View of lab and canal in summer at RHS garden wisley

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.
T: +44 1753 860 222 | Windsor Great Park, Windsor

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.

Status at The Crown Estate, Ascot
windsor garden dorchester collection summer 2019 ideas what to do
T: +44 1753 860 222 | Windsor

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.

T: +44 1344 622 722 | Shrubbs Hill, London Road, Sunningdale, SL5 0LE

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.

Chicken salad with wine at Bluebells Restaurant
View of lab and canal in summer at RHS garden wisley
T: +44 1483 224 234 | Wisley Lane, Woking, GU23 6QB

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.

T: +44 1344 621 681 | Ridgemount Road, Sunningdale, SL5 9RR

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.

Sunny day view of golf club at Ascot

Day two

Begin your second day exploring Ascot with a visit to The Savill Garden, just 15 minutes from the hotel by taxi.
People relaxing at Ascot Savill Garden
T: +44 1753 860 222 | Wick Lane, Englefield Green, TW20 0UU

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.

T: +44 1784 432 891 | Windsor Road, Old Windsor, TW20 0AE

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.

DCItinerary Runneymede Magna Carta credit NationalTrustAndAndrewButler
Assorted healthy vegetable on plate
T: +44 1753 854921 | 82-83 High Street, Eton, SL4 6AF

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, Windsor, SL4 6AS

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.

From Eton High Street, the hotel is a 25-minute taxi ride away.

Eton High Street Neighbourhood

All journey times are approximate and subject to variation.

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