Ascot
Local guide to Ascot
Our luxury country house hotel on the borders of Windsor Great Park is well known for its secluded, idyllic setting. But don’t let this deter you from exploring the area’s greatest assets, many of which are located close by. Whether you’re a keen historian or horticulturalist, or you simply want to sample the local restaurant scene, there’s plenty to explore within easy reach of Coworth Park with this two-day itinerary.
Day one
Start your day in Ascot by exploring the Leptis Magna Ruins, just five minutes away from the hotel by taxi.
Leptis Magna Ruins
Take a scenic walk beside the southern edge of Virginia Water Lake and you will happen upon an unexpected sight: the Leptis Magna ruins. Imported to England from the ancient Roman site of Leptis Magna in Libya in 1817, the artefacts were moved from their initial home in the British Museum to their current site on Virginia Water nine years later, where they’ve remained ever since.
The ruins are within the boundaries of Windsor Great Park, so continue your outing with a walk across the water into the park proper.
Windsor Great Park
Windsor Great Park is the perfect destination for an afternoon of walking, cycling, or perhaps simply relaxing in the sun with a picnic. Whether you carefully plan your route ahead of time, or aim to get pleasantly lost in the park’s 4,800-acre grounds is up to you, but a stroll, at the least, is essential.
From the park, take a 20-minute taxi ride to Bluebells Restaurant & Garden Bar for lunch.
Bluebells Restaurant & Garden Bar
Perfect for business or leisure, Bluebells Restaurant & Garden Bar is a fine choice if you wish to unwind after a morning of exploring. Expect seasonal terrines, hearty roasts, pasta dishes and desserts for lunch and an á la carte menu, including canapés and homemade breads, in the evening.
Then take a taxi for the 30-minute drive to RHS Garden Wisley.
RHS Garden Wisley
Since its beginnings almost 150 years ago, the RHS Garden Wisley has become one of the most visited gardens in the United Kingdom, with around a million visitors a year. With 240 acres of scented roses, tropical plants, alpine meadows and more, it’s not hard to understand its enduring popularity.
Sunningdale Golf Club is another 30-minute drive.
Sunningdale Golf Club
The famous Sunningdale Golf Club has been the setting for numerous major championships since its founding in 1900. With such an illustrious history, take the opportunity to test your golfing prowess on either the enchanting Old Course designed by golfing legend Willie Park Junior, or the more rugged New Course laid by architects Colt and Morrison. The club is open to non-members Monday through Thursday.
The hotel is then just 10 minutes’ drive from the golf club.
Day two
Begin your second day exploring Ascot with a visit to The Savill Garden, just 15 minutes from the hotel by taxi.
The Savill Garden
Whether you’re a daffodil lover or rose enthusiast, or you prefer a summer garden over an autumnal coppice, the 35 acres of interconnecting gardens and woodland at The Savill Garden feature a variety of distinctive spaces that will inspire every visitor.
Runnymede is then a 10-minute taxi ride from The Savill Garden.
Runnymede
A little over eight hundred years ago, Runnymede bore witness to the sealing of the Magna Carta, and by extension the birth of British democracy. Nowadays, the picturesque landscape – featuring tranquil river scenery and expansive meadows – provides the ideal setting to contemplate British history as you enjoy a leisurely stroll on one of the signposted countryside walks.
Then, take a taxi to Eton High Street for lunch at Gilbey’s Bar & Restaurant, just 15 minutes from Runnymede.
Gilbey’s Bar & Restaurant
Originally one of the first wine bars outside London, Gilbey’s is now an excellent spot for fine gastropub fare made using local ingredients. The brasserie lunch menu includes pub classics like fish and hand-cut chips, shepherd’s pie and sticky toffee pudding, as well as delicious French-inspired dishes and a selection of roasts on Sundays.
After you’ve eaten, take some time to explore the high street’s boutiques and galleries.
Eton High Street
Eton High Street, with its emphasis on boutique and independent retailers, is a shopper’s paradise that offers a different experience to many British high streets. Whether you’re in the market for fine art or antiques, or just wish to purchase a special souvenir or gift, you’re sure to find it here.
The Belvedere Arms is then 20 minutes away by taxi.
The Belvedere Arms
Round off the day with a drink at The Belvedere Arms in Sunninghill. With cosy, stylish interiors and an al fresco area, this pub and restaurant is the perfect place to stop and refuel. If the selection of craft beers and wines on offer here whets your appetite, pcik up a dinner menu and settle in for the evening.
From the Belvedere Arms, the hotel is only a two-minute taxi ride away or a 10-minute walk.
All journey times are approximate and subject to variation.
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