Ascot is a small town with a big reputation owing to the fact that it plays host to the world’s most famous and certainly most glamourous horse racing event. The Royal Ascot meet attracts approximately 300,000 visitors; including celebrities and members of the Royal Family as well as 400 helicopters, 1,000 limos and is viewed in 200 countries worldwide.

Therefore it’s no wonder that the area is home to many famous residents including Prince Edward, Prince Andrew, Chris Evans, Marti Pellow and the deceased Boris Berezovsky. Whilst Ascot is the home of Royalty and the glitterati, it also carries a great appeal for ordinary homebuyers and can offer something for everyone from families to young professionals.

Here we reveal what it’s really like to be an Ascot resident and why there is so much more to this town than its famed Racecourse.

A brief history of Ascot

For most of its recorded history, Ascot was considered a dangerous expanse of open heathland before Queen Anne discovered it in 1711 whilst riding through Windsor and proclaimed it to be ideal for her horses to ‘gallop at full stretch.’ The first race meet was held later that year and Ascot has become a national institution ever since.

Where to look for homes

Divided into three areas, Ascot is comprised of the town centre, South Ascot and North Ascot. The town centre is usefully appointed with several high street brands including Budgens, Starbucks, Boots and W H Smiths and a handful of boutique independent stores.

Properties here come in all shapes and sizes and range from neo-Georgian mansions to modern new build apartments. As Ascot is such a desirable place to live and is conveniently located just 25 miles west of London, property here can be expensive, although Northern Ascot offers better value for money being slightly further away from the town centre.

Wentworth and areas along the A30 offer a number of beautiful family homes set in idyllic Berkshire countryside with world-class golfing facilities just around the corner.

For those looking for quick and easy access to London, property close to the centre of town may be a more suitable option. There are many modern, high specification apartments in this area as well as smaller period properties for those who enjoy traditional features.

Are there good local schools?

There are many independent girls’ schools in the area including St George’s Ascot which was attended by Princess Beatrice and Heathfield School which counts Sienna Miller among its pupil alumnae. For local state schools; Charters School was commended with an ‘Outstanding' assessment from Ofsted in 2009.

What about bars and restaurants?

Ascot is full to the brim with gastronomic delights including The Restaurant at Coworth Park and FORK at the Royal Berkshire; both maintain a Certificate of Excellence on TripAdvisor. Ascot also plays host to some buzzing bars and clubs, attracting a crowd of commuters and young professionals. Bar One at the top of the high street is ideally located for ‘Pimms o’clock’ when heading for the Racecourse, just five minutes’ walk away.

Is it accessible for commuters?

Ascot is situated just 5 miles from all major motorways including the M25, M3 and M4 and is minutes away from the A30. Frequent trains run to London in under an hour and less than 30 minutes to Reading. Heathrow and Gatwick airports are also less than half an hour to 45 minutes away.

What else can I enjoy as a local resident?

The sporting, leisure and spa facilities in Ascot are second to none. The Wentworth Estate, famous for its golfing range and health club as well as the Royal Berkshire, Pennyhill Park and Foxhills, are all just a stone’s throw away.

Similarly, Ascot maintains a thriving community atmosphere and runs a wealth of local clubs/ societies for residents to get involved with from bridge to crafts and amateur dramatics.