Official tickets for 2018’s Royal Ascot are now on sale, so it is time to start preparing for the big day to ensure it goes smoothly and enjoyably. More than just a chance to watch some exhilarating professional races, Royal Ascot is a magnet for fashionistas and socialites from miles around. In this way, it is also a day for dressing up, mingling and enjoying a variety of other great activities at a beautiful venue.
For those who have never been to the races before, it can be stressful planning the day without knowing precisely what to expect. The following tips should be helpful for these newbies, and could even come in handy for the seasoned race-goer.
1. Secure your tickets early
This is an obvious first step for those hoping to visit the Ascot races, but there are a few things to bear in mind before purchasing. Firstly, figure out whether you and the rest of your party are all available on a day between Tuesday 19th and Saturday 23rd of June 2018. Of course, it is perfectly reasonable for you to want to visit on all the days or only a select few, but make sure you buy the correct tickets for the days you want to visit. Note that the different days will offer different experiences (Ladies Day, for example).
Secondly, there are a number of add-ons and stipulations that may be attached to certain tickets. For example, members and VIPs are often granted access to certain enclosures that put visitors at the heart of the racing action. There are also a number of additional experiences for purchase such as The Lawn Club, helicopters, picnics, the deck, afternoon tea, or a trip in the Ascot Express to name a few.
2. Follow the dress code
The elegant and often vibrant dresses on show at Royal Ascot are what it has become known for, and is often a big draw for visitors. It is important that a certain dress code is followed, however, with certain enclosures demanding adherence to slightly different rules. Generally, a smart dress code is expected of punters, with elegant dresses and shoes for women and full suits for men. If you have any worries about what to wear, the Royal Ascot website offers a useful style guide: https://www.ascot.co.uk/royal-ascot/style-guide
3. Plan your activities
It is a good idea to check out the race itinerary for the days you are attending so you know what time to arrive, particularly if you want to put some bets in. Arriving in plenty of time means you will be able to take advantage of the venue’s dining and bar experiences and soak up the atmosphere as well as enjoying the races themselves. As mentioned above, some activities require pre-booking so ensure this has been done.
4. Hire a chauffeur service
Hiring a chauffeur for Royal Ascot is a great way of ensuring that you arrive at the venue in style and on time. Our chauffeur service will get you to Ascot in either a Mercedes C Class, which seats four passengers, or a Mercedes V class, which seats seven. It is the perfect way to start and finish what is sure to be a fantastic summer experience for your whole party.
