The world’s most glamorous and prestigious racing event, Royal Ascot, returns in 2025 with another week of style, splendour, and sensational sport. A true highlight of the British summer season, Royal Ascot is more than just a horse racing festival – it’s a social and cultural phenomenon that blends pageantry, tradition, and high-class racing into one unmissable experience.  Whether you\\\’re a seasoned racegoer or attending for the very first time, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the full Royal Ascot 2025 dates, daily running order, highlighted races, dress code, and essential tips for first-time visitors.

 

Royal Ascot 2025: Full Schedule & Dates

Royal Ascot 2025 takes place over five days from Tuesday, 17 June to Saturday, 21 June 2025, at the iconic Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire. Each day features six top-tier races, with the first race typically starting at 2:30 PM and the final one around 6:10 PM. Here’s the day-by-day breakdown of the 2025 schedule:

Tuesday 17 June 2025 – Opening Day (Day 1)

  • Highlights: Queen Anne Stakes (Group 1), King’s Stand Stakes (Group 1), St James’s Palace Stakes (Group 1)
  • What to Expect: The grand opening with three Group 1 races. Traditionally, the Royal Procession begins at 2:00 PM, with the Royal Family arriving in horse-drawn carriages. This day sets the tone for the rest of the week.

Wednesday 18 June 2025 – Ladies’ Day Eve (Day 2)

  • Highlights: Prince of Wales’s Stakes (Group 1)
  • What to Expect: Slightly more relaxed than Tuesday, but still packed with excitement. The Prince of Wales’s Stakes is the main draw, featuring some of the best middle-distance horses.

Thursday 19 June 2025 – Ladies’ Day (Day 3)

  • Highlights: Gold Cup (Group 1)
  • What to Expect: Arguably the most glamorous day of the week. Famous for fashion, especially extravagant hats, this is also the day of the legendary Ascot Gold Cup, a long-distance race steeped in history.

Friday 20 June 2025 – Style & Racing (Day 4)

  • Highlights: Commonwealth Cup (Group 1), Coronation Stakes (Group 1)
  • What to Expect: A fashionable and sporty blend. It\\\’s a great day for younger crowds and features excellent racing throughout, particularly for three-year-olds.

Saturday 21 June 2025 – Finale Day (Day 5)

  • Highlights: Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (Group 1), Wokingham Stakes
  • What to Expect: A family-friendly atmosphere with one last chance to enjoy top-class racing and festive vibes. The Jubilee Stakes closes the week with sprinting drama.

What First-Time Visitors Need to Know About Royal Ascot 2025

Tickets & Enclosures

Royal Ascot is divided into four main enclosures, each with its dress code and atmosphere:

  1. Royal Enclosure – The most exclusive and historic. Entry is by invitation only. Morning suits for men, formal daywear for women with strict millinery rules.
  2. Queen Anne Enclosure – Excellent views, smart dress code. Suits and ties for men; dresses and hats or fascinators for women.
  3. Village Enclosure – A vibrant, modern atmosphere with live music and food stalls. Chic summer attire encouraged.
  4. Windsor Enclosure – The most relaxed, with a picnic-style vibe. Dress code is more casual, though still smart.

Pro Tip for First-Timers: For your first visit, the Queen Anne Enclosure offers a balance of formality, views, and access. Book in advance – tickets often sell out quickly for Thursday and Saturday.

Dress Code Etiquette

Style is taken very seriously at Royal Ascot. Here are the basics:

  • Men: Morning suits (Royal), suits and ties (Queen Anne), summer suits (Village), smart casual (Windsor).
  • Women: Modest, knee-length dresses, hats or headpieces (no fascinators in Royal Enclosure). Off-shoulder and strapless dresses are usually not permitted in more formal areas.

Style Tip: Avoid novelty items. Think elegance, British tailoring, and race-day chic. Many attendees plan their outfits months in advance!

Timing & Arrival Tips

  • Gates Open: 10:30 AM
  • Royal Procession: 2:00 PM
  • First Race: 2:30 PM
  • Last Race: Around 6:10 PM

Top Tip: Arrive by 11:00 AM to enjoy the grounds, grab refreshments, and soak in the atmosphere before the racing begins. Trains from London Waterloo to Ascot take about 50 minutes, with extra services on race days.

Food & Drink at Royal Ascot

Expect everything from luxury dining to street-style pop-ups:

  • Fine Dining: Michelin-starred chefs serve up multi-course meals in the Royal and Queen Anne enclosures.
  • Casual Dining: Champagne bars, prosecco stands, and gourmet burgers.
  • Picnicking: Allowed in the Windsor Enclosure – BYO or pre-order a picnic hamper.

 After Racing: Entertainment & Travel Home

Live music and DJs play on into the evening in the Village and Windsor enclosures. For transport, trains and taxis are in high demand post-racing – booking in advance is highly recommended. For added comfort, consider booking a private car service or chauffeur hire, especially if you\\\’re in a group or dressed in formal attire.

Royal Ascot 2025 Travel Tips

  • By Train: Regular service from London Waterloo is direct to Ascot station, which is a short 7-minute walk to the racecourse.
  • By Car: Parking passes must be booked in advance. Expect traffic on the A329.
  • By Chauffeur or Taxi: A smart, stress-free way to arrive in style. Many visitors choose chauffeur-driven vehicles for the full VIP experience.

Royal Ascot: transport option

Getting to Royal Ascot is remarkably easy, thanks to a range of convenient transport options tailored for racegoers. The most popular and efficient choice is travelling by train, with direct services running frequently from London Waterloo to Ascot station, which lasts approximately 50 minutes. Ascot station is just a 7-minute walk from the racecourse, making it the preferred option for many. For those arriving by car, Ascot Racecourse is well-signposted and accessible via the M3, M4, M40, and M25 motorways, with pre-booked parking passes available. However, do expect traffic delays on major race days, especially during peak arrival and departure times.

Private hire taxis and chauffeur services offer a more luxurious and stress-free alternative, allowing guests to arrive in comfort and style – a popular option, particularly for those attending the Royal or Queen Anne enclosures. Additionally, many racegoers opt for coach or minibus hire when attending in groups, which can be both economical and convenient. Whatever your preference, it’s advisable to plan and book your travel well in advance, as transport services are in high demand throughout Royal Ascot week

 Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Your Royal Ascot Experience

Royal Ascot 2025 promises five incredible days of world-class racing, fashion, and pageantry – a true celebration of British heritage and sport. For first-time visitors, it’s a day out like no other. From the thrill of the turf to the elegance of the dress code and the spectacle of the Royal Procession, you’ll be immersed in one of the most iconic events on the British social