Things To Do
in Ascot
Ascot is a picturesque town located in the county of Berkshire, England. It is famous for its prestigious Ascot Racecourse, home to the world-renowned Royal Ascot horse racing event attended by the British royal family. The town also boasts stunning Victorian and Edwardian architecture, complemented by beautiful green spaces such as Ascot Heath and Swinley Forest.
With its elegant atmosphere, Ascot is a desirable residential area known for its luxury homes and high quality of living.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $75 - $250
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $4
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $75
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café. Afterward, explore the beautiful grounds of Ascot Racecourse.
Visit the nearby Windsor Great Park for a leisurely walk and stunning views. Pack a picnic to enjoy by the lake.
Dine at a cozy restaurant in Ascot, savoring traditional British cuisine. Unwind with evening drinks at a local pub.
Visit the Savill Garden, a beautifully landscaped garden perfect for plant lovers. Enjoy a guided tour to learn more about the diverse flora.
Head back towards Ascot and stroll through the scenic Lavender Park. Take in the fresh air and gorgeous views.
Enjoy a sunset at the park with a book or some local snacks. Consider dining at a nearby restaurant with outdoor seating.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Home to the famous Ascot Racecourse, known for horse racing events and social gatherings.
- Beautiful residential areas with a mix of historic and modern architecture.
- Located near London, offering easy access to the capital's amenities and opportunities.
- Quaint shops, restaurants, and cafes that provide a pleasant local atmosphere.
- Surrounded by picturesque countryside, ideal for outdoor activities and relaxation.
- High cost of living, especially in terms of housing prices compared to other regions.
- Can be crowded during racing events and other special occasions.
- Limited public transportation options compared to larger cities like London.
- Some may find it lacks the vibrant nightlife of more urban areas.
- Seasonal tourism can lead to fluctuations in local business activity throughout the year.
Best Activities in Ascot
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
A large, historic park offering scenic walking trails, cycling paths, and stunning views of Windsor Castle.
Famous for horse racing events, visitors can enjoy the atmosphere and events throughout the year, including the iconic Royal Ascot week.
A beautiful park ideal for leisurely walks, picnics, and enjoying nature within a vibrant community setting.
Explore the numerous cycling routes around Ascot and nearby areas, offering scenic views and varying levels of difficulty.
A picturesque golf course that provides outdoor enthusiasts the chance to enjoy golfing in a tranquil setting.
A stunning lake surrounded by woodlands and parkland, great for walking, picnicking, and bird watching.
Tours
Uncover the best of Ascot with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Ascot
Visit one of these nice places.
Famous for its stunning architecture and beautiful surrounding landscapes, the racecourse provides excellent vantage points for capturing the vibrant atmosphere during race days.
Located within the Windsor Great Park, Savill Garden offers breathtaking floral displays and beautifully landscaped areas, perfect for snapping nature's beauty in every season.
A historic park that provides numerous viewpoints, including the Long Walk, with striking views of Windsor Castle, making it an ideal spot for panoramic photography.
The lush greens and scenic fairways of this golf club provide tranquil settings for capturing stunning landscapes and wildlife.
Offering picturesque views, this lake is surrounded by woodlands and features several monuments and sculptures, creating perfect photo opportunities throughout the area.
Food in Ascot
Ascot Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic dish consisting of tender beef fillet, coated with pâté and duxelles, then wrapped in puff pastry and baked to perfection. Best enjoyed at The Stag in nearby Virginia Water.
Must-Try!
A hearty meal composed of cheese, pickles, bread, and cold meats, often served in local pubs like The Royal Foresters or The Nag's Head.
A delightful dessert featuring layers of crushed meringue, fresh whipped cream, and strawberries. It's a sweet treat not to be missed, and can be savored at the Ascot Grill.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Ascot better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Held monthly, this market offers a wonderful selection of fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and more. It's an ideal spot to sample local and regional specialties.
During race days, the market springs to life, featuring a diverse range of street food stalls, from gourmet burgers and wood-fired pizzas to international cuisine. The aromatic and flavorsome offerings cater to all tastes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Ascot is known for its formal events, especially the Royal Ascot horse racing. It is important to adhere to the dress code which typically includes smart attire. Attendees often wear hats, elegant dresses, and tailored suits.
Being polite and courteous is highly valued in Ascot. Use 'please' and 'thank you' regularly, and greet others with a smile. It's also customary to stand when someone enters the room as a sign of respect.
The British take pride in their queueing culture. Always wait your turn in line and do not push ahead. This demonstrates respect for others and is seen as the proper way to behave in public spaces.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Ascot with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Ascot
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping in Ascot, as in the rest of the UK, is generally considered voluntary and is usually done to reward good service. In restaurants, it is common to leave a tip of around 10-15% of the bill if service is not included. In pubs, rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated. Taxi drivers typically receive a tip of around 10%. In hotels, tipping staff is not mandatory, but leaving some change for porters or housekeepers is a nice gesture.
Payment methods in Ascot are quite modern and varied. Most establishments accept card payments, including contactless options. Cash is still accepted, but its usage has declined. Shops, restaurants, and services usually offer electronic payment through cards, mobile wallets, and online payments. It's also common for bills to include a service charge, so customers should check before tipping.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Ascot.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
From March to May, Spring is a beautiful time to visit Ascot as the gardens begin to bloom, and temperatures are mild with averages around 10-15°C. Be prepared for occasional rain.
June to August features warm weather, with average temperatures between 15-25°C. This is the peak tourist season, known for events like Royal Ascot. Expect vibrant festivities and larger crowds.
September to November brings cooler temperatures ranging from 10-15°C and stunning fall foliage. It’s a quieter time to visit, perfect for enjoying the countryside and outdoor activities.
From December to February, temperatures drop to around 2-8°C. While it can be cold and wet, the festive season brings charming holiday lights. Indoor attractions and cozy pubs are popular during this time.
Ascot at Night
Hiking in Ascot
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful large lake in Windsor Great Park offering scenic walking trails and stunning views.
A straight mile-long avenue leading to Windsor Castle, surrounded by picturesque parkland.
A nature reserve with ancient trees, diverse wildlife, and various walking paths.
A large natural heathland with open spaces, perfect for hiking and exploring nature.
A beautiful garden in Windsor Great Park with curated walking paths and stunning floral displays.
Offers a range of walking trails through countryside, woodlands, and by the riverside.
A local park featuring serene walking paths, picnic areas, and a playground surrounded by greenery.
Aiports
How to reach Ascot by plane.
The primary airport serving London, located approximately 10 miles from Ascot, it's one of the busiest airports in the world.
Located about 30 miles south of Ascot, Gatwick is the second-largest airport serving London.
Situated around 40 miles north of Ascot, Luton is a hub for low-cost airlines and serves various international destinations.
Approximately 50 miles northeast of Ascot, Stansted primarily operates low-cost flights to European destinations.
Located about 30 miles east of Ascot, this airport caters mainly to business travelers with flights to major European cities.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in Ascot, typically encompassing individuals of English, Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Irish descent.
Includes individuals from other European countries, such as Irish, French, Polish, and Italian.
Comprises individuals of Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Chinese, and other Asian backgrounds.
Includes individual of African, Caribbean, or other Black ethnic backgrounds.
Individuals from mixed backgrounds, often comprising combinations of the above-mentioned ethnicities.
A small percentage of individuals from various ethnic backgrounds not classified in the main categories.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Ascot is famous for its horse racing events, including the prestigious Royal Ascot which attracts visitors and participants from around the world.
Ascot has several golf clubs and attractions, offering beautiful courses for both amateur and professional golfers.
Football is popular in the surrounding areas, with local clubs playing a significant role in the community.
Tennis is also enjoyed in Ascot, with clubs offering facilities for players of all ages and abilities.
Cricket is another popular sport in the area, with local clubs and leagues providing opportunities to participate.
Running and jogging are common activities, with various parks and trails available for residents and visitors.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ascot.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many establishments in Ascot offer extensive vegetarian and vegan menus, ensuring there are plenty of plant-based options. Noteworthy spots include The Happy Man and The Carpenters Arms.
Visitors with gluten intolerances can rest assured as several dining venues, such as The Rose and Olive Branch and The Thatched Tavern, are committed to providing delectable gluten-free alternatives.