Ascot visitor guide (Horse Racing events: Royal Ascot, The Victor Chandler Chase)

Ascot Racecourse is a racecourse situated in the village of Ascot, in Berkshire. Ascot is one of the most pre-eminent racecourses in the United Kingdom, holding 9 of the UK's 31 annual Group 1 races. The course has always been closely associated with the Royal Family, due to Ascot's proximity to Windsor Castle, and the fact that the racecourse is owned by the Crown Estate.

The course was founded by Queen Anne in 1711, and held many races for years to come, only shutting briefly for 20 months at the end of 2004 to allow for a massive refurbishment that cost in the region of £185m. There are currently plans in place for further refinements to this too.

Today Ascot hosts 25 days of racing over the year, with sixteen Flat-race meetings held in the months of May and October. The Royal Meeting, better known as Royal Ascot, is held at the course in June with the centrepiece being the prestigious Ascot Gold Cup, and is a major draw for the crowds. Arguably the most prestigious race ran at Ascot is the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes, which takes place in July.

Those visiting Ascot can expect five-star treatment, with a huge amount of restaurants and bars scattered around the area. There are also a large number of Ascot hotels around the surrounding area serving those attending meetings at the course.

Getting To Ascot Racecourse

Of course, many people will want to travel to Ascot by car, and there are many options for car and coach parking when you arrive. It is prudent to book before time on the Ascot website due to high demand. Parking a car for the day costs around £16, with a minibus costing about £65. The best way to find the racecourse is to use a reputable route planner or, even better, satellite navigation, and to aid with this the course's postcode is SL5 7JX.

There are some public transport options, with regular rail services from Waterloo and Reading, with Ascot Racecourse lying less-than ten minute walk away from the station.

Finally, for those who have access, you can arrive at Ascot by helicopter, but you must arrange this well in advance through an appropriate company.