Ascot offers a blend of luxurious living and countryside charm, making it a sought-after location. The area boasts a variety of properties, from modern apartments to grand detached houses, catering to a range of preferences and lifestyles. With its strong community feel, moving to Ascot is an ideal choice for families and professionals alike looking for a serene yet connected place to call home.

The town's reputation for safety and its array of local amenities, including top-rated schools, shops and leisure facilities, add to its allure. The presence of prestigious events such as the annual Royal Ascot race meeting also infuses the area with a unique blend of tradition and excitement.

Accommodation in Ascot

Ascot, nestled in the Royal County of Berkshire, offers a range of accommodation options to suit various preferences and needs. The town's housing market is diverse, featuring everything from modern developments to properties bursting with historical charm. This mix of traditional and contemporary styles reflects Ascot's affluent status, with property prices indicative of the area's desirability. 

Surrounding towns and villages add to the accommodation choices, each bringing its own unique character and conveniences to the table.

Read more: Accommodation and the Best Places to Live in Ascot

Lifestyle in Ascot

Ascot is synonymous with a luxurious lifestyle, complemented by its stunning landscapes and the world-renowned Ascot Racecourse. The area boasts an array of leisure and entertainment options, from quaint pubs and sophisticated restaurants to cultural attractions and annual events. 

For outdoor enthusiasts, Ascot offers ample opportunities to explore, including leisurely strolls in Swinley Forest, visits to the beautiful Savill Garden or days spent by the lake at Virginia Water. The presence of prestigious golf courses and polo clubs, along with a variety of events, ensures that residents and visitors alike can enjoy high-quality social and recreational activities.

Read more: Shopping, Sport and Entertainment in Ascot

Education in Ascot

Ascot's educational landscape is rich and diverse, catering for a wide range of ages and academic interests. The town is renowned for its quality schools, including state-funded and private institutions. 

Ascot is not directly home to international schools within its immediate vicinity but is located near several prestigious international educational institutions that cater to a diverse student body and offer globally recognised curricula. These include ACS Egham and TASIS England, both in nearby Surrey. There is also a wide selection of international schools in London.

Read more: Education and Schools in Ascot.

Getting Around

Ascot's strategic location makes it easily accessible for domestic and international travellers alike. The town is approximately 25 miles from Central London, with efficient train services to Clapham Junction and London Waterloo, making it an attractive option for those working in the capital but seeking a more tranquil home environment. London's Heathrow Airport is about 10 miles away. The area's road network facilitates easy access to nearby cities and attractions.

Ascot is synonymous with good living, offering a diverse range of accommodation options that cater for various needs and preferences. From modern apartments to sprawling estates, the area is equipped to accommodate single professionals, families and everyone in between. 

The demand for property in Ascot is partly driven by its excellent educational institutions and its proximity to London and the M4 corridor. These factors contribute to a robust property market. Titlarks Hill, for example, is noted as one of the UK's most expensive streets outside London, underscoring Ascot's status as a prime location for luxury real estate.

Ascot remains a top choice for those seeking an exceptional living environment, combining the convenience of city amenities and access to the countryside. Whether you're drawn to its exclusive properties, its outstanding schools or the convenient location, Ascot offers a unique blend of attractions that cater to a discerning clientèle.

Types of accommodation in Ascot

Ascot offers a wide variety of accommodation options to suit diverse needs and preferences, from single professionals to larger families. A range of properties is available, from small apartments to larger detached and semi-detached houses.

Serviced accommodation can also be found in Ascot, offering deluxe suites and self-contained apartments with flexible accommodation options that blend the convenience of hotel services with the comfort of home living. These alternatives are particularly appealing for short-term stays or for those seeking high-end amenities without the commitment of a long-term lease.

The property landscape in Ascot is complemented by new developments and apartment complexes designed to meet the rapidly growing demand for housing. These contemporary residences often feature state-of-the-art facilities, including secure parking, communal gardens and on-site fitness centres, catering for a modern lifestyle in a prestigious locale.

Finding accommodation in Ascot

Whether looking for a short-term stay or a more permanent home, people arriving in Ascot will find a broad spectrum of options, from hotels and B&Bs to fully furnished rentals and residential properties.

For prospective renters or buyers looking for flats, houses or short-term lets in Ascot, online portals like Rightmove showcase a huge selection of properties available in the area. Airbnb, renowned for its wide range of fully furnished rentals, caters to short-term and monthly stay requirements, offering an ideal alternative to traditional leasing arrangements.

Local estate agents in Ascot can also provide invaluable assistance, leveraging their local market knowledge and access to off-market properties to help clients navigate the property search process. From offering property search assistance to providing legal and regulatory guidance, estate agents ensure a seamless experience for those moving to Ascot.

Useful links

• Rightmove: Explore a wide range of properties for sale and rent in Ascot.
• Zoopla: Discover rental properties in Ascot, including flats and houses.
• OnTheMarket: Search for properties for sale in Ascot, offering detailed listings and descriptions.

Signing a lease in Ascot

When signing a lease in Ascot, as in the rest of the UK, prospective tenants typically undergo a process that includes a reference check, a security deposit (commonly equivalent to around six weeks' rent) and the payment of the first month's rent in advance. The process also usually requires proof of identity, proof of income and often a credit check to ascertain the tenant's reliability and financial stability.

Tenants should engage directly with a local estate agent to receive the most current and detailed information regarding the lease. 

Read more

• Tenancy Agreements – your rights and responsibilities

Utilities in Ascot

When entering into a rental agreement, it's crucial for tenants to understand which utilities, if any, are included in the rent. In the UK, tenants are typically responsible for covering the cost of utilities, including gas, electricity, water and sewerage, in addition to their rent. This responsibility extends to council tax, TV licence fees and communication services such as telephone, broadband, and satellite or cable TV.

The council tax rate in Ascot is notably lower than in many neighbouring areas, offering residents a financial advantage. The area boasts one of the lowest council tax rates in England outside of London, reflecting a commitment to keeping living costs manageable for its residents.

Read more

• Setting up Household Utilities in the UK

Best places to live in and around Ascot

Ascot offers a diverse range of living environments suited to various lifestyles, from bustling family communities to serene nature retreats and commuter-friendly locales. Each area within and surrounding Ascot has its unique charm and set of advantages.

Sunninghill

Ideal for families, Sunninghill is celebrated for its excellent schools, such as Ascot Heath Infant School and Cheapside CofE Primary School, and its proximity to Ascot High Street's thriving independent shops. This quaint village is recognised as one of the UK's best places to live, offering a community-focused lifestyle with all the conveniences of urban living. Sunninghill boasts charming parks and green spaces, making it perfect for outdoor activities and fostering a strong sense of community among residents.

Sunningdale

Sunningdale epitomises the quintessential English village charm combined with luxury living. Renowned for its prestigious golf courses, including the Sunningdale Golf Club, the area caters for those who appreciate leisure and outdoor activities amidst stunning landscapes. Sunningdale offers rail connections to London, making it an ideal choice for commuters. The village boasts a range of high-end shops, cafés and restaurants, along with access to superb schools.

Virginia Water

Virginia Water, known for its scenic lake and surrounding parkland in Windsor Great Park, offers an exceptionally high standard of living. The area is synonymous with luxury, hosting some of the most exclusive properties in the UK. Its proximity to the Wentworth Club, famous for its championship golf course and social scene, attracts a discerning clientèle. Virginia Water provides a peaceful environment with all the benefits of country living and excellent transport links to London.

North Ascot

Offering more affordable housing options, North Ascot is an attractive choice for those looking to enjoy the Ascot lifestyle without the premium price tag. It provides a balance of value and quality of life in a less sought-after location than South Ascot, making it a hidden gem for budget-conscious residents. The area enjoys access to local amenities, including parks, shops and schools, ensuring a comfortable and convenient lifestyle.

Ascot Heath

For those who cherish the outdoors, Ascot Heath offers expansive playgrounds and recreational spaces amidst natural beauty. It's a haven for nature lovers and families seeking active outdoor lifestyles. The area is known for its walking trails, cycling paths and equestrian facilities, catering for a wide range of outdoor interests.

Cookham

Cookham lies to the north of Ascot and is a picturesque village that has long been a magnet for artists and celebrities. Known for its beautiful Thames-side setting, Cookham offers a tranquil and scenic environment. It boasts a strong sense of community, with numerous local events and festivals throughout the year. The village's high street is home to a range of boutique shops, galleries and restaurants, providing a peaceful yet vibrant lifestyle.

The standard of education and schools in Ascot is excellent. The town is home to a wide variety of high-performing government and private schools, with most of the state-funded schools in the town receiving “Good” Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education) ratings. 

School attendance is from ages 5 to 18, and education is divided into three levels:

• Primary (first) schools – ages 5 to 11 
• Middle schools – ages 11 to 14 
• Secondary (upper) schools – 14 to 18

Government schools in the UK admit students based on catchment areas, meaning parents will have to conduct thorough research on their chosen suburb to ensure they can get their children into good schools. Opting for the private education route allows parents more flexibility when choosing accommodation in Ascot. 

State-funded schools in Ascot 

State-funded schools in Ascot are free for all legal residents and citizens, so most English-speaking new arrivals find this to be an ideal option. Since the national British curriculum is highly regarded and taught in international schools worldwide, families can easily relocate to another country without interrupting their children's education.

Government schools are tax-funded, so as Ascot is a largely affluent town, most state-funded schools in the area will offer good to exceptional educational standards. That said, some can be oversubscribed, which may impact whether new arrivals are offered a placement.  

In cases where a school is oversubscribed, local students will be given priority. Parents are encouraged to plan for all possibilities and have at least two alternative options. It’s also essential to visit schools and evaluate their Ofsted reports before enrolling children.  

Learn more about the education system and state-funded schools in the UK.

Useful links

• Ofsted – Ratings for state-funded schools in Ascot

Private schools in Ascot 

Independent or private schools are particularly popular in Ascot, and many parents with teenagers opt for these schools. This is because Ascot has a limited supply of state-funded secondary schools.

Private schools are also attractive because they are often better resourced and offer smaller class sizes.  This comes at a cost, though, as parents will have to pay tuition fees, and may need to factor in additional costs such as stationery and uniforms.

Private schools in Ascot teach the English National Curriculum (including the GCSE and A-Levels), but have more flexibility in terms of its application, with most of them teaching through a Christian or Catholic lens. Ascot also has a few single-sex education schools, as well as a special-needs independent school. Some private schools in Ascot, including LVS Ascot and St George’s School Ascot, offer boarding facilities.  

Learn more about independent schools in the UK.

Useful links 

• Independent Schools Council – Private Schools in Ascot 

International schools in Ascot 

There are no international schools in Ascot offering the curriculum of a foreign country. For expat families who would like their children to learn their national curriculum in their home language, Ascot is centrally located with excellent public transport links to London, where there are many international schools.  

Otherwise, the nearby ACS International School Egham and St George’s School Windsor offer the globally respected International Baccalaureate curriculum.  International schools also often offer boarding facilities, which could be an option for new arrivals to explore.

See our list of recommended international schools in London.

For people moving to Ascot, the lifestyle in the town will be one of its most attractive aspects. Here, new arrivals can enjoy Ascot's country charm while still having easy access to modern conveniences. Read on to find out about this small town's best shopping, arts and culture, and outdoor attractions.

Shopping in Ascot 

Known for luxury and a high quality of life, Ascot offers a variety of boutiques, independent shops and supermarkets. Most of the shopping in Ascot is centred around the town’s high street, which is home to a few cafés and some clothing, grocery and homeware shops. There are plans to further develop Ascot’s high street, so new arrivals can look forward to a mixed-use development that will see more retailers and housing supply enter the town's market.  

Those looking for a wider range of store options can head to Windsor or Bracknell. Failing that, Ascot offers quick access to London for more extensive shopping.  

Arts and culture in Ascot 

With a history dating back to the 1700s, Ascot is imbued with history, arts and culture. The world-famous Ascot Racecourse should be the first stop for newcomers, as this is the most storied attraction in their new home. Visitors to the Ascot Racecourse can visit The Queen Anne Enclosure to experience the race-day splendour and finish the day off at The Gallery Restaurant.  

Art lovers will be delighted to find that Ascot is also home to several galleries, including Circle Gallery and Ascot Studios. Windsor Castle, the National Gallery and the British Museum are also a short drive away.  

Located in Winkfield Row, Lapland UK is the perfect family fun day out. This Christmas-themed park tells Santa’s story in a four-and-a-half-hour theatrical experience. There is also a toy factory, forest, and magical shops for children to enjoy. 

Sports and outdoor activities in Ascot 

Fitness enthusiasts and nature lovers in Ascot are blessed with an abundance of beautiful green spaces. The celebrated Windsor Great Park offers scenic cycling and hiking trails, as well as quaint picnic spots.  

Newcomers can also explore the biologically diverse Savill Garden, which was commissioned by George V and designed by Eric Savill and features seasonal displays, woodlands and gardens. Englemere Pond makes for an exciting family walk exploring the woodlands and the pond, while Sunninghill Park and South Ascot Park are great for keeping the kids active.  

Horse lovers are also well catered for in Ascot, with horse racing playing an essential part of the town’s culture. Ascot is also close to the Guards Polo Club, which has strong connections with the royal family, and hosts the prestigious Queens Cup tournament in May and June each year.