Out & About
The infamous home of horseracing offers tree-lined avenues, great shopping and historic attractions
Newmarket has a quintessentially English-town feel. Once the sporting playground for royalty, it is now home to over 3000 horses and boasts two large racecourses. The town has been associated with horseracing ever since 1605, when King James arrived and declared Newmarket the second capital of England. Queen Elizabeth II now visits regularly to see her horses in training. Aside from royal connections and horseracing, this beautiful market town also offers an array of shops and eateries, a luxury spa and even a sausage unique to the area – produced since the 1880s, three local butchers in the town are entitled to produce the uniquely flavoured Newmarket sausages.
What to see and do
Whether you’re a fan of the gee gees or not, no trip to Newmarket is complete without visiting The National Horseracing Museum. The story of horseracing is told through works of art, silver, bronzes, and artifacts including silks worn by famous jockeys. There’s also a racehorse simulator which is a must try!
If you’re keen to immerse yourself even further in the town’s racing culture, take a tour at The National Stud, the only place in the UK offering the chance to see behind the scenes of a working Thoroughbred stud farm.
Fancy stretching your legs? Newmarket’s renowned Gallops offers 2,500 acres which are used every morning to exercise the town’s equine residents. After 1pm though, public access is allowed, with walks providing panoramic views over the town’s iconic buildings.
Dinner
Treat yourself to a fine dining experience at The Jockey Club Rooms. Enjoy reception drinks in the Morning Room, where you can admire the artwork while being served by the Club Butlers, then indulge in a spectacular seven-course meal in the Members’ Dining Room. Champagne afternoon tea and tours and Sunday lunches are also offered.
Coffee
In need of a pick me up after all that horsing around? Cortado Espresso Bar serve up an exceptional range of coffees, alongside artisan food made with locally sourced ingredients. They were winners of the Best Coffee Shop In Suffolk 2020 – pop in to find out why.
Stay the night
BEDFORD LODGE HOTEL & SPA
Widely regarded as one of the finest spa hotels in Suffolk, this is the place to head if you’re in need of real relaxation and indulgence. The hotel retains the charm and character of a country house while offering the very best in modern comforts. There are a range of spa breaks to choose from, each offering full use of the facilities, which include a hydrotherapy pool, outdoor rooftop hot tub and thermal area. Treatments range from massages and facials to manicures and body polishes, so you’ll leave feeling good as new. Dinner in the award-winning Squires restaurant and breakfast the next day is also included, and there are a range of luxurious rooms to collapse into at the end of the day.