Royal Ascot Village Enclosure

For more than a century, the Royal Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire has featured three enclosures: the Royal Enclosure, the Queen Anne Enclosure (previously referred to as the Grandstand), and the Windsor Enclosure (known in the past as the Silver Ring).  Now, after over a hundred years, a new enclosure has been built, known as the Village Enclosure.

The Village Enclosure is located inside the track between the Windsor and Queen Anne Enclosures, with the Grandstand forming a backdrop.  The view it offers looks back on the final furlong. 

Not only does the Village Enclosure provide a fresh perspective on the racetrack, it also provides a fresh ambiance which is different from anything else found at Royal Ascot.  The vibe at the new enclosure is more contemporary. 

Dining is informal, served through boutique restaurants and bars.  You can grab your food and go, or you can sit down to eat.  As with the other enclosures, you will be able to indulge in champagne, cocktails, and other refreshing beverages.  Live music will be featured throughout the day with a focus on jazz, funk, and brass.  The main stage will also host a range of other acts at night.

The Village Enclosure helps to resolve an overcrowding issue which was starting to overwhelm the Queen Anne Enclosure as well as the Windsor Enclosure.  Since 2011, the Racecourse has been reducing the capacity of both enclosures in order to preserve the experience - but the popularity of Royal Ascot has only continued to grow.

Now, with the Village Enclosure, the Queen Anne Enclosure and Windsor Enclosures both are less crowded, and there is a brand new way to experience Royal Ascot.

Here is everything else you need to know about the Village Enclosure:

• Tickets to the Village Enclosure cost £68 as of the time of writing.  This makes them less expensive than those for the Queen Anne Enclosure but more expensive than those for the Windsor Enclosure.  Make sure you buy your tickets fast as they are selling out rapidly for all enclosures. 

• If you are interested in a hospitality upgrade, Villiers in the Village, The Restaurant in the Village and Gazebos in the Village are all available.  The Gazebos allow you to entertain private groups of up to 16 people. 

• As to the dress code for the Village Enclosure, the new enclosure shares the same dress code as the Queen Anne Enclosure.  This means ladies cannot wear strapless dresses or tops, and must always wear a hat or headpiece.  No shorts are allowed, but full length jumpsuits and trousers are permitted.  Gentlemen should wear a matching suit with a shirt and tie.

Still undecided? Read my instalment about which Royal Ascot enclosure is right for you for more information.

Also remember, if you are too late to purchase a ticket to the Village Enclosure or you cannot make it for any other reason, you can still bet on Royal Ascot 2017 by going online.  Check out our recommended UK betting sites to get started.