With the clocks going back and the nights drawing in, it makes for the perfect time to planning some exciting trips away for those who don’t relish the thought of a long, dark winter ahead. From winter sun-seeking foreign holidays to take sooner rather than later to planning ahead for the spring and summer on home turf, there’s no time like the present to get a selection of exciting trips booked up.
To give you something thrilling to look forward to, why not look ahead to the calendar of events taking place in the racing world next year? There are few feelings in life quite like cheering home a horse you have bet on as it enters the final furlong, and let’s be honest, that experience gets no better than when enjoying the sophistication and regal air of the Royal Ascot meeting each June.
This is a thoroughbred racing festival that has been given the aristocratic seal of approval, with Queen Elizabeth II on hand to present the trophies to the race winners – assuming, that is, that she hasn’t won herself given her own stable of champions at Sandringham.
Her Majesty is a renowned owner that has won pretty much every prestigious flat race on British soil, with The Derby the only anomaly on her record. However, the good news is that one of her steeds – Reach for the Moon – is amongst the favourites in the horse racing odds for the 2022 Derby.
There could be a real air of celebration at Royal Ascot just a fortnight later should the Queen finally secure her long-overdue victory, and who knows she might even join you in the VIP enclosure, quaffing a glass of something cold and fizzy.
Of course, there are plenty of other excellent reasons why Royal Ascot remains a fixture of British high society each summer, and by following our simple guide below you can elevate your experience to a whole new level of luxury and opulence.
Dine in style
Royal Ascot takes place in the early summer (June, to be exact), and this is a time of the year when British cuisine takes a step up in quality thanks to the emergence of the seasonal ingredient crops.
There’s more than a dozen dining options at Ascot Racecourse, and arguably the pick of these can be found in the Royal Enclosure – a stunning selection of hot and cold dishes await.
The Windsor Forest restaurant is described as the most ‘intimate’ of Ascot’s luxury dining experiences, although you’re not far from the action with unspoiled views of the course’s finishing line. Savour the Moet & Chandon reception and enjoy the perfect vantage point for the day’s racing.
Then there’s the Parade Ring restaurant, which is located adjacently to the Royal Box. You’ll be able to sample a Moet & Chandon reception with canapés and caviar, before a five-course á la carte luncheon – and an afternoon tea selection created by the vaunted French pâtissier Eric Lanlard – are both on the menu.
A special mention must go to the Panoramic restaurant too. Located on the sixth floor of the VIP grandstand, guests will enjoy unrivalled views of the racecourse – that’s if they can tear themselves away from the tables, of course, given that there is a four-course menu designed and presented by none other than Raymond Blanc Jr.
Captain’s loge
If you want to enjoy the racecard from the privacy of your own box, the loges at Ascot come highly recommended. Located close to both the Parade Ring and the lawns of the Royal Enclosure, the loges are the perfect place to cheer home your horses while enjoying the pageantry and ambience of one racing’s most glamorous meetings.
Each loge has seating for up to 15 guests too, which is perfect for a familial or corporate day of sublime hospitality, with drinks and nibbles delivered direct to your box via a waiter service if you so desire. Within easy walking distance of the restaurants of the Royal Enclosure, sophistication is guaranteed if you hire your own Ascot loge.
A classy arrival
The transport links around Ascot can get tremendously busy for the entirety of the festival, so why not ensure you arrive in style – and beat the traffic – courtesy of Belmond’s British Pullman luxury train.
Featuring 1920s inspired art deco interiors, the Pullman also boasts comfy armchairs and incredible views as it chugs out of London Victoria Station on its way through the Berkshire countryside. And this is all before we mention the hospitality awaiting you on board. You can enjoy champagne, a Bellini or a non-alcoholic cocktail as per your preference, with a sumptuous brunch laid on for good measure.
At the end of your journey, the Pullman will arrive at Ascot Station – a short taxi ride or walk to the racecourse. You can pick up your entry accreditation and then make your way to the Royal Enclosure in time for the start of the action.
All things considered, that’s a pretty stunning day in store.
