Royal Ascot Enclosures: Your Guide for 2025

Royal Ascot is one of Britain's most treasured summer sporting traditions, sitting proudly alongside the likes of Wimbledon and the Open Championship as a staple on the sporting calendar.

For five days in mid-June, the Berkshire racecourse dominates the landscape, attracting the best equine talents from Britain, Ireland, mainland Europe and much further afield to compete for some of the most sought-after prizes in the sport.

It is a major social and fashion event with 300,000 racegoers making their way to Ascot racecourse across the five days.

Below is our guide to the Royal Ascot enclosures as racegoers ponder the options for indulging in fine fashion, hospitality and the quintessentially British experience of a day at the races.

You can also find our guide to Royal Ascot betting and Royal Ascot tips.

The Royal Enclosure

© Photo Healy RacingThe origins of the Royal Enclosure can be traced back to 1807, when an area was reserved exclusively for family, guests and the Household of King George III to view the first running of the Gold Cup.

The Royal Enclosure as we know it today was established in the mid-19th century when authorities decided to enclose the area in front of the Royal Stand in 1845.

Guests may only attend with a Royal Enclosure Member and members are invited to bring up to two guests on each day excluding Tuesday. A new applicant will need to be sponsored by two eligible Members.

The Queen Anne Enclosure

As the only public enclosure that grants access to the coveted Parade Ring, Bandstand and Grandstand, the Queen Anne Enclosure provides an unparalleled view of the world-class racing on offer.

Immerse yourself in the full splendour of Royal Ascot, including the joyful singing around the Bandstand, which takes place each day after the racing.

The Windsor Enclosure

Spending a day in the Windsor Enclosure is all about picnics, panorama and play in the only enclosure at Royal Ascot where guests are welcome to bring their own picnic and a bottle of sparkling wine or champagne!

The trackside lawns offer an exhilarating first glimpse at the horses racing for victory as they thunder down the track.

The Village Enclosure

The Village Enclosure takes its place centre stage at Royal Ascot, looking towards the Grandstand for a thrilling view of the racing action on the home straight.

Guests here will relish a true celebration of British summertime, with live music, al-fresco pop-ups, eclectic street food stalls and cocktail bars adding to the occasion.

After racing, the Main Stage lights up with various musical ensembles bringing an extraordinary end to a fantastic day at the racecourse.