Intro & Hype
Royal Ascot is the highlight of the British racing calendar, an age-old tradition dating back to 1711 when it was founded by Queen Anne. It epitomises British elegance and sophistication, attracting over 300,000 attendees across its five days, including the King, Queen, and other members of the Royal Family. It’s also a fantastic opportunity for celebrity spotting!
With prize money totalling £10 million and at least one Group 1 race each day (eight Group 1 races in total), it’s undeniably one of the most thrilling weeks in the racing world. Ladies’ Day takes place on Thursday, with the prestigious Gold Cup as the main event.
Fashion plays a significant role in the Royal Ascot experience, and it’s always a delight to see. Royal Ascot has tightened its dress code (quite rightfully!), so please ensure you read the guidelines carefully.
The fashion obviously is a huge part of the week and is a delight to observe. Royal Ascot have put together a ‘what to wear’ Dress Code for each enclosure, you can read this here.
Hire & Appointments
Hats cannot be booked or matched virtually during April, May, and June. You must book an in-person appointment to select your hat, I can post it if you live a distance away; otherwise, collection is required.
Appointments last 45 minutes but may occasionally run over. Please notify me if you can’t attend. The shop is small, if you need to bring someone, let me know—children are not recommended.
For directions, parking, and available appointment dates, visit the contact page.
Royal Ascot bookings can be made year-round, but during April, May, and June, hats must be hired in person.
Posting
You must be present for delivery on the specified day pre-arranged. Otherwise Royal Mail will NOT leave your delivery if no one is home to accept. If delivery is missed and your hat arrives late, it’s your responsibility!
Hats are sent via Royal Mail Special Delivery (by 1pm), they must be returned the same way with the agreed insurance value. Hats are your responsibility while in your possession, as they are not insured by Lizzie’s Hats.
To track the parcel your tracking number is available upon request from Lizzie, please call or WhatsApp.
If staying at a hotel, inform reception to ensure safe delivery and confirm receipt.
Please note: Sometimes the postman will not leave a card saying it was a missed delivery, it’s very important that you are present. This should be discussed at the time of booking, so a suitable day and time can be agreed.
Once the hat is posted it is considered a hire even if not worn no matter the circumstance and no refunds will be given.
Collection & Returns
Hats can be collected on Thursday, 12th June 2025, from 12-4pm and 6-8pm from the conservatory attached to the house. They will be in named boxes (alphabetical by first name). Please check your box before leaving.
Parking is at the top entrance off the B4000 (do not enter via the “no entry” gate). After parking, walk down to the conservatory, being mindful of dogs, horses, and children. No cars or dogs are allowed in the yard, and bringing children is not recommended.
Hats must be returned by Wednesday, 25th June, between 12-4pm or 6-8pm (including postal returns). Late returns will incur a £10 per day fee.
Important Info
Hats are not insured by me whilst hired and are your responsibility until safely returned. Please protect the hat from rain. If a hat is damaged (including lost decorations, rain damage, or dents), the hirer must cover the cost of repairs. If beyond repair, the full value must be paid as stated in the hire contract. Hats should stay in their boxes when not worn and be protected. Please avoid using hat pins or altering any part of the hat, including fastenings. Makeup marks are expected and hats are cleaned before and after each hire.
Please note: Hats are for single-day wear only. If you’d like to wear your hat for a second day, I offer a discounted hire fee. Hats are non-transferable and must only be worn by the person named on the contract under any circumstance. Any hats spotted on anyone other than the hirer, an additional hire fee will apply, and I retain the right to refuse any future hires.
Please note your booking is not complete until we received a completed contract and monies are received. Please complete the contract below.
Cancellation & Refunds
If your outfit changes, hats can be swapped before 1st June. After this date, conditions apply.
For cancellations, a full refund minus a £25 consultation fee will be given if notice is before 1st June. After 1st June, hat hire fees are non-refundable, but you can swap for another available hat. If the new hat costs less, no refund will be given, and if it costs more, you’ll need to pay the difference.
Racing Dates
Click on the BHA ‘British Horse Racing Authority’ logo to find all major horse racing events.
