Nothing epitomises British summertime better than the elite crowds flocking 25 miles west of London, decked out in their very best dress – tops and tails, floral dresses, hats and fascinators – for a week of festivities at a beautiful racecourse in leafy Berkshire. Behold Royal Ascot. The five-day racing extravaganza returns from Tuesday 17 to Saturday 21 June 2025 – and we’ve got the lowdown on what to expect. 

A stomping ground for fashionistas, foodies and, of course, horseracing aficionados alike, there is something for everyone at Royal Ascot. Known as the Crown Jewel of the British summer season, and for good reason, the annual celebration brings together the best style, hospitality, and racing of its kind, spread across 179 acres of perfectly manicured grounds. Steeped in history (the track has existed since 1711) and featuring the most extraordinary lineup of events, it’s no wonder Royal Ascot attracts a crowd of 275,000 racegoers each year, plus viewers in some 175 countries around the world. Spend a day at one of its four enclosures to escape the ordinary and experience all the glamour for yourself.

The racing itself is quite the spectacle. Over the five days, the most skilled jockeys and their world-class horses will go head to head on the track to compete for victory. Showing off champion performances across seven flat races per day, place your bets and watch the finest racing you’ll ever witness. 

Then there’s the fashion, which is as synonymous with Royal Ascot as the horseracing. A celebration of style, Royal Ascot’s famously exacting dress codes mean this is the place to dress to impress and where less-is-more goes out the window. Don your extravagant hats and headpieces, go for bold, bright colours, and express some summertime joie de vivre through clothes. Pro tip: each enclosure has a different dress code so be sure to check before you plan your outfit – no one wants to be doing a last-minute dash to the shops.

When it comes to hospitality, Royal Ascot doesn’t do things by halves. Promising to be a culinary experience in itself, with exclusive Private Box and hospitality packages, as well as access to excellent restaurants and sensational fine dining across the enclosures, the offerings are hard to beat. For a truly special day out, this year’s ‘Chefs in Residence’ programme will see a fantastic line-up of Michelin-starred chefs, whose restaurants collectively hold 29 Michelin stars – the most ever for Royal Ascot and, in fact, any sporting event worldwide – create menus across the event’s hospitality venues.  

Raymond Blanc OBE, Chef Patron of Royal Ascot, will return for his tenth year at the Panoramic Restaurant in the Royal Enclosure, while Simon Rogan MBE heads up the kitchen at the Parade Ring Restaurant beside the Royal Box. Elsewhere, Tom Shepherd will be at The Sandringham, Lisa Goodwin-Allen at ON 5 in the Queen Anne Enclosure, Tom Barnes at new restaurant The Vista, and James Tanner at The Deck. Benoit Blin will also debut as master pâtissier this year, treating guests to delicious and beautifully presented sweet and savoury treats.

What’s not to like? For an exceptional day out among the most prestigious competitors, luscious green grounds, impeccably dressed style set, and delectable haute cuisine, add Royal Ascot to your calendar now. 

Early booking ends at midnight on Friday 28 March 2025, with prices starting from £29 per person. For more information and to book, visit ascot.com.