Newmarket Travel Guide

Explore Newmarket with our comprehensive tour guide featuring places to visit, things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and more.


Introduction to Newmarket

Situated in the county of Suffolk, in the East of England, Newmarket is a town best known for its horse racing heritage. The town is home to two racecourses; the famous Newmarket Racecourse, which includes two courses; the Rowley Mile and the July course, and the more intimate and exclusive, The Adnams April Course. Aside from its vibrant horse racing culture, Newmarket is also home to many museums dedicated to the sport.

List of Places to Visit in Newmarket

Newmarket has a variety of places to visit. We’ve curated a list of some must-visit attractions that both locals and tourists will enjoy.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • National Horseracing Museum: The museum houses the history of horseracing, from its beginnings to the present day, and it’s located at the National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art.
  • Palace House: A collection of three dynastic museums at the heart of Newmarket, offering visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the horseracing industry, as well as the history of the palace that once stood there.
  • The Jockey Club Rooms: Established in the 18th century, the Jockey Club Rooms is part of the Newmarket Racecourse. It has hosted some of the wealthiest and most influential horse breeders, owners, and trainers of all time. It now serves as a private members’ club for members of The Jockey Club.

Natural Attractions of Newmarket: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Devil’s Dyke: A natural chalk escarpment, crossing Suffolk to Cambridgeshire, it’s an excellent site for excellent views.
  • Rous Road Recreation Ground: A green space with picnic tables, playground, skate park and walking trails for a peaceful retreat

Hiking/Biking Routes of Newmarket

If you’re looking for hiking or biking routes in Newmarket, you won’t be disappointed. Here are some notable routes:

  • National Cycle Route 51: This route runs from Felixstowe in Suffolk and ends in Harwich in Essex, covering a total distance of 59 miles.
  • The Devil’s Dyke Trail: A six-mile trail that highlights the beauty of the Devil’s Dyke and offers stunning views.

Best Things to Do in Newmarket: Activities and Tours

Newmarket has activities and tours to suit all. Here’s our roundup of the best things to do:

  • At the National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art, you can take a guided tour of the site which includes visiting the training yard, the racing stables, and the racehorse simulator.
  • For those seeking an adrenaline rush, a hot air balloon ride over the town or a helicopter tour of the surrounding countryside is an excellent option.
  • Watch horses being exercised on the Newmarket Gallops from 6 am onwards. With several different locations and plenty of walking paths to follow, you’re guaranteed a great view.

Week-Long Itinerary for Newmarket

Here’s a suggested seven-day itinerary for anyone visiting Newmarket:

Day Activity
1 Visit the National Horseracing Museum
2 Explore the Devil’s Dyke Trail
3 Take a guided tour of the National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art
4 Attend a Newmarket Racecourse event
5 Take a hot air balloon ride
6 Visit Rous Road Recreation Ground and have a picnic
7 Watch the horses being exercised on the Newmarket Gallops

Food and Drink Scene of Newmarket

Newmarket prides itself on its locally-sourced food and drink. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages to try:

Must-Try Dishes

  • The Suffolk sausage: This flavoursome sausage is a classic and is available in many pubs and restaurants in Newmarket.
  • Fish and chips: Head to one of the excellent fish and chip shops in town to sample a British classic.

Local Beverages

  • Greene King Ale: Head to the Bedford Lodge Hotel to experience Greene King, one of England’s oldest and well-known breweries.
  • Adnams Southwold Ghost Ship: A hoppy pale ale known for its distinctive citrus and floral notes.

Where to Stay in Newmarket: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Newmarket has plenty of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Here are some of our top picks:

  • The Bedford Lodge Hotel: A luxurious four-star hotel located in the heart of Newmarket.
  • The Rutland Arms Hotel: A charming hotel located directly opposite the historic Jockey Club Rooms.
  • The Wheatsheaf: A family-owned hotel with a five-star rating for food hygiene.

What to Buy in Newmarket: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Want to bring home some souvenirs from your stay in Newmarket? Here’s what to buy:

  • Horse racing memorabilia: The National Horseracing Museum has an extensive gift shop with a range of books, souvenirs, and keepsakes
  • Local produce: Browse the specialist shops and food markets to sample local produce like Suffolk’s famous Asparagus or real ale and cider.

Local Culture and Customs of Newmarket

Newmarket’s community is rooted in horse racing culture. The town is known for its love of the sport and hosts races year-round. Respect for horses, their welfare, and their careers is highly valued in Newmarket.

Best Time to Visit Newmarket

The best time to visit Newmarket is between May and September to take advantage of the warm weather. However, Newmarket is a year-round destination with horseracing events held year-round.

Do’s and Don’ts of Newmarket

Do:

  • Do visit the horses’ training yard and stables to see the beautiful creatures up close.
  • Do take a hot air balloon ride or helicopter tour to see the town and countryside from a totally unique perspective.

Don’t:

  • Don’t forget to dress for the unpredictable British weather which can change quickly. Be prepared for all types of weather.
  • Don’t visit without trying some of the locally sourced food and drink on offer in Newmarket.

Safety and Health

Safety in Newmarket

Newmarket is a safe town with a low level of crime. However, always be aware of pickpockets in tourist areas.

Health in Newmarket

Newmarket has two GP surgeries and a hospital nearby in Bury St Edmunds.

Getting to Newmarket: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Newmarket

  • The closest airport to Newmarket is London Stansted. From there, it’s a 45-minute drive to Newmarket.

Bus Stations Near Newmarket

  • Newmarket has a bus station located on Old Station Road, with services to surrounding villages and towns, as well as larger cities like Cambridge and Bury St Edmunds.

Other Options

  • Taxi: Taxi services are widely available in Newmarket, and drivers should be licensed.
  • Train: The nearest station is in Cambridge, from which you can take the bus or taxi to Newmarket.

How to Get Around Newmarket

Newmarket is a compact town, and most attractions are within walking distance. However, there are several taxi services available for those who require them.

Where to Go Next from Newmarket: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Newmarket is an excellent base for exploring East Anglia. Here are some destinations you could visit:

  • Cambridge: A historic university town, famous for its architecture, museums, and punting on the river.
  • Bury St Edmunds: A charming market town with a cathedral and abbey ruins to explore.
  • Ely: A beautiful cathedral town, located just a short drive from Newmarket.

Conclusion

Newmarket is a town steeped in horse racing history, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the sport’s heritage and unique culture. With its outdoor adventures, stunning scenery, and great food and drink scene, there’s something for everyone in Newmarket.

The Victorian Clocktower The Victorian Clocktower Hyperion Statue Hyperion Statue The Rowley Mile Racecourse The Rowley Mile Racecourse Newmarket Racecourse (14137378411) Newmarket Racecourse (14137378411)