With horse racing and golfing as two of the main USP’s of Ascot, this Berkshire village really packs a luxury punch. Putting other staycation holidays to shame you can expect plenty of four and five-star hotels as well as traditional pubs and restaurants serving a wealth of cuisine.
 
Ascot Racecourse is certainly the biggest gem in Ascot’s crown. Since being opened by Princess Anne in 1711, the venue has been home to plenty of thrilling horse races for more than 300 years. Brilliant for sports enthusiasts and a great idea for an incentive or business trip, the best time of the year to visit is June when Royal Ascot takes place. Kings and queens are not the only A-listers to have graced the green either with two James Bond films having being shot here as well as My Fair Lady.
 
If you fancy taking a break from the stirrups, there’s even more lush greenery found at the area’s 11 golf courses. Whether you want a leisurely day at Royal Ascot Golf Club’s clubhouse or the floodlit driving range, snooker tables and sports bar of Lavender Park Golf Centre, you’re somewhat spoilt for choice with the sheer selection. Lessons are readily available at many just in case you want to work on your handicap.
 
Beyond the racing and teeing off there are plenty of restaurants and pubs found in the village. A varied cuisine is on offer, with traditional, Indian, Chinese and Mediterranean all certain to tantalise your taste buds. Afternoon tea is also a big deal, so if you’re wanting a quintessential weekend in the heart of the British countryside, Ascot could well be your ticket to the perfect holiday.
 
Getting to Ascot couldn’t be easier. Trains run multiple times a day to the village from London Waterloo and Reading, operated by South West Trains.
 
WINGED BOOTS WISDOM
 
The grass at Ascot Racecourse has to be kept to a regulation of four inches for flat racing and five inches for jump racing. The grounds are looked after by a small team whose top priority is to have the course looking it’s best.