 Enclosure Descriptions:
-
Queen Anne Enclosure: Central to the action. Think fashion, fine dining, and incredible views of the parade ring and track.
-
Village Enclosure: Modern, lively, and social—located in the centre of the track with a festival vibe.
-
Windsor Enclosure: A casual and vibrant option. No formal dress code, and great for groups and first-timers.
-
Royal Enclosure: The pinnacle of prestige. Admission is by invitation or application, with the most formal dress code and exclusive access.
Ascot Gold Cup & Key Races of the Week
The highlight of Royal Ascot for racing purists is undoubtedly the Ascot Gold Cup, but every day is packed with thrilling, world-class races. Spanning five days, each Royal Ascot fixture blends sporting prestige with social spectacle.
🥇 Ascot Gold Cup – Thursday, 19 June 2025
Held on Ladies’ Day, the Ascot Gold Cup is a Group 1 race and one of the most coveted prizes in flat racing. Known for its endurance test, it’s run over two miles and four furlongs and draws the top stayers in the sport. It's also the day where fashion takes centre stage, with some of the most spectacular hats and outfits on display.
-
Race Time: 16:25
-
Prize Money: £650,000
-
Race Type: Group 1 – Long Distance
🌟 Other Key Ascot Races to Watch
Day |
Race |
Time |
Prize Money |
Notes |
Tuesday |
Queen Anne Stakes |
14:30 |
£750,000 |
Opening race of the week, Group 1 |
Tuesday |
King Charles III Stakes |
15:45 |
£650,000 |
Renamed in 2024, Group 1 |
Wednesday |
Prince of Wales’s Stakes |
16:25 |
£1,000,000 |
Highest prize money of the week |
Friday |
Commonwealth Cup |
15:05 |
£650,000 |
Group 1 for 3-year-olds |
Friday |
Coronation Stakes |
15:45 |
£650,000 |
Group 1 for fillies |
Saturday |
Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes |
15:45 |
£1,000,000 |
Sprint finale Group 1 |
Whether you're cheering trackside or viewing from the Queen Anne Enclosure, these races promise unforgettable drama, elegance, and tradition.
🕰️ What Time Does Royal Ascot Start and Finish?
Royal Ascot 2025 runs from Tuesday 17th to Saturday 21st June, and each day follows a beautifully orchestrated schedule that blends tradition, spectacle, and thrilling competition.
-
Gates Open: 10:30 AM – Arrive early to enjoy the grounds, refreshments, and atmosphere.
-
Royal Procession: 2:00 PM – A daily tradition since 1825, the Royal Procession sees the King and Queen arrive in horse-drawn carriages along the track.
-
First Race: 2:30 PM – Racing action begins.
-
Last Race: 6:15 PM – Concludes the day’s programme with a final flurry of excitement.
🎩 Dress Code Tip: Be sure to arrive dressed according to your enclosure’s rules—Royal Ascot is as much about style as it is about racing. You can check our Royal Ascot Fashion Guide for more information.
📍 Travel Tips:
-
By Train: Direct trains from London Waterloo and Reading to Ascot Station (approx. 50 mins from London). It’s a 5-minute walk to the racecourse.
-
By Car: Parking available but must be booked in advance.
-
By Helicopter or Chauffeur: Yes, that’s an option too—this is Royal Ascot after all.
🎩 Dress to Impress: Royal Ascot Style Tips & Fascinator Favourites
At Royal Ascot, the thrill of the races shares the spotlight with fashion—and nothing is more essential than the perfect headpiece. Hats and fascinators are not just accessories; they are a requirement, a tradition, and above all, a statement of style and individuality.
Whether you’re attending for the racing or the fashion (or both), your headwear is your ticket to standing out. In the Royal Enclosure, hats must have a solid base of at least 4 inches, while the Queen Anne Enclosure embraces bold fascinators and couture headbands. The right piece elevates even the simplest dress, transforming your look into one fit for British high society.
Quick Style Tips for Royal Ascot:
-
Follow Enclosure Guidelines: Know the dress code—it's strict, especially in Royal and Queen Anne areas.
-
Let Your Hat Lead: Choose your headwear first and build your outfit around it.
-
Keep It Classy: Modest cuts, elegant tailoring, and timeless shapes win every time.
-
Avoid No-Gos: Strapless styles, sheer fabrics, or mini dresses are generally frowned upon.
💐 At Merve Bayindir Millinery, we specialise in handcrafted Ascot-approved hats and fascinators designed to turn heads. Every piece is sustainably made, exquisitely detailed, and tailored for women who dress to be remembered.
Explore our top Royal Ascot picks below—and discover more at our Royal Ascot Hats Collection. For the official Royal Ascot Lookbook, just follow the link.
Hats & Fascinators for Royal Ascot Racecourse Events
💜 Violet Halo Fascinator
An exquisite example of sculptural elegance, the Violet Halo Fascinator is a showstopper tailored for Royal Ascot’s refined aesthetic. Its lavender double-button base is beautifully accented with hand-pressed natural flowers, while a delicate swirl of sheer crinoline floats above like a breeze caught in motion.
Worn slightly off-centre on the right, this piece balances romantic delicacy with architectural flair, making it an ideal choice for the Queen Anne Enclosure or a fashion-forward moment in the Royal Enclosure. Whether you’re pairing it with a tailored pastel ensemble or a floral-print dress, this fascinator promises to elevate your Ascot presence with poise and originality.
🪶 Perfect for: Royal Ascot, luxury weddings, high-society garden parties🎨 Colour: Lilac with natural flower detailing
🧵 Made in: London, England — sustainably and by hand
💙 Midnight Whisper Wide Brim Hat
Striking and poetic, the Midnight Whisper wide-brim hat is crafted for the woman who embraces elegance with a bold twist. Its asymmetrical, oversized brim in soft blue creates a commanding silhouette, while clusters of handcrafted silk flowers—flowing from the interior to the underside—add depth, romance, and a hint of theatrical drama.
Secured with a discreet wire headband and elastic for comfort, this hat is designed to stay firmly in place as you make your entrance. It's a perfect match for the Royal Enclosure, where grandeur and sophistication are celebrated to the fullest.
🌸 Perfect for: Royal Ascot, Derby Day, high-profile weddings🎨 Colour: Dreamy blue
🧵 Made in: London, England — handcrafted with couture-level detailing
🌸 Aurora Blossom Saucer Hat
The Aurora Blossom Saucer Hat is a poetic celebration of springtime romance and refined craftsmanship. Its soft grey sinamay base, elegantly tilted to the right, is adorned with cascading blush-pink resin flowers, delicate crystals, and trimmed feathers, offering an ethereal sense of movement and light. This saucer-style hat strikes the perfect balance between structured style and feminine grace.
Set atop a mini saucer for added height and secured with a wire headband and elastic, it provides both drama and comfort, ideal for long race days. Whether you're aiming for timeless charm or contemporary elegance, this piece will bring effortless sophistication to your Royal Ascot look.
🌿 Perfect for: Royal Ascot, Derby, Melbourne Cup, spring weddings🎨 Colour: Soft grey with blush embellishments
🧵 Made in: London, England — handcrafted to perfection
✨ Stellar Gleam Fascinator
Step into the spotlight with the Stellar Gleam Fascinator, a radiant expression of evening glamour and celestial charm. With its elevated grey button base adorned in scattered crystals and intricate beadwork, it catches the light like stardust at every turn. At the back, a shimmering silver bow in metallic silk abaca adds a dash of drama and timeless elegance.
Perched slightly to the right and secured with a headband and elastic, this piece is as comfortable as it is captivating. Whether you're sipping champagne at Royal Ascot or making an entrance at the Derby, this fascinator brings shine, structure, and pure magic to your headwear.
🌌 Perfect for: Royal Ascot, Derby, evening weddings, elegant race day affairs🎨 Colour: Moonlit grey with silver accents
🧵 Made in: London, England — handcrafted for brilliance
🌿 Verdant Breeze Fascinator
As seen in the Official Royal Ascot Style Guide 2025, the Verdant Breeze Fascinator is a masterclass in motion and artistry. Its light green preacher-style base curves gently across the face, while a sculptural crinoline veil sweeps upward in a breeze-like flourish — embroidered on both sides with subtle floral beadwork for a poetic finish.
This whimsical and ethereal headpiece feels like a soft wind captured in fabric. It adds dimension and movement to your look without overpowering it. Lightweight and fitted securely with a wire headband, it's an effortless way to turn heads from Royal Ascot to weddings or refined garden parties.
🍃 Perfect for: Royal Ascot (official selection), elegant race days, spring weddings, artistic fashion lovers🎨 Colour: Whisper green
🧵 Made in: London, England — sustainably handcrafted
🪻 Lavender Sparkle Fascinator
Small in size, bold in presence — the Lavender Sparkle Fascinator is your go-to for race day dazzle. This button-shaped fascinator is cloaked in shimmering lavender-to-blue sequins, catching the light from every angle. The airy crinoline bow, shaped with effortless drama, brings graceful movement to this compact yet head-turning design.
Ideal for Royal Ascot, Derby Day, or stylish evening receptions, this lilac fascinator balances glamour with ease, offering a glittering statement that doesn’t overwhelm. A true gem for those who love a little sparkle in their spotlight.
🌟 Perfect for: Royal Ascot, Derby, gala events, formal weddings🎨 Colour: Lilac with iridescent sparkle
🧵 Made in: London, England — delicately handmade with artistic flair
🩵 Twilight Petal Wide Brim Hat
Where garden dreams meet grandeur — the Twilight Petal Wide Brim Hat is a poetic blend of floral finesse and high-fashion elegance. Its wide, asymmetrical blue brim is adorned with delicately pressed natural yellow and blue flowers, giving the illusion of a blooming canvas in motion. Lightweight yet commanding, it offers both sun-shielding function and standout style.
Selected for the Official Royal Ascot Style Guide 2025, this hat is a must-have for those aiming to leave a lasting impression at the races or any sophisticated outdoor event. Its vegan-friendly craftsmanship is a nod to conscious luxury without compromising charm.
🌟 Perfect for: Royal Ascot, Derby Day, garden weddings, elegant outdoor occasions🎨 Colour: Blue with pressed natural flowers
🧵 Made in: London, England — handcrafted and vegan-friendly
💚 Sunlit Meadows Wide Brim Hat
Step into pastoral elegance with the Sunlit Meadows Wide Brim Hat — a refined tribute to countryside romance and seasonal splendour. Made from breezy sage-green sinamay, this graceful hat arcs upward in a sweeping curve, crowned by a hand-crafted bouquet of resin flowers in warm coral, blush, and gold. Every detail evokes the serenity of a sun-drenched meadow in bloom.
Ideal for Royal Ascot, Derby days, and outdoor weddings, it offers both shade and standout style. Its lightweight construction and flattering tilt make it a dream to wear from day to dusk.
🌟 Perfect for: Royal Ascot, formal garden weddings, Derby, high-society outdoor events🎨 Colour: Sage green with warm multicolour floral accents
🧵 Made in: London, England — exquisitely handmade with elegance in every stitch.
🎩 The Final Gallop: Make Your Royal Ascot Moment Count
Whether you’re drawn in by the thundering hooves or the rustle of silk and feathers in the Royal Enclosure, Royal Ascot is far more than just a race—it’s a cultural icon. With race fixtures steeped in heritage, fashion that rivals couture runways, and an atmosphere unlike any other, it’s an experience designed for grandeur.
We hope this guide has helped you navigate the dates, races, ticket tiers, and, most importantly, style expectations. As you prepare for five days of elegance, don’t forget the finishing touch—your headwear.
Explore the full Royal Ascot Hats & Fascinators Collection by Merve Bayindir where every piece is handmade in London and crafted to captivate. And if you’re dreaming of something truly bespoke, our VIP Hat Fitting Service awaits, along with Custom Bespoke Hat Service.
Because at Royal Ascot, it's not just about being seen—It's about being unforgettable.