For the most coveted day—Gold Cup Thursday—a Royal Enclosure badge will set you back around £400 to £500. That’s just the entry fee, mind you, not including your outfit, champagne, or the inevitable bets on horses with names like “Thundering Sequin.”
Other days are gentler on the wallet. Opening Day (the one with the royal procession) is about £350, while Friday and Saturday hover around £300. These are the standard prices for a single-day badge, and they can fluctuate based on demand and how quickly you book.
If you’re feeling particularly bold, a seasonal badge for the entire five-day meet is around £1,200. That’s for the true devotees who treat Ascot like a pilgrimage.
The Hidden Costs (Because of Course There Are)
Here’s the kicker: you can’t just rock up with cash. The Royal Enclosure is members-only for most of the year, but during Royal Ascot week, they open the gates to the public—with a catch. You must be sponsored by an existing member or have a direct connection to the racecourse. It’s like getting into an exclusive club, except the club has a dress code that requires a top hat and tails.
If you don’t have a friend in high places, you can apply for a badge through the official ballot. The ballot opens in early spring, and your odds are about as good as picking the winning horse. Still, it’s free to enter, so why not?
And don’t forget the ancillary costs: a proper outfit for men (morning suit hire: £150–£250) and for women (fascinator, dress, shoes: easily £300+). Add a glass of champagne at £12 a pop, and you’re looking at a £1,000 day before you’ve even placed a bet.
The Sandringham - Royal Ascot 2026 | Ascot Racecourse
