The main track at Ascot is called The Swinley Course. It is a right handed track in triangle and is approximately 1 mile 6 furlongs. The longest side of the racecourse is slightly downhill at the turn and it then has a steady rise from that point to the finishing line. There is also the Old Mile Course which is an L Shaped extension. Also there is The New Mile Course, which is an extension of the final straight for all races run up to 1 mile in distance and it is an uphill course from start to finish.
Ascot Racecourse
The Flat Course
The Jumps Course
The National Hunt (Jumps) course is placed inside the Swinley Course. It is also mile 6 furlongs and is also a right handed track. A complete circuit of the National Hunt course consists of 10 fences. Two of the fences are open ditches and there is also a water jump. As with all the Ascot circuits it has an uphill finish. The first jumps meeting at Ascot was in 1965.
The Facilities
Premier Admission or The Members Enclosure: All Day Member Badge Holders also have full access to the Grandstand and Paddock Enclosure. This enclosure has a dress code. At Royal Ascot meetings, Ladies are required to wear formal day dress with a hat which should cover the crown of the head. Trouser suits are also allowed, but have to be matching in material. For Gentlemen, it is requested that only black or grey morning dress with a top hat is required. For overseas visitors Ascot welcomes them to wear the national dress of their own country. The dress code is strict at Royal Ascot and those not complying with this code will be asked to leave the Royal Enclosure. For all other Ascot race meetings gentlemen are asked to dress smartly. Preferably wearing a shirt and tie. A collared polo shirt is also acceptable. At general Ascot Meetings many Ladies still wear hats but this is not dress code outside of the Royal meeting.
General Admission or The Grandstand and Paddock Enclosure: This enclosure has an array of bars and restaurants, with the catering outlets in the Grandstand and Paddock Enclosure offering an excellent variety of both cold and hot food and drink. At Royal Ascot meetings, Gentlemen are asked to wear a suit or jacket and tie. Ladies are permitted to wear trouser suits. At the Royal meeting many ladies wear hats although this is not a dress code in this enclosure. You will not be permitted to wear jeans, shorts or trainers in this enclosure.
How To Get To Ascot
By Road:
If you are traveling to Ascot from London or the North then leave the M4 at Junction 6 onto the A332 Windsor by pass and simply follow signs to Ascot Racecourse. If traveling from the West leave the M4 at Junction 10 onto A329(M) signposted Bracknell and then follow the signs to Ascot Racecourse. If you are traveling to Ascot from the South and the East then take the M3 to Junction 3 onto the A332 signposted Bracknell. Then follow the signs to Ascot. If taking the M25 leave at Junction 13 onto the A30 signposted Bagshot. You will then need to join the A329 and follow the signs to Ascot Racecourse. If traveling from the Midlands area then take the M40 southbound and exit at Junction 4. You then need to take A404 towards M4 Junction 8/9. Once on the M4 head for Heathrow/London. Then leave the M4 motorway at Junction 6 and follow the A332 Windsor bypass to Ascot and simply follow the signs for the racecourse.
By Train:
From both Reading and London Waterloo there are frequent trains running to Ascot. The journey time is only about half an hour from Reading and about 45 minutes from London Waterloo. There is also a regular train service running from Guildford. Once at Ascot station the racecourse is a short 5 or 10 minute walk. It is clearly sign posted.
Contact Details:
High Street
Ascot
Berkshire
SL5 7JX
Tel: 0344 346 3000