Last updated 27/01/2025 at 10:30am
If you’re not familiar with horse racing festivals, seeing one of the days named Ladies’ Day may be a bit confusing. Let us explain to you what Ladies’ Day at a horse racing festival is and why it is so popular.
Most horse racing festivals will give names and themes to each of their days. While they are not typically heavily enforced, attendees are encouraged to come ready for the occasion.
One such occasion that is a big draw during the day it is set on at each festival is Ladies’ Day. It is usually the most popular day of the festival - but what exactly is it?
Read on to discover what Ladies’ Day in horse racing is and what exactly makes it so popular. Plus, you can attend some of the best Ladies' Days up and down the country in VIP style with Seat Unique.
Book Ladies' Day HospitalityWhat is Ladies' Day in horse racing?
For first-time attendees of a horse racing festival, seeing one of the days listed as Ladies’ Day could be a bit confusing. It’s not the most self-explanatory, as it doesn’t mean that the day is specifically for women only.
Ladies’ Day in horse racing and during festivals is traditionally the day in which women dress to impress. It is the fashion highlight of the festival.
Attending the races is always a great occasion to dress up, but what makes Ladies’ Day so special is it is truly the time for women to show off their most colourful outfits, don their high-fashion hats, and break out their classiest high heels.
The term Ladies’ Day dates back to 1823 when an anonymous poet described the Thursday of that year's Royal Ascot as “Ladies’ Day… when the women, like angels, look sweetly divine.”
It was quickly adopted by Royal Ascot, and while the festival doesn’t officially use it any longer, many others do.
A lot of festivals also hold fashion competitions on Ladies’ Days, with fantastic grand prizes to entice as many women to take part.
Why is Ladies’ Day so popular?
Ladies’ Day is often the most popular day for a festival, sometimes even more so than the day of the feature race of the festival. This could be down to two reasons - the competition, and what the day is for.
If the festival has prizes for the winners of their Ladies’ Day competitions, it will bring more women in to enter and try to win the competition. But more importantly, it's a reason to dress up in their best dresses and don their fanciest accessories.
What’s more, the top horse racing festivals attract high-profile personnel, especially at Royal Ascot, where members of the royal family would usually be in attendance. This is even more of a reason to dress up to the nines and flaunt their best outfits.
What makes Ladies’ Day different from the other days of a festival?
The only real difference between Ladies’ Day and the other days of the festival is it is the day when women can compete to be the best dressed. Other days don’t typically have an outfit-based competition.
It is also not a day when men aren’t allowed. It is still all-inclusive for everyone. In fact, as women are dressed up in their best clothes, men will also follow suit and wear their classiest outfits.
Choosing the look can be difficult, though, as most festivals have a dress code and sometimes a specific theme for the day.
You’ll want to be prepared, so be sure to check in advance if there is a strict dress code or a theme, and be sure to check out our Ladies Race Outfit Style Guide for ideas.
Complete list of UK Ladies' Days 2025
Cheltenham Festival Ladies' Day
12th March 2025 - Cheltenham Racecourse
Cheltenham Racecourse is one of the best in the country, nestled in picturesque Wiltshire. You know the guests at annual Cheltenham Festival will definitely be dressed to the nines.
There are many hospitality options available for Cheltenham Ladies' Day, including delicious two to four-course lunch options, complimentary bars and hot drinks throughout the day, and even a private box or suite!
Book Cheltenham Ladies' Day HospitalityGrand National Ladies' Day
4th April 2025 - Aintree Racecourse
The Grand National is one of the most famous, prestigious horse racing events in the UK. It's a three-day festival you won't want to miss, as it welcomes seasoned horse racing fans and newcomers every year. Check out our blog post to find out what The Grand National is.
You're spoiled for choice with hospitality at Aintree Racecourse. Get access to premier enclosures with the best views of the track, meals and afternoon tea included, along with complimentary drinks and private betting facilities.
Book Grand National Ladies' Day HospitalityRoyal Ascot Ladies' Day
19th June 2025 - Ascot Racecourse
Even those who are new to the world of horse racing know Royal Ascot, as it is perhaps the biggest horse racing event of the year. While it does not officially call it Ladies' Day, Ascot Racecourse originated the event and it always falls on Thursday, the third day, of Royal Ascot.
Hospitality at Ascot Racecourse is the best of the best too. Get a private balcony to enjoy the races at the height of luxury, with buffet-style or sit-down meals and a reception of champagne or Pimms. This is the way to truly treat yourself at the races!
Book Royal Ascot Ladies' Day HospitalityEastern Festival Ladies' Day
18th September 2025 - Great Yarmouth Racecourse
The Eastern Festival is Great Yarmouth Racecourse's three-day festival, which takes place in September. If you're missing the horse racing events from the spring and summer, this is the perfect way to keep the fun going a little longer.
As usual, the third day is the much anticipated Ladies' Day, with excellent hospitality on offer. Don't delay if you'd like to experience a three-course a la carte meal, private table, and more, as hospitality tickets are selling fast.
Book Eastern Festival Ladies' Day HospitalityWinter Ladies' Day
21st November 2025 - Southwell Racecourse
Winter Ladies' Day at Southwell Racecourse is yet another excuse to dress up even when the main horse racing festival season is over. What's special about Winter Ladies' Day is that it unlocks even more possibilities for outfits, as guests will be dressing for the cold as well.
Book hospitality at the Seasons Restaurant to get your very own welcome host, private table for delicious food and complimentary drinks, and of course access to all public areas to soak up the atmosphere 0f the day.
Book Winter Ladies' Day HospitalityHow to get Ladies' Day tickets?
Ladies’ Day is one of the grandest days of any horse racing festival. So what better way to attend that specific day than with a luxury hospitality package?
Seat Unique is delighted to offer premium hospitality packages to the festival listed above and more, providing attendees with wonderful benefits that are fitting for the glorious outfits worn on the day.
Treat yourself to a private box, delicious meals throughout the day, complimentary drinks and private betting facilities for a truly luxurious Ladies' Day. Browse the full list of Ladies' Day hospitality at Seat Unique now.
Book Ladies' Day Hospitality
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