Ascot
Active things to do in Ascot
As the home of the annual Royal Ascot Racecourse, Ascot is at the heart of the British equestrian scene. But while equine activities may dominate in the town, racing isn’t the only sport on offer. The Berkshire countryside is a playground for active travellers, with everything from golf and polo to hiking and sailing. Head outdoors and discover the delights of rural England with this two-day itinerary.
Day one
Begin the day with sporting activities at Coworth Park, in the grounds of the hotel
Coworth Park
Set on 240 acres of parkland, Coworth Park offers a variety of sports just a moment away from your suite. From a scenic run through the grounds and a morning game of tennis or croquet, to mountain biking, clay pigeon shooting, fishing and yoga, there’s plenty to match the preferences of active travellers. Ask your concierge for full options and to book classes and sessions.
Before leaving Coworth Park, drop into the Coworth Park Equestrian Centre.
Coworth Park Equestrian Centre
Experience the thrill of horse riding at the first-class Coworth Park Equestrian Centre. Beginners can book private or group lessons while experienced riders can enjoy treks through the parkland. There’s also a dressage arena and show jumping course for experts and a pony club for younger riders.
Next, take a 25-minute taxi drive to Bray Lake Watersports.
Bray Lake Watersports
Take to the water with Bray Lake Watersports. There are classes in everything from windsurfing and dinghy sailing to open water swimming and paddle sports, as well as special sessions tailored to younger water sports enthusiasts and private classes for those who’d benefit from some one-on-one training.
The next venue, Wentworth Club, is a 25-minute drive from Bray Lake Watersports.
Wentworth Club
Guests of Coworth Park can enjoy access to Wentworth Club, one of the world’s finest golf and country clubs. An essential stop on the itinerary for golf enthusiasts of all levels, the estate houses three 18-hole championship courses (West, East and Edinburgh) and an excellent club house for that essential post-game beverage.
Take a 20-minute drive to the final stop of the day, Windsor Great Park. Alternatively, take a 20-minute walk from Wentworth Club to the Virginia Water Lake Visitor Center on the edge of the Park.
Windsor Great Park
One of the largest and most beautiful parks in this part of England, Windsor Great Park comprises 4,800 acres of rolling countryside and ancient woodland. Hike one of the many forest trails through The Valley Gardens to discover rare wildlife and striking horticulture; take a leisurely stroll through beautiful flower displays in The Savill Garden; or cool off on the shores of the beautiful Virginia Water Lake, famous for its ornamental Cascade waterfall.
To get back to the hotel, it’s a 30-minute drive.
Day two
Start your second day with a lesson at Guards Polo Academy at Coworth Park, located next to the hotel.
Guards Polo Academy
Put yesterday’s horse riding lessons to good use with practice games and chukkas at Guards Polo Academy. Whether starting from scratch or looking to develop your polo prowess, there’s a diverse selection of lesson options to suit all levels. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a game by expert teams from across the country.
Next, take a 20-minute drive to Thames Valley Athletics Centre.
Thames Valley Athletics Centre
Put your athletic skills to the test at Thames Valley Athletics Centre. The stadium has world-class facilities catering to a large range of recreational athletics, with facilities for sports including but not limited to running, badminton, football, squash, yoga and basketball.
Next, head to the Bracknell Ski Centre, a 25-minute drive from Thames Valley Athletics Centre.
Bracknell Ski Centre
Get some practice in ahead of your next ski holiday at Bracknell Ski Centre. The giant complex offers private and group skiing and snowboarding classes, as well as open practice sessions for seasoned skiers and boarders. The venue is also home to an Olympic-sized ice rink, for those who prefer skates.
Continue on to Dorney Lake, a 30-minute drive from Bracknell Ski Centre.
Dorney Lake
A long flat water rowing lake surrounded by beautiful parkland, Dorney Lake is a scenic space for an afternoon stroll. The flat expanse, with its wide, well-maintained paths, is popular with cyclists and joggers and the Club also runs various water sports courses throughout the year. Sunsets here are unobstructed, so it’s also a great place to visit later in the day.
Take a 35-minute drive to Reading Climbing Centre.
Reading Climbing Centre
Berkshire’s premier climbing centre, this giant complex features over 120 climbing lines across a number of climbing and bouldering walls extending up to a staggering 14 metres. Leave acrophobia at the door and challenge yourself to tackle the centre’s boulder problems, which are reset frequently so there’s always a new route to try. Introductory sessions are available for beginners.
To get back to the hotel, drive for 40 minutes back towards Ascot.
All journey times are approximate and subject to variation.