How to save money at Royal Ascot

Contents:

1. What is Royal Ascot?
2. Tips for attending Royal Ascot for the first time
3. How to save money at Royal Ascot
4. Summary

What Is Royal Ascot?

Royal Ascot is the UK’s oldest and perhaps most prestigious horse-racing event, taking place annually in June across a five day period, in Ascot, Berkshire. According to the official Royal Ascot website, over 250,000 people attend the races each year across the five days! With the first ever Royal Ascot event dating as far back as 1768 this iconic event has been around for more than 250 years – and it’s still going strong! But while it’s full of fancy hats, posh outfits and exciting races, it can also get seriously expensive if you’re not careful. From ticket prices to afternoon teas and outfit costs, it all adds up fast – which is why we’ve put together this easy guide of Royal Ascot tips to help you enjoy the magic of the races without spending a fortune.

Whilst Royal Ascot typically screams luxury and expense, it is possible for the day to be done on a budget! Read on to discover my top tips for how to make the most of your day at the races in a way your wallet will thank you!

Firstly, I have put together some top tips if you are planning on attending Royal Ascot for the first time. This is to ensure you know what to expect, can organise and plan your day so that you enjoy it, and there are no unwelcome surprises!

Tips for Attending Royal Ascot For The First Time

Strict Dress Codes: Each enclosure has its own rules, and they are taken seriously. Double check the dress code before you go – no one wants to be turned away at the gate!

Plan your Journey: Getting to Ascot can take longer than expected on busy race days. Book your train or parking spot ahead of time and allow for delays so you don’t miss the action.

Prepare to stand in long queues: You’ll likely be queuing for things like security checks, food and drinks throughout the day. It’s a good idea to stay hydrated and have something to do while you wait.

How To Save Money at Royal Ascot

Now, let’s dive straight in to all the ways you can save money when attending the races. Don’t worry – it is possible! As long as you know what to look out for, and take small measures to ensure you are organised, prepared and budget-conscious, you can totally have a fun day out without it costing an arm and a leg.

Buying Tickets

The first thing to note is that tickets tend to go on sale as early as January, even though the event doesn’t take place until early to mid-June. Royal Ascot ticket prices vary depending on which enclosure you choose, and each area comes with its own perks and downsides – some are more formal, others more relaxed. The key thing to remember is that the earlier you book, the cheaper the tickets are.

For Royal Ascot first-timers, here's an overview on the various enclosures to choose from at Ascot Racecourse:

Royal Ascot Enclosures

Grandstand Enclosure: The Grandstand Enclosure has both indoor and outdoor seating options with fabulous views of the Ascot straight mile.

Royal Enclosure: One of the most sought-after and exclusive enclosures at Royal Ascot. The Royal Enclosure boasts an iconic viewing experience with private lounges and catering. It's so exclusive that you need to be recommended by two eligible Royal Enclosure members to even apply for membership, and then pay a £100 joining free!

Queen Anne Enclosure: Noted as one of the most popular enclosures, the Queen Anne enclosure has access to hundreds of eateries, stalls and viewing options. Tickets can range anywhere between £75 to £90 depending on the time of purchase.

Village Enclosure: Similar to the Queen Anne enclosure, the Village Enclosure has both indoor and outdoor seating and viewing opportunities, with a festival-inspired experience, according to the official Royal Ascot website.

We know it can be tricky to plan that far ahead, especially if you’re going with a big group and trying to match up diaries. But if you already know the date you want to go and you’re sure you’ll be attending, booking early is hands down the best way to save money. You’ll avoid last-minute price hikes and get better availability too.

Here’s an example of how my colleague Persia-Lili Moharerr saved money on her Royal Ascot tickets last summer:

"Last year, I bought my Royal Ascot ticket in early January for the mid-June event. I knew I wanted to go with friends, and the easiest and cheapest way to do so was to plan ahead and buy tickets months in advance. My ticket to the Queen Anne Enclosure cost £75, and a month or so later the ticket prices skyrocketed to £95! I’m glad I was able to save £20 on my ticket price just by booking early, and not run the risk of tickets selling out altogether!"

Transportation

Royal Ascot is one of the social events of the summer, with an incredible 350,000 + spectators attending throughout the five day period. People genuinely travel from all over the world to experience the buzz of Royal Ascot. If you're travelling domestically, transport options include trains, cars, and coaches – but whichever route you choose, expect big crowds and book as early as you can. Trains to Ascot station are especially busy, and taxis can be pricey or hard to come by on the day. It's also worth noting there's a 10 minute up-hill walk from Ascot train station to the racecourse, which can take a toll on your feet, especially in heels!

To make things a little easier for you, we've put together a guide on getting to Ascot from five major cities in the UK, including the average day return cost (excluding a railcard) and the approximate journey length:

Top Tips to Save on Train Travel

Book early: Advance tickets are usually much cheaper than buying on the day.

Travel off-peak: Avoid busy morning and evening trains to save money.

Use a Railcard: If you're eligible, a Railcard can save you up to a third on fares.

Go as a group: Group bookings can unlock special deals and extra savings.

If you're travelling from Europe and looking to save money on transport, visit our free guide to getting cheap Eurostar tickets.

I reached out to a friend of mine, Sarah Long – who visited Royal Ascot last summer with a big group from London – to get her top tips for organising group transport. Here’s what she had to say:

“I’ve been to Royal Ascot a few times in large groups, and my first tip is to organise your transport as early as possible. Figure out how many people you’re going to be so you know how many taxis you’ll need, and the total cost split per person. Then figure out the best location to all get picked up from, set the time and you’re good to go! Last year, I travelled in a group of 19 people and it took 2 vans which cost £25 pp overall door to door, which I thought was good value for money!"

Outfit and Accessories

Hone in on your hat

It's no secret that Royal Ascot is known for its showstopping style – expensive dresses, designer heels and hats that can cost more than your rent! It’s probably one of the most “dressy-uppy" events of the summer season, think Bridgerton-vibes with promenading around the grounds in suits, flowing dresses, and head-turning hats, but what if I told you this can be done affordably?

One of the easiest ways to save money is to rent your hat instead of buying one! If you think about it, you’ll probably only wear it once anyways and then it will just be locked away in your wardrobe collecting dust.

I reached out to renowned milliner Viv Jenner from The Ascot Milliner, who designs bespoke hats and fascinators for occasions like Royal Ascot, for her thoughts on hat hire and sustainability. Viv says:

“Hat hire is the sustainable way forward, saving you money and storage. If you are planning to wear a headpiece just the once then hiring makes sense. It means you can choose a headpiece which complements your outfit perfectly without the investment. You do not have to compromise on quality or style. You can wear the same outfit several times but change your unique look each time by selecting a different headpiece. Hiring your headpiece helps our environment by reducing our carbon footprint and promoting sustainability. Hiring means fewer new items are being produced, which reduces unnecessary waste and energy consumption. A high-quality headpiece is designed to last, and by hiring we ensure it’s worn many times."

My colleague Persia-Lili Moharerr shares her experience with renting hats for the races:

"I normally rent my hat each year using The Ascot Miller which is very close to where I live so I don't have to travel far to try on the range of hats available and place my order. What's great about renting a hat through The Ascot Milliner, is not only are you getting a gorgeously-designed hat made by a true expert, but you can make the most of the free design tips you pick up along the way! I found out about the best hairstyles to wear with my chosen hat and other colours that complement the hat, which made it so much easier when choosing what dress and accessories to wear! "

Or, if you’re feeling crafty, why not design your own hat? It’s easier than you think and can save you a small fortune. Start with a budget-friendly base from ebay or John Lewis discount codes, then head to Hobbycraft or The Works for affordable decorations like feathers, faux flowers, netting, or ribbon. You could even check Etsy for handmade trims or AliExpress for bargain embellishments. The end result? A completely unique hat that looks the part but costs as little as £10–£20 to put together – perfect for turning heads without breaking the bank.

This is a great real-life example of how you can pull together a fabulous hat without splashing loads of cash. The base was picked up on the high street for just £10 and turned into something really special with a few feathers, a bit of netting, and some creative touches from Hobbycraft. It was finished off with a clip-on brooch found using a discount code from eBay – total cost? Under £20. It just goes to show you don’t have to spend a fortune to look the part at Royal Ascot. With a little imagination and a few savvy shopping tricks, you can create a standout look that’s stylish and budget-friendly.

Dressing The Part

When it comes to your Royal Ascot outfit, there’s no need to buy something brand new. Have a rummage through your wardrobe and see what can be restyled – a dress you wore to a wedding could easily be given a new lease of life with different accessories or a new pair of shoes.

Charity shops and Vinted are fab for affordable heels, clutches and jewellery that look the part but cost way less. And if you do fancy treating yourself to something new, use our ASOS, PrettyLittleThing or Coast discount codes to snap up race day-ready pieces for less.

You can also find some great deals on occasionwear at Karen Millen, Boohoo and Quiz, using our latest offers.

Don’t forget to check out our free guide on how to look good on a budget for more fashion tips and styling hacks!

Extra Tips to Dress the Part for Less

Rent your outfit: Platforms like HURR, By Rotation or Girl Meets Dress offer designer looks for a fraction of the price.

Borrow from friends or family: A friend’s fascinator or clutch bag could be just what you need – and it won’t cost you a penny.

Pick reusable accessories: Choose bags, heels and jewellery you’ll wear again to get better value for money.

Food and Drink

Eating and drinking at Royal Ascot can be just as much a part of the experience as the racing itself – but if you're not careful, it can also be where your budget disappears fastest. The racecourse is divided into four main enclosures, and each one features its own range of food stalls, bars and dining areas. Whether you’re in the Windsor or Royal Enclosure, you’ll find everything from champagne bars to casual street food pop-ups, plus plenty of opportunities to splurge. For a full breakdown of the premium hospitality options available, including access to 12 Michelin-starred chefs and 17 fine dining restaurants, head to the official Royal Ascot Hospitality page.

According to the official website, there are a staggering 142 bars, restaurants and eateries dotted around the venue. That’s more than enough choice – but it can make it hard to know what you’ll end up spending if you arrive unprepared. Before you go, take a bit of time to research the food options available in your chosen enclosure, so you can set yourself a realistic food and drink budget. You can even decide what kind of meal you'd prefer ahead of time, whether that’s a sit-down lunch or a quick bite between races. Allocating a spending limit and sticking to it will help you avoid the temptation of splashing out on every round of Pimm’s or prosecco.

To put it into perspective, our food infographic shows just how much is consumed over the week: we’re talking 220,000 tea cakes, 3,000 kilos of salmon, and over 80,000 cups of tea!

It’s clear that food is a huge part of the event, but to avoid splurging unnecessarily – why not take a packed picnic if you’re heading to the Windsor Enclosure, where it’s allowed? Bringing your own food and soft drinks can save you a lot, and still give you that classic garden party feel. Plus, it leaves room in your budget for a celebratory drink or two inside the racecourse if you fancy one later.

Betting at Royal Ascot

You're probably thinking, "how can I save money whilst betting at Royal Ascot?"

Betting is often considered the most fun part of the Royal Ascot experience, especially for soaking up the exciting atmosphere! However, it's notoriously one of the easiest ways to "accidentally" overspend. Whether it's your first time at the races or you're a Royal Ascot regular, there are a few clever ways to keep the betting both affordable and enjoyable on the day:

• Understand the types of bets: The easiest way to stay somewhat in control of betting is doing some research beforehand and understanding the basics of betting. Try to familiarise yourself with the basics of betting, from placing bets to determining the odds. A little research can go a long way with understanding how odds work, to maximise your return profit!

• Set a budget and stick to it: It's easy to fall victim to excessive spending when you get caught up in the atmosphere of a race day. If possible, try setting a budget beforehand to decide exactly how much money you are willing to spend on betting, and do what you can do stick to it! Your wallet will surely thank you later!

• Don't chase your losses: If your bets don’t go your way, don’t feel pressured to keep spending more in order to make it back. Betting should be a fun part of the day, not just a money-making strategy. Take wins as a bonus and losses as part of the game. If you do set a budget as mentioned above, you can view it as part of the overall cost of your day out.

Final Thoughts

Royal Ascot is a truly exceptional day out – but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. From booking earlybird tickets and planning travel in advance, to renting your outfit, bringing your own picnic and using any one of Savoo's discount codes on fashion, accessories and more – there are loads of simple ways to keep costs down without missing out on the fun. With a bit of planning and some savvy swaps, you can enjoy the magic of the races in true Ascot style, on a budget that works for you!