Ascot

Windsor and Maidenhead

Type:Towns & Villages

Ascot

About

Though a pretty Berkshire town in its own right, it's fair to say that Ascot is dominated by its spectacular racecourse. Certainly one of the world's finest and most famous courses, Ascot attracts over half a million visitors each year.

Ascot Racecourse can trace its history back to 1711 when Queen Anne arranged the first meeting. Today's racecourse, redeveloped in 2006, is a sight to behold, with enormous, terraced stands and immaculate grounds.

Mid June is prime racing time. While there are meets throughout the year at Ascot, nothing compares to Royal Ascot – an incredible display of world class horse racing, extravagant hats, and socialising on an epic scale. You'll also see members of the Royal Family process each day at 2pm during Royal Ascot – a tradition that dates back to 1825.

Away from the races you'll find an attractive town with plenty of shops and restaurants, as well as lively bars and music venues. Fitting perhaps, as Ascot is where Girls Aloud singer Sarah Harding was born.

Things to do in the Ascot area

  • Ascot is only 6 miles from historic town of Windsor and the world famous Windsor Castle.
  • Watch the fast-paced sport of polo at Guards Polo Club, situated in the heart of Windsor Great Park, just a few miles from central Ascot.
  • The Savill Garden is just a 15 minute drive from Ascot and is one of the most decorated ornamental gardens in the UK.
  • The Look Out Discovery Centre near Bracknell is set in the heart of an ancient forest and has over 70 interactive science exhibits for the whole family to discover.
  • Windsor Great Park covers 4,800 acres of historic landscapes and gardens and is enjoyed by millions of people each year for outdoor activities such as walking, running and cycling.  There are several access points on the Ascot side of Windsor Great Park; find out more here.
  • Fancy a round of golf? There are three golf courses located less than 5 miles from Ascot – Berkshire Golf Club, Sunningdale Golf Club and Mill Ride Golf Club.

For more inspiration of what to do in Ascot, check out our Berkshire events guide. A selection of towns near Ascot can be viewed on our map of Berkshire.

Book Tickets

TripAdvisor

Map & Directions

Public Transport Directions

The railway was brought to Ascot in 1845 for the purposes of the races and is a short walk from the High Street. Regular services run from Reading and Waterloo. Ascot is approximately 45 minutes drive from London and is located very close to M3, M4 and M25 motorways and to Heathrow Airport.

What's Nearby

  1. Ascot Racecourse

    Ascot Racecourse is synonymous with quality, excellence and a truly memorable day out.…

    0.27 miles away
  2. Berkshire Golf Club

    Founded in 1928, The Berkshire Golf Club is home to two Herbert Fowler designed courses,…

    2.28 miles away
  3. Windsor Great Park

    Windsor Great Park covers 4,800 acres, huge parts of which are open to the public.…

    3.05 miles away
  1. Coral Reef Bracknell's Water World

    Find out why this has become one of Berkshire's most popular attractions with with 3…

    3.11 miles away
  2. Go Ape Bracknell

    Axe Throwing
    Every tried slinging an axe? Not only is it the perfect stress-reliever but…

    3.24 miles away
  3. The Look Out Discovery Centre

    If you are looking for a fun day out, then The Look Out Discovery Centre is worth a visit…

    3.34 miles away
  4. Chobham Common

    Chobham Common is the largest National Nature Reserve in the southeast of England and one…

    3.43 miles away
  5. The Savill Garden

    The Savill Garden is a garden of beauty and colour where visitors journey through 35…

    3.49 miles away
  6. South Hill Park

    From within the grounds of an 18th century mansion house – South Hill Park hosts over 300…

    3.52 miles away
  7. The LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort

    The LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort is a unique family theme park where children aged 2 -12 can…

    3.92 miles away
  8. Lightwater Country Park

    The Country Park is predominately heathland habitat, but there are also ponds, woodland,…

    3.97 miles away
  9. Commonwealth Air Forces Memorial

    This memorial overlooks the River Thames and commemorates by name over 20,000 airmen who…

    5.03 miles away
  10. French Brothers Boat Trips

    Large range of public trips on weather-proof vessels from Windsor, Runnymede and…

    5.19 miles away
  11. The Kennedy Memorial at Runnymede

    Set in a symbolic acre of land donated to the United States of America by Queen Elizabeth…

    5.29 miles away
  12. Frogmore House

    Late 17th-century royal residence, particularly associated with Queen Charlotte and Queen…

    5.65 miles away
  13. Racecourse Marina Windsor

    Racecourse Marina is one of the premier marines in the Thames Valley. We aim to provide…

    5.68 miles away
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