Best-known for its racing, royal glamour and distinguished residents, Ascot is in a league of its own. It’s surprising given the compact size, but that only adds to the character of Berkshire’s most exclusive town.
While many come for a day at the races, those fortunate enough to live here enjoy a relaxed lifestyle with all the modern luxuries. The town boasts a great selection of high street retailers nestled alongside fashionable eateries. The village shops of Sunningdale are only a short distance away, as are the historic sights and cultural attractions of Windsor.
Cordes Hall in Sunninghill, Ascot
Despite the easy commute to London, Ascot is far removed from the chaos of the capital. It’s an area renowned for wide-open spaces, most notably the impressive Windsor Great Park which stretches across 5,000 acres. A scenic mix of landscaped gardens, wild heath and lakes offer the perfect setting for a leisurely stroll.
Other active pursuits can be enjoyed at the many nearby golf courses and tennis clubs, not to mention the famous Guards Polo Club, which hosts the annual Cartier International Polo Day.
Finally, it’s the renowned local and nearby schools – many of which are judged outstanding – that provide reassurance for those relocating. It’s one more reason to join this community and share the many delights of Ascot.
Transportation in Ascot
Ascot is well served for those commuting to Reading in the west, or London in the east. Frequent services from Ascot station travel to Waterloo and Paddington, taking less than one hour.
Alternatively, residents can make use of the other nearby stations, Sunningdale and Virginia Water. Reaching London in 55 minutes, a train also stops at Clapham Junction for those wanting to continue on the Underground to Vauxhall and Victoria.
Travelling by car is just as convenient thanks to the nearby M3, M4 and M25. These motorways run towards Reading or central London, and Heathrow can be reached in under 20 minutes.
Things to do in Ascot
Ascot has far more to offer than its famed racecourse. Whether it’s the outdoor attractions, sports clubs or vibrant High Street, residents enjoy a great mix of things to do and see. Here are some of the highlights in and around the area:
- Luna Cinema
- Royal Ascot Golf Club
- St George’s Chapel
- Royal Ascot Tennis Club
- Savill Garden
- Theatre Royal Windsor
- Guards Polo Club
- Legoland Windsor Resort
- The Spa at Pennyhill Park
- Windsor Great Park
- Thorpe Park
- Lavender Park Golf Club
- ODEON Bracknell
What is Ascot Like?
Ascot is widely regarded as the most luxurious town in Berkshire. Residents of this exclusive area of Berkshire enjoy an enviable standard of living in a town which commands some of the highest house and rental prices in the whole of the UK. For those who desire to live in an affluent area near to beautiful countryside and with excellent links to London, Ascot is absolutely ideal.
Ascot is the setting for one of the world’s most famous racecourses – Ascot Racecourse. It is fair to say that the town is dominated by this magnificent racecourse, which attracts up to half a million visitors each year. Sitting in a commanding position at the western end of High Street, Ascot Racecourse is synonymous with world-class horse racing, royalty and extravagance.
Away from the glitz and glamour of horse racing, Ascot is abundant in scenic green spaces, surrounded by open fields and woodland.
Ascot is just 6 miles away from the historic town of Windsor. The spectacular Windsor Castle, one of the most famous attractions in the world, is always worth a visit. Windsor Great Park offers 4,800 acres of beautiful ancient forests, making it the perfect spot for dog walkers, hikers, cyclists, runners and horse riders alike.
The Savil Garden, just a 15-minute drive from Ascot, is a spectacular ornamental garden, where you can discover rare plants from around the world in tranquil surroundings.
Other places of interest in an around Ascot include:
- Royal Ascot Tennis club
- Luna Cinema
- Theatre Royal Windsor
- ODEON Bracknell
- Legoland Windsor Resort
- Swinley Forest
- Virginia Water Lake
Ascot and the surrounding areas are known for a number of superb golf clubs too including Wentworth Golf Club, the Royal Ascot Golf Club and Sunningdale Golf Club. Also, the famous Guards Polo Club is the setting for world-class polo action.
Transport Links
Ascot is served by Ascot Train Station which is located on the southern side of the town centre. Frequent services run from Ascot to London Waterloo and London Paddington, taking less than an hour. Services also run westwards to Reading, taking less than 30 minutes. These excellent train links have made Ascot an increasingly popular commuter town.
Eleven bus services run through Ascot. The 01 bus takes you towards Windsor and the 702 bus travels to London. Ascot also has convenient nearby motorways for drivers, with the M3, M4 and M25 all within easy reach.
For travel outside of the UK you can fly from Heathrow Airport, which is just a 30-minute drive from Ascot.
Schools in the Area
Ascot is blessed with a number of outstanding schools, including some of the most prestigious in the country. If you are looking to move here as a young family, you couldn’t hope to find an area with a better standard of education in schools.
Whilst Ascot is most well-known for its highly regarded private schools, state level education is excellent too. In fact, Ascot boasts some of the most prestigious and top-performing schools in the country.
These include the following schools rated as outstanding by Ofsted:
- Ascot Heath Infant School
- Cheapside CofE Primary School
- Charters School
- Sunningdale School
Private schools in and around Ascot include:
- Papplewick School
- Licensed Victuallers’ School
- St George’s School
- St Mary’s School Ascot
Shopping and Restaurants in Ascot
The amenities and facilities in Ascot are mainly concentrated around High Street, where you will find familiar names like Costa, Tesco Express, Sainsburys and Argos, plus an ample selection of cafes and restaurants. Ascot is also near to many shopping centres. The Lexicon in Bracknell, Windsor Royal Shopping Centre and The Atrium in Camberley are all within easy reach.
Some of the most popular spots to enjoy a meal with family and friends in and around Ascot include:
- Bluebells Restaurant
- Fego Restaurant
- The Belvedere Arms
- The Thatched Tavern
History of Ascot
Although a history can be traced back to the Bronze Age, Ascot didn’t gain its reputation as a royal hangout until the early 18th century. It was during this time that Queen Anne would hunt in Windsor Forest, and later discover the open heathland situated five miles from Windsor Castle. It was considered an ideal place for “horses to gallop at full stretch” and so the legendary racecourse was born.
Out of this royal approval, development was to follow as Ascot became a sought-after location for London’s affluent. Picturesque neighbourhoods complete with Victorian cottages and period mansions only added to its exclusivity.
Following a recent £200 million redevelopment programme, Ascot Racecourse retains all of its former charm and keeps this rich heritage alive. An exciting calendar sees 26 days of racing, not to mention June’s Royal Meeting, where fashionable elegance meets tradition and pageantry.