Whether you’re a dedicated horse-racing enthusiast or simply a fan of lovely English villages, Newmarket is sure to please. In the Forest Heath area near Cambridge, Ely, Bury St Edmunds, and Mildenhall, Newmarket is the perfect base from which to explore all the exciting attractions in this popular area.
King James I was so enamoured with the favourable terrain of Newmarket for horse-riding that he declared it the second capital of England upon his arrival in 1605. Members of the royal family subsequently came to appreciate it as well, especially King Charles I, who loved to gallop his horses there. The monarch’s obsession with horse racing helped to establish Newmarket as the centre for the sport in Britain. King Charles I financed the construction of the town’s first grandstand, and it was there that the first race, the Town Plate, took place.
Discover some of the best things to do in Newmarket, a charming town in the United Kingdom (UK), where tours are run by various reputable organisations, including the National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art, Discover Newmarket, Burwell Museum, Chippenham Park, The Tharp Arms, Wickhambrook All Saints church, and so many more.
The National Stud: The Only Commercial Stud Farm in the UK
Still the only commercial stud farm, The National Stud invites large and small groups to learn first-hand what a functioning thoroughbred stud farm entails. This is the only site in the UK allowing individuals to explore the grounds and receive insight into the daily functions that take place on a stud farm.
A National Stud tour is hosted by Discover Newmarket and extends for approximately an hour and a half. During this tour, you will learn more about the purpose and history of the National Stud. Because the National Stud is a working commercial stud farm, every visit will consist of varying content, depending on the current operations and the season in which you visit.
Where
The National Stud, Newmarket CB8 0XE, United Kingdom
Website
http://www.nationalstud.co.uk/
National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art
Set on the remains of age-old stables and the remains of Charles II’s sporting palace, coined Palace House, The National Heritage Centre extends over five acres of gorgeous grounds in the most beautiful regions of Newmarket.
The Retraining of Racehorses has opened its first flagship yard, where visitors can meet retired racehorses, near the National Horseracing Museum and the National Art Gallery of British Sporting Art, which are all wonderful attractions found at the National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art.
Where
Palace House, Palace Street, Newmarket, England.
Website
The Tharp Arms
We serve real ale and fine rum cocktails in addition to a wide range of over-malted whiskies. Tharp Arms strives to create a familial atmosphere with a large beer garden and dog-friendly policies. We accommodate pre-planned special events, christenings, weddings, funerals, and other services. You will always receive excellent value for your money, and we will do all we can to make your experience with us a memorable one.
Where
46 High St, Chippenham, Ely CB7 5PR, United Kingdom
All Saints Church Wickhambrook
All Saints Church is the largest church you’ll find in Bansfield Benefice. Some sections of this remarkable church date back over a thousand years ago. In 2005, completed extensive restoration work was done to the church and was made possible due to the major grants received from English Heritage.
All Saints Church is a very impressive structure that affords lovely views for those fond of the surrounding countryside. It is also an official conservation area that boasts a large collection of very interesting monuments. The church’s architectural features have been mentioned in several church architecture books. Visitors can learn more about all the amazing features found here in a good church guide book available for sale.
The churchyard highlights the beautiful spring flowers in warmer months and allows for quiet reflection in the scenic gardens.
Where
All Saints Rd, Newmarket CB8 8ES, United Kingdom
Website
https://www.allsaintsnewmarket.org/
Burwell Museum
This is a museum that presents life as it was on this fen edge setting over the last century. Burwell at War displays, schoolrooms and shops, vintage vehicles, Roman-British and Anglo-Saxon displays and family rooms occupied with toys and games are all part of the exhibit.
A museum dedicated to preserving the history of local windmills, Stevens’ Mill is open to visitors, who may also dine at the adjacent tea room and shop.
Where
Mill Cl, Burwell, Cambridge CB25 0HL, United Kingdom
Website
English Spirit Distillery
Take a free tour of Copper Pot Distillery, where you can see the stills in action and sample a variety of spirits and liqueurs. Stop by our visitor centre and take advantage of our free tastings and the shop, where you can find some great souvenirs. We highly recommend not volunteering to be the designated driver, as you’ll undoubtedly be tempted to try all we have to offer.
Where
Great Yeldham Hall, Church Rd, Great Yeldham, Halstead CO9 4PT, United Kingdom
Website
Roger’s Reservoir Conservation Area
Roger’s Reservoir Conservation Area is home to a wide variety of birds, including American coots, great blue herons, and sora rails. Fishing and biking or hiking on the Nokiidaa Trail, which connects Aurora, Newmarket, and East Gwillimbury, are among the many outdoor activities you can enjoy here. As one of the best wildlife parks in Suffolk, East Anglia, Roger’s Reservoir is truly a paradise for nature lovers.
Where
120 Bayview Pkwy, Newmarket, ON L3Y 3W3, Canada
Website
http://www.lsrca.on.ca/pages/rogers-reservoir.aspx
Anglesey Abbey
This picturesque mansion displays a remarkable collection of works of art that would put any other art galleries to shame, along with a scenic garden on an Augustinian priory’s grounds.
The renowned John Constable’s works are also featured here. Although Constable is considered one of England’s greatest landscape painters, he is matched only by his contemporary and competitor J.M.W. Turner. The display at Anglesey Abbey is home to a small but incredible collection of Constable’s work.
Among these irreplaceable pieces are oil landscape paintings of the surrounding area and The opening of Waterloo Bridge, which was recently returned to Anglesey Abbey.
Where
Quy Rd, Lode, Cambridge CB25 9EJ, United Kingdom
Website
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/anglesey-abbey-gardens-and-lode-mill
Chippenham Park
Chippenham Park is a private residence with magnificent gardens the public can explore during designated times throughout the year. The venue is also available for exclusive events and functions.
On open days, visitors can dine in luxury at the cafe/tearoom. Chippenham Park is also a delightful venue for a fairytale-like wedding. Picnics are strictly prohibited on the grounds.
Where
Chippenham Hall Chippenham Park, Newmarket CB7 5PT, United Kingdom
Website
http://www.chippenhamparkgardens.co.uk/
Wild Tracks
Come and have a great time with friends, family, or colleagues! You can enjoy go-karting, battlefield live, motocross, and archery, among other thrilling events, on our 60-acre site.
We create bespoke activity packages for any event, including kids’ birthday parties, hen nights, stag nights, and corporate team-building events.
Our instructors are experienced and qualified, so if you are new to clay pigeon shooting, archery, off-road driving, or kart racing, they will guide you through every step.
Whether you’re an experienced or novice motocross rider, you can find a course at WildTracks. Chippenham’s 1,500-meter motocross track is one of the UK’s finest motocross circuits.
Where
Chippenham Rd, Kennett, Newmarket CB8 7QJ, United Kingdom
Website
Spa at Bedford Lodge
Bedford Lodge’s spa is considered to be one of the best in the whole of Suffolk and boasts some of the finest treatments and facilities in East Anglia. Let go of any tension you may have in a large hydrotherapy pool or enjoy a mud rasul skin treatment.
This is the perfect place to spend some quality time with your loved ones, where your visit will be both relaxing and memorable. Whether you seek a peaceful spa day or a full weekend pampering retreat, the Spa at Bedford Lodge is the place for you.
Where
Bury Rd, Newmarket CB8 7BX, United Kingdom
Website
http://www.bedfordlodgehotelspa.co.uk/
For more Newmarket things to do, check out What’s On Newmarket.
