This is my first post here. Maybe you can help, I have bought tickets to the Royal Ascot races in June 03, but have never been to England. Is it feasible to stay in London if you are attending the race for one day only? Or would it be better to stay closer to Ascot? Where do I find accomodations for the area? If I do stay in London, how would I get to Ascot? And lastly, if this is my first trip to England, what should I make time to see? I will be there for 7 days (including travel days). Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help.

dont forget the hat for ascot.<BR>dont try to stay in ascot most accomadation will already be booked.<BR>the train from london will get you there in about 40mins. also there are plenty of buses to the races.look under national express.

Prepare to enjoy! My favorite hotel is the Manderine Oriental Hyde Park. My suggestions, after 4 trips to London in the last 5 years, pick a museaum, I really liked the Courtauld and the Victoria &amp; Albert. Explore, so do some shopping, I check out Selfridges and of course, Harrods. You will surprized at how quickly the time goes.

I have been to Ascot and it is a very interesting outing. I went on the train and it is easy. The station is a short walk from the track. The day I went the Queen was in attendance. It is crowded, there are lots of drunks, and it is great fun. Everyone does dress up, however not everyone is in the formal attire you always see pictures. I wore a standard dark business suit and was just fine. I do think you should plan to at least wear a suit and tie. Other than Ascot I suggest that you devote your time to exploring the things London has to offer. Get a good guide book. Must sees for a first timer would include the tower, Big Ben and house of Parliment, Westminster, Hyde Park, Hampton Court, oh the list just goes on and on. Do not expect to see it all in this short of a trip. If you fall in love with London like I did when I paid my first visit years ago you will return again and again, as I do. I can never get tired of London. Oh yes, be sure to spend time in the pubs. Most offer pretty good food and great beer and ales.

The only time I ever say a woman stand up a the urinal in the men's room and pee was at Ascot. The line was so long at the ladie's loo two of them came into the men's, walked up right among us gents, pulled up their dresses, down their knickers, and stood up and peed into the urinal. It was unbelievable. Ascot is interesting, but even with all the fancy clothes it is still a pretty big drunken brawl, especially out side of the track in the pubs and the streets.

The direct trains to Ascot station run from Waterloo station, they depart approx. every 30 minutes, 15 minutes @ peak time. If you want to be able to get out there with the least difficulty, find lodging somewhere on that line. Ascot is a commuting suburb, the station is quite small, as no one spends much time there. The trip is approx 40 minutes, shorter at some times of the day when the train stops less frequently.<BR>

Thanks for your responses. You've given me some good ideas and I will start doing more research. I am looking forward to a great trip.

Bob,<BR>look for the ladies in the loo ok? Might add some spice to your day.