A day at the races at Ascot is nothing like a day at any other track

ASCOT, England — This is horse country, home to the fabled Ascot Racecourse and Royal Ascot — a week of thoroughbred races attended by members of the royal family, a who’s who of British society, celebrities, gents in waistcoats and ladies in head-turning hats.

Royal Ascot takes place June 19-23 this year. Queen Elizabeth, who is very knowledgeable about racehorses and owns more than 30, is expected to attend all five days as she has every year since 1945.

Mere commoners can also attend, provided they adhere to the strict dress code. Tickets at a variety of price points are available online.

While Royal Ascot is the centrepiece of Britain’s social calendar, many other high profile races and events are held there throughout the year.

My travelling companions and I attended the recent Spring Family Race Day, and I discovered a day at Ascot is nothing like a day at any track I’ve been to in Canada.

In addition to multiple restaurants and bars — serving everything from bangers and bubbles to caviar and craft beer — there was lots of free kid friendly fun such as pony rides, meet and greets with Peter Rabbit, hedgehogs and other furry friends, nature workshops and crafts, a climbing wall and more.

We spent the racing part of our day in a private box, where — between races — we enjoyed afternoon tea and many glasses of bubbly.

During the afternoon, Anthony Kemp — an Ascot “Tipster” — dropped by on his rounds to explain how to read the racing form, how to place bets and to provide some intel on horses and jockeys.

For information and tickets to Roy- al Ascot and other events, see ascot. co.uk.

Visitors can stay and play in the royal style

Tourists can’t stay at Windsor Castle, but there are many places with royal connections nearby.

One of the best is Coworth Park, a luxe country house hotel on 90 hectares that was once the estate of the Earl of Derby.

The property was later acquired by British-Canadian businessman Galen Weston, who turned it into an equestrian centre before selling it to the Dorchester Collection.

After extensive renovations, Coworth Park Hotel opened in 2010 with everything the English gentry might require for a relaxed but pampered weekend in the country. Perhaps it’s Coworth’s laid-back vibe that has attracted the young royals.

In May, a Royal Wedding Afternoon Tea will be served at Coworth and The Dorchester Hotel, the company’s flagship London hotel. See dorchestercollection.com.

— Robin Robinson