Royal Ascot 2013: are you ready?
Whether you are planning the last details of your trip to Royal Ascot, or are in two minds whether to attend, H&H’s invaluable guide to this historic meeting will simplify the decision process.
Q: Where is Ascot?
A: Ascot adjoins Windsor Great Park, in Berkshire, and is close to the M3, M4, M40 and M25.
If driving, take note of the AA route signs to reach the racecourse, but in short Ascot can be found off the A332 or A329. You will need to leave the M4 at junction 10 if coming from the west and junction six if coming from London. If traveling on the M3, take junction three, and from the M4 exit at junction six.
It costs £20 to park your car at the racecourse, so look into train travel — South West Trains go to Ascot from London Waterloo, Reading or Guildford. If coming from London, whether you are driving or taking the train your journey should take about 50 minutes if the traffic is kind.
Q: When is Royal Ascot?
A: 18-22 June
Q: How can I buy Royal Ascot tickets?
A: Tickets to the Silver Ring have sold out on certain days, but tickets can still be purchased for this and grandstand admission from the Ascot website. Tickets cost between £20 (Tuesday, Silver Ring) and £75 (Saturday, grandstand).
In addition, a limited number of tickets to Heath Enclosure can be bought on the day for £12.
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The Royal Enclosure is open to members and in order to become one you must be sponsored by a current member of four years.
Q: Where can I stay for the Royal Meeting?
A: If you plan to attend more then one day of the meeting, or continue celebrating with your winnings after the last train, each of the following hotels are within 30min by taxi and have various packages and offers. They will dish up an award winning full English breakfast, too.
Holiday Inn Farnborough – (21min by taxi)
Holiday Inn Maidenhead – (21min by taxi)
Holiday Inn Heathrow (M4 jct 4) – (24min by taxi)
Holiday Inn Reading South – (25min by taxi)
Crowne Plaza London Heathrow – (23min by taxi)
Holiday Inn Basingstoke – (29min by taxi)
Holiday Inn Heathrow Ariel – (27min by taxi)
Holiday Inn Guildford – (29min by taxi)
Q: What is the Royal Ascot dress code?
A: The dress code varies from the Royal Enclosure to the grandstand to Silver Ring and Heath Enclosure. For guidance, dos and don’ts, take a look at our Ascot dress code gallery.
Q: What are the highlights of Royal Ascot?
A: Royal Ascot begins on Tuesday 18 June with three group one races, moves through to ladies’ day on Thursday 20 June and finishes up with Saturday’s Diamond Jubilee Stakes — one of the most important sprint races in the world.
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