Ascot, Horse racing town in Windsor and Maidenhead, England
Ascot is a town in Sunninghill and Ascot, Windsor and Maidenhead, England, stretching along a broad High Street. Victorian villas and semi-detached houses line the roads, surrounded by woodland areas and close to the well-known racecourse.
Queen Anne founded the racecourse in 1711, which transformed this small Berkshire settlement into a major horse racing destination. The connection to the royal family continued through the centuries and shaped the growth of the town.
The name comes from Old English meaning eastern cottage, which once described this cluster of dwellings before it grew around the racecourse. Local shops and pubs still reflect the equestrian tradition, with many displaying racing memorabilia and photographs from past meets.
The railway station offers direct connections to London Waterloo and Reading, which attracts many commuters. Most sights and shops concentrate along the High Street, which is easy to explore on foot.
During Royal Ascot Week, the local workforce grows from 70 to 6,000 people to handle the influx of racing fans. The town temporarily transforms into a busy event hub with extra staff in hotels, restaurants, and at the racecourse itself.
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