A Royal Escape in Ascot - My experience at Royal Berkshire Hotel

There are some places that instantly wrap you up in their warmth after a long journey. My recent stay at the Royal Berkshire Hotel in Ascot was exactly that: a home-away-from-home, but with all the gentle touches of luxury you secretly hope for on a countryside escape.

From the moment we arrived, it felt like stepping into a softer, slower version of life. The hotel itself is full of classic English charm; red brick, sweeping lawns, that comforting feeling of something steeped in history yet beautifully cared for.

We were greeted with some lovely chocolates, a bottle of bubbly and a thoughtful hand written note from the team. After checking in, we headed straight to afternoon tea because truly, is there any better way to begin a stay in Ascot? The Royal Berkshire’s afternoon tea was nothing short of regal.

Laid out on tiered stands that looked almost too pretty to touch, every detail felt intentional.

Warm, perfectly baked scones, delicate pastries that looked like tiny pieces of art, classic finger sandwiches and fragrant, beautifully brewed tea. Just yum!

What truly made the experience memorable for me was the care they took with my egg allergy. Without hesitation, the team prepared an entirely separate selection of egg-free options and thoughtful vegan swaps . It’s these small acts of kindness that make a hotel stay feel personal.

The gardens at the hotel are honestly a very good enough reason enough to stay here. Acres of beautifully kept grounds, sweeping lawns and tall trees. You feel like you’ve stepped into the pages of an old English novel. My favourite spot was the pond area, which feels almost hidden, surrounded by greenery and wonderfully still. I could have sat there for hours. If you’re a lover of nature, photography or quiet corners, you’ll adore this place.

The hotel’s restaurant, Fork, is one of those places that makes you want to sink into your chair and forget whatever the rest of the week looked like. My three-course dinner was delicious without trying too hard. Simple, well-balanced and beautifully plated. The kind of food that doesn’t shout but lingers.

There’s something about dining in a place that feels both familiar and elevated. It felt like slipping into a little cocoon for the evening. You can find the whole dinner experience on my Instagram highlights.

Our room felt wonderfully comforting - classic, calm and just the right level of luxury.

Breakfast the next morning was exactly how a countryside hotel breakfast should be: plentiful, warm and unhurried. Fresh pastries, warm beans on toast and endless cups of coffee. It was the perfect start before wandering out into the gardens… which, truly, stole my heart.

If you’re heading to Ascot for a countryside retreat or planning to attend Royal Ascot, this hotel is such a lovely base. Peaceful, beautifully kept and close to some of the best places to explore in the area.

Here are a few I've been to and are my favourites, all within an easy drive:

• Legoland Windsor Perfect for families or anyone craving a bit of fun and nostalgia.

• Windsor Castle A must for history lovers - grand, historic, and endlessly fascinating.

• Virginia Water Lake Ideal for long walks, slow mornings and those who love a scenic route.

• The Savill Garden Quiet, perfectly kept and full of botanical beauty.

• Kew Gardens A slightly longer trip but absolutely worth it if you love plants, glasshouses and sweeping garden landscapes.

  
  

It’s the combination of the gardens, the food, the warm staff and those soft, luxurious touches that make you want to return before you’ve even left. If you’re planning a trip to Ascot or simply need a quiet reset somewhere beautiful, this is one to bookmark. The kind of place that reminds you how good it feels to slow down, switch off and savour a different pace of living.

Love,

Sneha