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Eight Ways to Create Your Own British social season
9th June 2021
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Coworth ParkHistorically, the 'Season' was a series of balls, receptions, social and sporting events which ran from May to August each year.
It emerged in the 17th and 18th centuries and was timed around the residency of the royal family in London. The British aristocracy left their country estates to spend the summer months following old customs based around the royal court and from this developed a programme of events, many of which we still enjoy today.
The tradition reached its peak in the 19th century, when the purpose altered slightly when children of marriageable age were launched into society. For debutantes (from the French for ‘female beginner’), the 'Season' was a very serious business that required months of preparation culminating in being presented to the monarch at the May Ball, followed by a whirlwind six months of parties, balls and social events such as Royal Ascot and garden parties at Buckingham Palace.
Who can forget Eliza Doolittle's debut into high society at Royal Ascot in My Fair Lady, the musical film version of George Bernard Shaw’s book Pygmalion?
12th August (‘The Glorious Twelfth’) officially marked the end of the 'Season' as the aristocrats returned to their country estates for the start of the shooting season.
Today, there is no longer an official 'Season', but many of the same traditions and customs remain. Dress codes may apply, especially for royal events, when hats must be worn, and a jacket and tie.
From visiting The Queen’s home to attending the same events and enjoying the same activities, there are many ways for every visitor to enjoy the 'Season' in Windsor, London’s country estate.
Windsor CastleVisit HM The Queen’s official home
Windsor Castle, the world’s oldest and largest castle that is still actively used today, was formally the official residence of Her Majesty The Queen and the family home of British kings and queens for almost 1,000 years. Highlights include the State Apartments and St George's Chapel.
Ascot RacecourseSpend a day at the races
There’s summer flat racing at Royal Windsor’s island course and year-round flat and jumps racing at Ascot with plenty of fun to be had choosing runners and riders and having a flutter. The highlight event is Royal Ascot, a national institution and the centrepiece of the British social calendar. The royal party attends each day – arriving in horse-drawn carriages – and bookmakers even take bets on the colour of The Queen’s hat.
Travel in a horse-drawn carriage
Explore Windsor Great Park in style with a horse-drawn carriage ride. Ascot Carriages offer scenic drives in a beautiful carriage previously used by The Queen’s Equerry and Horsemaster. Windsor Carriages run tours from outside Windsor Castle and down The Long Walk to Home Park, a six-mile journey enjoyed by royalty for centuries and exclusively shared with guests of Windsor Carriages by Crown licence since 1849.
Get a ringside seat at Royal Windsor Horse Show
Royal Windsor Horse Show was first staged in 1943 to help raise funds for the war effort. It has continued to run every year since and is now the only show in the UK to host international competitions in Show Jumping, Dressage, Driving and Endurance. The Queen has always been a keen horsewoman and at the first show she won the Pony and Dogcart class. Since then Her Majesty has entered many homebred horses and ponies in classes at the show. The British Royal family continue to be keen supporters of the show to this day. His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh, was a regular competitor in the International Driving Grand Prix and finally retired from competing in 2003.
Go to Eton
World-famous Eton College is where Prince William and Prince Harry went to school. The Museum of Eton Life (located in Brewhouse Yard, accessed from Eton High Street via Baldwin’s Shore) is the place to discover Eton College’s history and traditions, famous Old Etonians (from poets to prime ministers) and sports including the Wall Game. Find out about Eton, what and where pupils learn, eat and live.
Private Boat HireExplore the River Thames in style
Private Boat Hire Ltd offer tours on their luxury river cruisers for small groups of up to 12 people. Take a mellow evening cruise on the river or use the service to deliver you and your guests to a top riverside hotel or restaurant. For Michelin-star dining try The Fat Duck and The Waterside Inn in Bray or Sindhu at the Compleat Angler in Marlow. Top riverside hotels include Oakley Court and Monkey Island Estate located between Maidenhead and Windsor. The boats are also the perfect way to enjoy more of the British social season’s events such as Henley Regatta, Henley Festival or horse racing at Royal Windsor Racecourse.
Dine like royalty in Bray
Bray is about as British as it gets and nowhere more so than The Hind’s Head, a hostelry which has been serving locals and visitors since the 1400s when it was first established as a hunting lodge and coaching inn. In 1947, Philip Mountbatten (who became The Duke of Edinburgh) held his stag night at The Hind's Head prior to his marriage to Princess Elizabeth. Diana, Princess of Wales, often dined here with her sons Princes William and Harry while they were studying at nearby Eton College. Owned by chef Heston Blumenthal since 2004, and with one Michelin star, you’re sure to be in for a culinary treat!
Tread in some divots at The Queen’s Cup
Smith’s Lawn, within Windsor Great Park, is Europe’s largest area dedicated to playing polo, and Guards Club regularly entertains royal visitors. The Queen’s Cup is the club's leading tournament, featuring the sport's top players from around the world and their impressive ponies (never horses!)
The trophy was first presented to the club by HM The Queen in 1960 and has witnessed an array of polo's finest over the past six decades, including HRH The Prince of Wales, all keen to be associated with this coveted, world-class tournament.
Played over three thrilling weeks it delivers fast-paced and breathtaking polo with every chukka.
Sponsored by Cartier since 2012, you can be sure that finals day delivers panache and style off the field too. Finals day is open to non-members and includes all-day Clubhouse hospitality and grandstand seating.
To find out more about visiting the Royal Borough and the British Social Season click here.
