Ascot, Sunninghill & Sunningdale CommunityAd Magazine

A Bit About Ascot, Sunninghill and Sunningdale

Ascot, Sunninghill and Sunningdale are three of Berkshire’s most desirable communities, forming part of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. Together they offer an attractive blend of historic villages, prestigious homes, excellent schools, beautiful countryside and world-famous sporting heritage.

Ascot has a population of 23,989 (2021 Census) and is internationally renowned for Ascot Racecourse, which attracts more than 600,000 visitors every year. With over 300 years of history, Royal Ascot remains the centrepiece of the British summer social calendar and one of the world’s most prestigious horse racing events. During Royal Ascot week, the racecourse workforce temporarily grows to around 6,000 staff to support the five-day festival.

The area is also well known for its outstanding educational establishments. Local independent schools include Heathfield School, The Marist School, St George’s School, St Mary’s School and LVS Ascot, while Charters School serves as the area’s highly regarded state secondary school. Charters has produced notable alumni including singer-songwriter Chesney Hawkes, Paralympic gold medallist Sophie Christiansen, and actress Kerry Ingram.

Ascot has long been associated with luxury living and was ranked among England’s most expensive towns, reflecting its prestigious reputation and desirable location. Notable residents have included radio presenter Chris Evans, rugby international Jake Ball, and music legend John Lennon.

Sunninghill, with a population of 13,016 (2021 Census), is a historic village within the civil parish of Sunninghill and Ascot. Its name derives from “the home of Sunna’s people”, referring to the Anglo-Saxon Sunningas tribe. The village retains much of its traditional charm, centred around the historic Church of St Michael and All Angels, whose origins date back to around 890 AD, before being rebuilt in the Perpendicular Gothic style during the early 19th century.

At the heart of the village stands Cordes Hall, a much-loved community venue built in 1902 and designed by architects Edward and Joseph Morris. Although primarily residential, Sunninghill is known for its impressive homes and historic estates. Silwood Park, once the manor house of Sunninghill, is now home to the internationally respected Imperial College London campus, renowned for environmental and ecological research.

The village also boasts several notable historic properties, including The Cedars, once home to politician John Yorke and poet George Ellis, and Tittenhurst Park, the Grade II listed country house famously owned by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, later by Ringo Starr, before its purchase by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founding President of the United Arab Emirates.

Community spirit remains strong in Sunninghill, with organisations such as the Quince Players amateur dramatic society and Sunninghill Saints Football Club continuing to play an important role in village life.

Neighbouring Sunningdale is one of Berkshire’s most prestigious villages, with a population of approximately 7,000 (2021 Census). Situated on the border of Berkshire and Surrey, it is renowned for its leafy surroundings, elegant homes and excellent transport connections, with direct rail services to London Waterloo making it popular with commuters.

Sunningdale is perhaps best known for the world-famous Sunningdale Golf Club, founded in 1900, which is home to two of the UK’s finest heathland golf courses—the Old Course, designed by Willie Park Jr., and the New Course, designed by the legendary Harry Colt. The club has hosted numerous prestigious amateur and professional championships and is consistently ranked among the finest golf clubs in the world.

The village centre offers an attractive mix of independent boutiques, cafés, restaurants and essential services, creating a thriving local community while maintaining its village character. Nearby Windsor Great Park and Chobham Common National Nature Reserve provide extensive opportunities for walking, cycling and outdoor recreation, making the area particularly attractive to families and nature lovers.

Like Ascot, Sunningdale is synonymous with high-quality living and has long attracted successful business leaders, sporting personalities and celebrities. Its combination of outstanding schools, beautiful green spaces, excellent leisure facilities and convenient access to London continues to make Ascot, Sunninghill and Sunningdale some of the most sought-after places to live in the South East.