Royal Ascot dress code by enclosure, and how to get to Ascot
Royal Ascot 2027 runs from Tuesday 15 to Saturday 19 June. Each enclosure has its own dress code and they are enforced at the gate. Below is what to wear in each enclosure and the easiest ways to get there from London.
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Royal Ascot dress code at a glance
| Enclosure | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Enclosure | A hat, or a headpiece with a solid base of 4 inches (10 cm) or more in diameter. Dresses and skirts just above the knee or longer. Straps at least 1 inch wide. No strapless, off-the-shoulder or halterneck styles. | Black, grey or navy morning dress with waistcoat and tie (no bow ties or cravats), a black or grey top hat and black shoes |
| Queen Anne Enclosure | A hat, headpiece or fascinator. No strapless or off-the-shoulder styles. | A full matching suit, collared shirt and tie (no bow ties or cravats) |
| Village Enclosure | Hats, headpieces or fascinators encouraged | Jacket and collared shirt, with a tie, bow tie or cravat |
| Windsor Enclosure | No formal dress code. Smart daywear is encouraged. | No formal code. A jacket and tie is common. |
Trainers, denim, shorts and fancy dress are not permitted in any enclosure. The rules are set by Ascot Racecourse and can change year to year, so check ascot.com before you go.
Royal Enclosure vs Queen Anne: the difference that matters
The Royal Enclosure is for members and their guests. It is the only enclosure that requires morning dress and a top hat for men, and it has the strictest rules on hats and hemlines for women. The Queen Anne Enclosure (from £80) is open to anyone with a ticket. It is formal but more relaxed: a lounge suit and tie and a fascinator are both fine. The Village Enclosure runs its own evening entertainment. Windsor (from £25) is the most relaxed.
How to get to Royal Ascot from London
By train
South Western Railway runs direct trains from London Waterloo to Ascot, taking about 52 minutes, with extra services on race days. Trains also run from Reading. From Ascot station it is a 7-minute walk to the racecourse on a traffic-free path. Evening queues for the return trains can be long.
By car
The racecourse is on High Street, Ascot SL5 7JX. Use the M3 (J3), the M4 (J10) or the M25 (J13). Car parks are allocated by enclosure (for example, Royal Enclosure badge holders use Car Park 3), and traffic after the last race can take over an hour to clear.
By chauffeur
A pre-booked car drops you at the designated set-down point and collects you after racing at an agreed time, so no one in your group has to drive or stay sober. RushXO runs fixed-fare cars and people carriers to Ascot from London, Heathrow and the Home Counties. Book early: race-week availability usually runs out by May.
Planning a group day at the races
For four or more guests, a single V-Class or 8-seater usually costs less per head than peak train tickets plus taxis at each end. See our event transport options and group transport, or get a fixed quote.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dates of Royal Ascot 2027?
Royal Ascot 2027 runs from Tuesday 15 June to Saturday 19 June 2027.
Can you wear a fascinator in the Royal Enclosure?
No. The Royal Enclosure requires a hat, or a headpiece with a solid base of at least 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. Fascinators are allowed in the Queen Anne Enclosure.
What is the dress code for the Village Enclosure at Royal Ascot?
Men need a jacket and a collared shirt with a tie, bow tie or cravat. Women are encouraged to wear a hat, headpiece or fascinator. Trainers, denim and shorts are not allowed.
Is there a dress code in the Windsor Enclosure?
There is no formal dress code in the Windsor Enclosure, though smart daywear is encouraged. Fancy dress, trainers and shorts are still not permitted.
What is the best way to get to Royal Ascot from London?
The train from London Waterloo takes about 52 minutes and the station is a 7-minute walk from the course. For groups, a pre-booked chauffeur avoids the evening train queues and post-race traffic.
Last reviewed 26 September 2026. Charges and timetables change, so check the operator before you travel.
