Just west of London, the historic town of Windsor offers more than royal heritage and quiet English charm. Nestled within the county of Berkshire and bordered by the River Thames, Windsor is world-renowned as the home of Windsor Castle — the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and the official residence of His Majesty the King.
But beyond its walls and cobbled streets, Windsor also stands as a hub of equestrian tradition. It is here that horsemanship and sporting excellence converge — from the elegance of Royal Ascot to the storied grounds of Guards Polo Club, the heart of British polo.
For those drawn to the equestrian lifestyle, Windsor offers rare access to world-class sport.
The prestigious Ascot Racecourse, host to the Royal Ascot each June, and the Royal Windsor Racecourse, known for its evening meetings, sit nearby.
Polo newcomers can take lessons at several acclaimed academies, including the Guards Polo Academy at Coworth Park, Cool Hooves Polo at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, and the Ascot Park Polo Club and Academy— each providing an introduction to this refined and demanding sport.
Founded in 1955 by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Guards Polo Club is considered one of the world’s most prestigious polo institutions. Located within the vast expanse of Windsor Great Park, this club has become Europe’s largest polo venue by membership and grounds.
Originally known as the Household Brigade Polo Club, it became Guards Polo Club in 1969 and transitioned into a fully civilian institution in 2000. Today, the club counts over 1,000 social members and 160 playing members — among them some of the sport’s most distinguished professionals. Approximately a quarter of its players travel from Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, while the number of female players — patrons and professionals alike — continues to grow.
The club spans over 50 hectares, featuring ten championship grounds, 120 stables, a full exercise track, and practice fields, all framed by views of Windsor Castle. Its historic setting at Smith’s Lawn — once an airfield during World War II and a Canadian military encampment during the First World War — adds a rare sense of continuity and depth.
A refined clubhouse overlooks the Queen’s Ground, offering members and guests a restaurant, bar, and the exclusive Royal Box, available for private hire. Nearby, the Savill and Valley Gardens provide a quiet retreat for those drawn to the beauty of English landscape design.
At the heart of the club’s calendar is the Queen’s Cup, held annually between May and June. First presented by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1960, this tournament has become one of the most prestigious events in global polo — second in Europe only to the Gold Cup for the British Open. Until her passing, Her Majesty maintained the tradition of personally awarding the trophy to the champions.
Each season, the Queen’s Cup attracts the sport’s elite. Last year’s competition saw 19 teams, with handicaps between 17 and 22 goals, compete for the title — featuring legendary players such as Adolfo Cambiaso, Facundo Pieres, Juan Martín Nero, Pablo Mac Donough, and Camilo Castagnola and Poroto Cambiaso.
Cambiaso remains the most decorated player in Queen’s Cup history, holding an unmatched ten titles.
The Queen’s Cup is the centrepiece of a season running from April to September, with over 500 matches played annually. Other key tournaments include the Prince of Wales’s Championship Cup, the Royal Windsor Cup, the Guards Ladies’ Charity Polo Tournament, and the Indian Empire Shield.
With its exceptional ponies, renowned players, royal connections, and exquisite setting, Guards Polo Club stands not only as a pillar of British sport but as a global symbol of polo’s enduring elegance.
