Category: Travel & Lifestyle

Ascot Racecourse provides not only the best horse races on English soil, but is also a regular highlight for many social occasions! So, placing your bet is super exciting, however, if you can make a great day of it and take family or friends, it becomes double fun.

Of the 36 annual Flat Group 1 horse races in England, it holds 13 of them, and three Grade 1 jump races too, as well as many other Grade 2 races. Ascot is famous around the world for its highly competitive and hugely glamorous events, which are indeed special experiences, also because the grounds hold so many other great activities for all levels of horsemanship and general enthusiasts. And who doesn’t enjoy a day out at the races, with Racing Weekends and Chase Racedays during spring and autumn. Their largest event by far is Royal Ascot in June, with all its extravagant pomp & glory. Get excited about wearing an elaborate hat (we like it properly crazy, to be honest) and being part of a huge society event. Their Christmas races are wonderful days out with the kids too, like during the Howden Christmas Weekend. However you’ll also find great entertainment and scrumptious Xmas lunches to celebrate with friends and colleagues during the festive season as well, so that’s the next office party sorted during Yuletide.

Many people treat a visit to Ascot as the experience of a lifetime, but it doesn’t have to be a one-off treat. Making your way out to Ascot in Berkshire is a 30mile drive from London or an easy train ride away. It makes for a great day out on any occasion, so treat yourself to truly exiting sport experiences, watching the greatest horses compete, often making history at the time.

Ascot – Everything You Need to Know

Located in the small town of Ascot in Berkshire, England, sits a dual-purpose racecourse famous for the annual Royal Ascot event. Hosting 600,000 people per year, 26 days of racing, and the Royal Meeting held every June, Royal Ascot is permanently cemented into the British social calendar. The prestigious venue is set to host their most coveted event, Royal Ascot, this June under social distancing guidelines, with only a few thousand racegoers permitted each day. In preparation, TA-DAH.TV have given the low down on everything you need to know about the historic racecourse, famous racing events and its royal ties.

Royal Ascot – A very Royal Racecourse

Ascot, as we all have come to know, is famous for their main event Royal Ascot. Hosted in June, this famous social calendar event evolved from the first four-day race meeting held at Ascot in 1768. A 5-day event with the Gold Cup race at its feature on the third day, sees crowds draw in for their busiest and most prestigious event of the year. The 179-acre racecourse is leased from the Crown Estate and only 6 miles from Windsor Castle, so it is no surprise Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II attends Ascot more than once a year. The Royal Meeting, however, is central to the racecourse’s ties with the British Royal Family, seeing a Royal procession each day of the event at 2pm. Here, you can catch a glimpse of the Queen and members of her family arrive down the straight to the sound of the National Anthem – no less. The 5 days of Royal Ascot are abuzz with visitors of high society, fabulous fashion, elegance, and the best millinery creations your eyes will ever see. Hosting some of the world’s finest racehorses, all in an effort to compete for the grand prize money of more than £6m!

Races and Events at Ascot

Over the course of a year 26 race days are held at the racecourse. The flat season is held between April and October and includes famous, well-known races such as, the Commonwealth Cup, Kings Stand Stakers, and The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes. Over the many years Ascot has been hosting these flat races, numerous famous horses have taken to the straights such as Frankel, Sagaro, and Dancing Brave. The jumps season then takes over in October until March, where Ascot hosts 8 days of jumps racing. This starts with one of their family race days. Just like the flats, Ascot has welcomed many a famous jumps horse including, Arkle, Sprinter Sacre, and Desert Orchid.

On top of the riveting, fast-paced races, the events at Ascot are also considered huge societal and fashion events. Royal Ascot, as just one example, has become more than just horseracing. Upheld by a strict dress code, the event is a major annual fashion event for visitors. Women and Men are expected to adhere to dress code policy, depending upon their enclosure. The Royal Enclosure requests guests to respect the dress code by adhering to modest, formal daywear. This includes the desire for hats to be worn. Allowing for some spectacular, eye-catching head pieces on display. You will find a flurry of household designer names like Rachel Trevor-Morgan and Philip Treacy OBE.

Hospitality and Facilities at Ascot

Available at all 26 races days on Ascot’s annual calendar is the option to book fine dining hospitality packages. Choose from a deliciously designed à la carte menu by a top-class Michelin starred chef at Royal Ascot. Or treat you, your family, and friends to a three-course menu at any of Ascot’s other 21 race days. For an added sense of luxury and exclusivity, Ascot allow for the booking of private boxes across their race days, allowing guests to be at the heart of the action whilst enjoying impeccable service. – vey cool! With a choice of packages, guests can select the level of experience they desire from a day at Ascot. Boxes range from 10 seater to 72 seater, so large groups of families and friends or corporate bookings are catered for. Forever incorporating luxury into everything they do, the platinum package includes champagne and canapes on arrival, as well as a 4-course set lunch menu – what more could you want from a day at the races!

Enclosures

There are several different enclosures designed to cater for all needs of visiting racegoers, from top-end hospitality to basic viewing options. All within various prices points with differing facilities.
As expected, the Royal enclosure can be accessed by invite only – during Royal Ascot this area will be used by the British Royal Family. Those entering the royal enclosure are restricted to a strict dress code. This is a high-end experience with the absolute best views of the races and an absolute favourite with celebrities and famous faces, who have close ties with the Royals.

The Windsor enclosure is the perfect alternative for those looking for a premium experience of Ascot without the premium prices. It is also well known for the best views of the royal procession at the Royal Meeting.

For younger racegoers, the newer village enclosure offers the perfect “festival feel” environment. The dress code is more relaxed. Situated in the middle of the track, it offers a new party experience of Royal Ascot, with pop-up bars and dining, there are many options here to enjoy.
With luxurious dining, Royal experiences, high-end race viewing and very British picnics – Ascot is the place to be.

This is indeed one of the hippest vintage racing events in the world! All participants take it quite seriously, so to relive the glamour of the past (girls and engines, that is) everybody goes through great lengths to make it an event to remember. The action on the tarmac is also super exciting, so check the vid above to get a flavour of what it’s like to race vintage cars – and by God, is the competition fierce! (goodwood.com)

 

Goodwood Races

Hidden in the stunning countryside of West Sussex, Goodwood house and estate are set across 12,000 acres and is considered one of England’s greatest sporting estates. The Duke of Richmond hosts the spectacular and historic events this estate has become famous for and they really are a must-note on any social calendar. The well-established estate has developed over decades to provide the perfect backdrop for thrilling sporting events, whilst also being able to offer a whole host of additional hospitality year-round!

Goodwood’s Famous Races

Festival of Speed – The Festival of Speed is considered by Goodwood to be ‘The world’s largest automotive garden party’, that alone is enough to sell it to us! having celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2018, this is a well-loved event and draws in crowds of around 200,000 people each year, it is an event not to miss. It has been designed to be a total celebration of motorsport, allowing guests to get up close to both cars and bikes as they zoom up a hill climb track. On top of this, guests have the chance to meet some of the most famous faces in racing today from across F1 and MotoGP, what more could you ask for? However, the Festival of Speed is not just for petrol heads and car fanatics, it really is great for the whole family. As an added benefit, kids under 12 go free! With some top-class hospitality, Goodwood Estate really do know how to host an event!

Goodwood Revival – Take a step back in time and explore the historic race meeting that is Goodwood Revival! This event is completely staged in a period theme and recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. The current Duke of Richmond opened this event in 1998, and it is the only historic race meeting to be hosted in a period theme. With the aim of recreating both the fashions and culture of the post-war years, this unique event is not just about historic race cars. Although not compulsory, we love the element of dress up Goodwood Revival allows its guests to take part in. Women could choose to go as a 40s housewife, 50s rock chick, or 60s Carnaby Street Fashionista! While men could choose 40s RAF Air Crew, 50s Teddy Boy, or 60s Mod Men Fashion. This element of the event really makes for a unique and spectacular affair. See you there!

Experiences at Goodwood

Whether you want to hit the racetrack, golf course, restaurant, or even the skies, Goodwood have a huge choice of experiences to book for you and your loved ones. Get an afternoon tea booked in at their famous restaurant for your special event or treat the golfer in your life to a special birthday round. Here are just some of the spectacular experiences you can book:

• Flying lessons
• Golfing with a pro
• Spa Packages
• Clay Shooting
• Dining at Farmer, Butcher, Chef – Goodwood’s flagship restaurant

The History of Goodwood: England’s Greatest Sporting Estate

As expected, Goodwood is rich in history, with the first Duke of Richmond buying the house in 1689, starting as a gentlemen’s residence. Over the years each Duke ,who took residency, saw to expand this vast estate. By the end of World War 2 the wartime Westhampnett Airfield was modified to become the famous Goodwood Motor Circuit which was then known to be Britain’s most prestigious circuit for an astounding eighteen years from 1948-1966.

By the 50s the 10th Duke of Richmond, as chairman of the Goodwood Group of Companies, saw the Goodwood Estate go from strength to strength. Overseeing the development of the racecourse and hosting the renowned international dressage championships for an incredible 21 years. Throughout the post-war years, Goodwood was slowly earning its well-deserved title as ‘England’s Greatest Sporting Estate’.

Taking us up to the modern day, the current Duke of Richmond strives to keep the Goodwood Estate a special place to be throughout the year, whilst bringing it into the 21st century with digital events and livestreams, the dedication is clear to see. Goodwood really is one of the best places to visit for all round thrills and experiences. The sporting events and hospitality are second to none and keep guests coming back year on year. All there is left for us to say is, get yourself down to Goodwood!

Latest news: Royal Ascot announces, that it will be part of the second phase of the Government’s Events Research Programme! Hurrah, that means that race events in 2021 will go ahead, even though with limited numbers. At least, we can look forward to be able to enjoy some good racing this year, and that means a lot under the given circumstances, keeping the tradition of the event and the sport alive.

It was thereby confirmed that 12.000 people will be admitted each day during Royal Ascot. However, precise details of what the trial looks like on a daily basis and what requirements are expected from visitors to the racecourse will be announced on their website, as and when news come through from the Department fro Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, as well as input from Public Health England and Ascot’s own Safety Advisory Group.

This also means that those rolled-over bookings from 2020 can now be accommodated too, which is just wonderful. We’ve all eagerly waited for this moment to arrive, so tickets at the ready, pls do get in touch with Royal Ascot directly, once general tickets will go on sale on Friday, the 28th of May. Something great to look forward to then in 2021 – our hats are already laid out, yours too?

Ascot – Everything You Need to Know

Located in the small town of Ascot in Berkshire, England, sits a dual-purpose racecourse famous for the annual Royal Ascot event. Hosting 600,000 people per year, 26 days of racing, and the Royal Meeting held every June, Royal Ascot is permanently cemented into the British social calendar. The prestigious venue is set to host their most coveted event, Royal Ascot, this June under social distancing guidelines, with only a few thousand racegoers permitted each day. In preparation, TA-DAH.TV have given the low down on everything you need to know about the historic racecourse, famous racing events and its royal ties.

Royal Ascot – A very Royal Racecourse

Ascot, as we all have come to know, is famous for their main event Royal Ascot. Hosted in June, this famous social calendar event evolved from the first four-day race meeting held at Ascot in 1768. A 5-day event with the Gold Cup race at its feature on the third day, sees crowds draw in for their busiest and most prestigious event of the year. The 179-acre racecourse is leased from the Crown Estate and only 6 miles from Windsor Castle, so it is no surprise Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II attends Ascot more than once a year. The Royal Meeting, however, is central to the racecourse’s ties with the British Royal Family, seeing a Royal procession each day of the event at 2pm. Here, you can catch a glimpse of the Queen and members of her family arrive down the straight to the sound of the National Anthem – no less. The 5 days of Royal Ascot are abuzz with visitors of high society, fabulous fashion, elegance, and the best millinery creations your eyes will ever see. Hosting some of the world’s finest racehorses, all in an effort to compete for the grand prize money of more than £6m!

Races and Events at Ascot

Over the course of a year 26 race days are held at the racecourse. The flat season is held between April and October and includes famous, well-known races such as, the Commonwealth Cup, Kings Stand Stakers, and The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes. Over the many years Ascot has been hosting these flat races, numerous famous horses have taken to the straights such as Frankel, Sagaro, and Dancing Brave. The jumps season then takes over in October until March, where Ascot hosts 8 days of jumps racing. This starts with one of their family race days. Just like the flats, Ascot has welcomed many a famous jumps horse including, Arkle, Sprinter Sacre, and Desert Orchid.

On top of the riveting, fast-paced races, the events at Ascot are also considered huge societal and fashion events. Royal Ascot, as just one example, has become more than just horseracing. Upheld by a strict dress code, the event is a major annual fashion event for visitors. Women and Men are expected to adhere to dress code policy, depending upon their enclosure. The Royal Enclosure requests guests to respect the dress code by adhering to modest, formal daywear. This includes the desire for hats to be worn. Allowing for some spectacular, eye-catching head pieces on display. You will find a flurry of household designer names like Rachel Trevor-Morgan and Philip Treacy OBE.

Hospitality and Facilities at Ascot

Available at all 26 races days on Ascot’s annual calendar is the option to book fine dining hospitality packages. Choose from a deliciously designed à la carte menu by a top-class Michelin starred chef at Royal Ascot. Or treat you, your family, and friends to a three-course menu at any of Ascot’s other 21 race days. For an added sense of luxury and exclusivity, Ascot allow for the booking of private boxes across their race days, allowing guests to be at the heart of the action whilst enjoying impeccable service. – vey cool! With a choice of packages, guests can select the level of experience they desire from a day at Ascot. Boxes range from 10 seater to 72 seater, so large groups of families and friends or corporate bookings are catered for. Forever incorporating luxury into everything they do, the platinum package includes champagne and canapes on arrival, as well as a 4-course set lunch menu – what more could you want from a day at the races!

Enclosures

There are several different enclosures designed to cater for all needs of visiting racegoers, from top-end hospitality to basic viewing options. All within various prices points with differing facilities.
As expected, the Royal enclosure can be accessed by invite only – during Royal Ascot this area will be used by the British Royal Family. Those entering the royal enclosure are restricted to a strict dress code. This is a high-end experience with the absolute best views of the races and an absolute favourite with celebrities and famous faces, who have close ties with the Royals.

The Windsor enclosure is the perfect alternative for those looking for a premium experience of Ascot without the premium prices. It is also well known for the best views of the royal procession at the Royal Meeting.

For younger racegoers, the newer village enclosure offers the perfect “festival feel” environment. The dress code is more relaxed. Situated in the middle of the track, it offers a new party experience of Royal Ascot, with pop-up bars and dining, there are many options here to enjoy.
With luxurious dining, Royal experiences, high-end race viewing and very British picnics – Ascot is the place to be.