Kids in London – Racing at Ascot

OK, I know Ascot isn’t in London but it’s only 40 minutes on the train from Waterloo. And it is a time honoured part of the London season – so kids should go at least once for the experience. And if the weather is nice it’s a really great day out that doesn’t have to cost a lot of money (tickets cost from £10 per person). You don’t even have to get dressed up unless you want to go hob-nobbing with the rich and famous in the Premiere enclosure.

The gates open at 1145am – however, most people get there a bit earlier and take time to have a picnic in the car parks (costing £5 for the day) which are rather pleasant and with lots of greenery. Some of the car parks are also practically on top of Ascot High Street which has some excellent independent shops as well as coffee bars and places to refresh and relax.

The first race is usually at 2pm. So make sure you are there in time to see the horses being walked around the Parade Ring – much easier to pick your favourite that way than studying the form in The Racing Post (which must be only for seasoned race goers) although the race cards (at £3 each) are a really good way to learn which horses are running in each race and caters for those who are not regular race goers. And they make a nice memento – especially if you mark down who you bet on and who actually won…and the kids win more bets than their parents!

With 30 minutes between each race you have plenty of time to a) see the winning horses enter the Parade Ring and receive their prizes (on my visit Princess Anne was doing the honours) b) see the horses for the next race in the Pre Parade Ring or the main parade ring c) get a sandwich and/or drink d) place your bets (or collect your winnings!) e) find a new location from which to watch the next race f) visit the loos – there tend to be queues or g) potter round the plaza lawns or the extensive grounds near the Old Paddock so that the kids can let off some steam.

In terms of watching the races, if you need seats then you can park yourself on the terraces and watch an aerial view. But kids seem to like being really close to the barrier so that they can feel the horses thunder past really close (and you can see the rest of the race from the numerous big screens they have around). There are also a few benches on the grass near the barriers although you have to get there about 10 minutes before each race to get a good position.

And it’s nice to add excitement to the proceedings by placing a few modest bets. Personally, I never use the Tote offices inside – preferring to make it a real experience by asking one of the numerous bookmakers who are set up in the open air by the track. Minimum stakes are typically £5 to win or £2.50 each way. (For those of you who haven’t bet before, “each way” means you get a smaller pay back if your horse comes in second, third or fourth – depending on the number of horses racing). These people are quite used to helping those who are inexperienced with betting - so have a go!

When each meeting typically has about seven races, as a family you can take it in turns on who picks the bet and avoid breaking the bank with too many outside bets.

There are plenty of places to buy drinks and things to eat – on the plaza lawns and within the main building itself. Yes, there are the posh places to buy champagne and alcohol but there are also numerous other types (e.g. burgers, noodles, doughnuts, sandwiches etc) which are suitable for kids and families.

The terraces are not suitable for buggies, although on King Georges Day (28th July) there were plenty of babies around. And what appeared to be quite a few lone Dads with their kids in tow - wonder if their mothers know?

Looking at the forward programme, it looks like they also lay on some extra entertainment with families in mind. For example, on 29th July there is Hong Kong day with themed demonstrations and music in addition to the racing. On 11th August they have Madness playing live. And there is a family day planned for September.

A really excellent day out.

:)