Royal Ascot, racing’s finest and most luxurious event, has proved itself to be an explosion of the senses for over three centuries, entertaining royals, celebrities and jetsetters in what many have described as an emotional rollercoaster of events. At Ascot, one’s senses are overwhelmed with flamboyant outfits, fine dining and the sheer excitement of watching the world’s best horses and jockeys compete over the course of five spectacular days of world-class horse racing. Guests can become totally enthralled in the experience, immersed in stunning sights and even communal singing around Ascot’s bandstand on the Plaza Lawns.

This year the races are set to take place from the 16th-20th June, with all five days promising a glorious atmosphere of excitement. Tuesday will see the arrival of the Queen and members of the Royal family in a superb procession before the day’s races begin, spearheaded by three Group 1 contests. The day also features the Queen Anne Stakes, Royal Ascot’s traditional curtain raiser, kicking off the week. Wednesday will see the most prestigious race of the Royal meeting, taking place, the Gold Cup. Then, on Saturday, the final day of the races, the £1m Group 1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes take place, ensuring a spectacular end to an unforgettable week.

To tackle guest’s taste buds, Royal Ascot offers Fine Dining from Michelin-starred chefs including Simon Rogan and Brett Graham, with guests being able to lease a private box in the Royal Enclosure, which is for the rest of the year a member’s only enclosure. These exclusive private boxes offer unsurpassed views of the arrival of the Royal Procession when the clock strikes two, as well as of the Parade ring and six world-class races each day, in which racing’s finest horses will compete for more than £8m in prize money.

Alternatively, guests may choose to dine in the more relaxed Queen Anne enclosure or the vibrant village enclosure where they too will receive an array of à la carte menu options designed by Ascot’s award-winning team. The vast array of dining opportunities enables guests to tailor their experience to their taste and budget, as well as matching their attire to their environment of choice, as each enclosure requires that appropriate formal wear be worn to uphold the elegance that Ascot has boasted of for more than 300 years.

Fashion is highly revered at Ascot, with the cameras ready to snap the best dressed arrivals each year. Elaborate hats are a staple of any women’s outfit, with classic feather and mesh creations remaining the most popular choice. With celebrities and royalty attending, a sumptuous hat is the perfect way for any guest to stand out. The venue’s strict dress codes can be found on the official website, detailing formalwear for ladies and gentlemen. In 2019, Tatiana Korsakova stole the stage wearing a mint green Emilia Wickstead three-piece look with light pink Louboutin’s. Meanwhile, the Royal family opted for floral patterns and bold primary colours to compliment the event’s vibrant summer surroundings. The vast array of outfits mean that anyone can stand out at the races, both looking and feeling elegant at an event fit for royalty.

When attending Ascot, guests are spoilt for choice for luxurious hotels in the surrounding area, allowing them to combine the excitement of a race day with a relaxing overnight stay or weekend break. The venue’s twenty-eight partner hotels offer Ascot guests discounted rates and special treatment, making the whole experience one to remember. One such establishment is the stunning MacDonald Berystede Hotel and Spa, which boasts of an 18-metre swimming pool, gorgeously landscaped gardens and sleek rooms to provide a rejuvenating and relaxing experience. Royal Ascot guests receive discounted rates and are just one mile away from the event, making this the perfect location. Also in the surrounding area are the MacDonald Windsor Hotel, the flower-covered Pennhyll Park Hotel and many more establishments within a stone’s throw of Britain’s most flamboyant, luxurious and thrilling event.

With 2020’s Royal Ascot fast approaching, now is the time to start thinking about one’s outfit, dining and accommodation for the event. Set to be attended by the Duchess of Cambridge, as well as Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, this is the perfect opportunity to get a taste of royalty. With three centuries of history and class, it is sure to be an unmissable experience.