Royal Ascot returns from the 20th until the 24th of June 2023 and as always promises a fun and festive week of racing. We are excited to welcome horse racing enthusiasts from all over the world to join us for one of the most luxurious racing events in the UK. The vast racecourse has a variety of flat races surrounded by pageantry and style. It’s a spectacle of exceptional racing and high fashion. Book the perfect family, group, or individual accommodation in our serviced apartments in Reading and enjoy a short and enjoyable commute to Ascot Racecourse. Contact us directly for our best available rates.
Royal Ascot
Queen Anne was the first to see potential for a racecourse in East Cote back in 1711. The first race was held on 11th August of the same year and the winner would have to race three separate heats of four miles each, that’s three Grand Nationals! By 1752 the popularity of attending the racing at Ascot was becoming prevalent in social circles, leading to the addition of extra entertainment such as cockfighting, gaming tents, jugglers, and freak shows. The 18th century was a time to refine the clientele of the racing introducing uniforms for the jockeys and mandatory top hats for men in the Royal Enclosure. Dress codes emerged in the early 19th Century, alongside the introduction of The Gold Cup in 1807, which would later be known as Royal Ascot. Although a Royal Stand dates back to the 1790s, the Royal Enclosure as we know it was built in 1822 and was by special invite of the King only. Today the Ascot track is seen as sacred turf and is one of the most prestigious events in all of UK Horseracing.
Royal Ascot 2023
At precisely 2 pm on the first day of Ascot, the royal procession arrives to start five days of events. For true racing enthusiasts, this is the main day of the event, spearheaded by three fantastic Group 1 contests – The Queen Anne Stakes, King’s Stand Stakes and St James’s Palace Stakes. Wednesday brings a more relaxed atmosphere overall with afternoon tea and lawn tours, alongside fantastically intense racing throughout. Thursday is unofficial Ladies’ Day, steeped in celebrations and tradition. It’s a glorious day combining high fashion with some of the most talented bloodstock in the historic Gold Cup. Friday brings some of Europe’s finest fillies for the Coronation Stakes and the Commonwealth Cup; a fantastically social day for all. £1 Million Group 1 Platinum Jubilee Stakes, one of the world’s greatest international sprints ensures a fitting finale to the week on Saturday.
Getting to Royal Ascot
As one of the most popular racing weekends in the entire UK, Ascot is well served by various types of private and public transport. The fastest way to travel between PREMIER SUITES serviced apartments in Reading and the course is via private car. The journey will take 20-30 minutes door to door and our team are happy to give you directions. A taxi will cost approximately £40-50. You can take public transport in the form of South Western Railway which takes just 20 minutes with a 7-minute walk on either side. There are various buses you can take but you’ll need to change during the journey.
Accommodation for Royal Ascot
Ascot is a time for friends and family. Make it an event to remember this year and book accommodation in nearby Reading, a short commute to and from the racecourse. PREMIER SUITES Reading offer serviced apartments big enough for groups of friends or families, with all of the facilities of a home-from-home. It’s the perfect place to perfect your race-day look or recover after a day of socialising. We’re a 7-minute walk from the train station and located in the centre of town so you’re surrounded by fantastic things to do. Make a weekend of it and stay for the Henley Royal Regatta taking place straight after Ascot. You can also catch a Rabble theatre production of Henry I from 13th June to 1st July at Abbey Ruins.
Book our best available rates exclusively on our website for one of the most exciting weeks of the year in Reading. We look forward to welcoming you.
