Introducing the Windsor Enclosure at Royal Ascot 2016

This year if you are booking tickets for Royal Ascot 2016, you have doubtless noticed a few changes from the past.  One of them is different names for the enclosures.  The Royal Enclosure is of course still the Royal Enclosure, but the other two have changed.  What used to be known as the Grandstand Enclosure is now known as the Queen Anne Enclosure.  What used to be known as the Silver Ring has been replaced by the Windsor Enclosure.

What do you need to know about the Windsor Enclosure?

Essentially it is the same as the Silver Ring used to be; it just has a new name.  This enclosure is the best choice if you need to save money on your Royal Ascot tickets; general admission to the Windsor Enclosure only costs £34.  This places Royal Ascot well within the realm of affordability to the general public (don’t wait long to book these tickets; they go fast).

What is it like to attend Royal Ascot at the Windsor Enclosure?

While the Windsor Enclosure is not as posh as the more expensive Queen Anne Enclosure, it offers you a seat close to the action.  You will get an excellent view of the horses making their way down the home straight at the start of the races, and you will be up close and personal with the Royal Procession.  The atmosphere is casual and lively.

There are several options for food and beverages at the Windsor Enclosure: the Windsor Enclosure Bars, the TK Artisan Deli, and the Food Court.  The TK Artisan Deli specialises in the best in British cuisine, while the Food Court offers burgers, Banh-mi, and curries. 

Live entertainment is another reason to choose the Windsor Enclosure.  Note however that music is only performed on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

There are a couple of experience upgrades you can optionally purchase with your Windsor Enclosure tickets.  If you would prefer something a little more upscale to eat than the food at the Deli or the Food Court, you can opt for the Fine Dining upgrade.  There aren’t any fine dining facilities located at the Windsor Enclosure, but you can choose from one of twelve restaurants at the Queen Anne Enclosure or Royal Enclosure. 

Additionally, if you would like to increase your comfort at Royal Ascot between the races, you can rent fold-out furniture including chairs and umbrellas.  Want to enjoy a picnic?  You can rent a picnic table and cool bag.  If you happen to be attending on a cold evening, you also can rent a waterproof blanket to help you stay warm.

Even though the Windsor Enclosure has a new name, it is essentially the same as the Silver Ring.  If you have been to Royal Ascot before, you should find that the newly renamed enclosure offers a similar experience to previous years.  While tickets for the Windsor Enclosure and the Queen Anne Enclosure are a bit more expensive than they were last year, they are still very reasonably priced.  Book yours while there are still seats available!

Read here how to choose the best Royal Ascot enclosure.