Seven Family-Friendly Things to Do in and Around Newmarket This Summer
The school holidays are the perfect opportunity to explore some of the attractions, events and activities available around Newmarket. From cycling and creative workshops to historic buildings, classic vehicles and family films, here are seven ideas for keeping everyone entertained this summer.
Get Creative at the National Horseracing Museum
The National Horseracing Museum has activities for both school-age children and younger visitors this summer.
Its Creative Summer Holiday Sessions take place on selected Wednesdays and give children the chance to try different horse-inspired art activities. This year’s programme includes clay modelling, colourful mosaics and creating three-dimensional graffiti horses. All the necessary materials are provided, and children can take their finished creations home.
Younger children can join the Museum’s Little Horseshoes session on 14 August. Designed for children aged between 18 months and four years, these monthly sessions combine creative play with stories, songs, rhymes and simple craft activities. The theme for this session is helping to celebrate Kizzy’s birthday, one of the Museum’s miniature Shetland ponies.
Families can also explore the Museum, meet its retired racehorses and experience the interactive Jockey’s Journey during their visit. Check the What’s On page for individual dates, age requirements and booking information.
Enjoy a Family Film at Kings Cinema
A trip to Kings Cinema provides an easy family activity when everyone needs a break from busy days out or the British summer weather refuses to cooperate.
The Newmarket cinema has a different family film lined up for each part of the school holidays. Toy Story 5 is showing from 22 to 30 July, followed by Minions & Monsters from 31 July to 6 August. Disney’s Moana arrives from 7 to 13 August, before Spider-Man: Brand New Day completes the programme from 14 to 20 August.
With comedy, animation, adventure and superheroes all included, families can choose the film that best suits their children and enjoy a relaxed afternoon at the cinema.
Find out more about the event here.
Ely Cathedral’s Summer Family Weeks
Ely Cathedral has planned two themed family weeks filled with trails, games and hands-on activities.
Curious Creatures Week runs from Monday 27 July to Sunday 2 August. Families can search for fantastical beasts hidden around the Cathedral, complete themed activities and attend a Curious Creatures Discovery Morning. There is also a Little Gargoyles session in the Bishop’s Garden for pre-school children.
Terrible Tales of Ely Cathedral follows from Monday 10 to Sunday 16 August. Visitors can discover some of the Cathedral’s hidden heroes, solve puzzles and learn about its history through stories and activities. The trails are suitable for all ages and do not need to be booked in advance.
Find out more about the event here.
Burwell Museum Free Kids Days
Discover what everyday life was like in the past at Burwell Museum and Windmill. The museum occupies a collection of historic buildings filled with displays relating to village life, local industries, farming and traditional trades.
Every Thursday in August is a Free Kids Day. Up to four children aged under 16 can enter free with each paying adult, making it a particularly affordable summer day out. Families can explore the entire museum site and take part in a free scavenger hunt through its buildings and displays.
Free Kids Days run from 11am to 3pm on 6, 13, 20 and 27 August.
Find out more about the event here.
Phoenix Bike Park Family Fun Day
Spend the day outside and enjoy an adventure on two wheels at Phoenix Bike Park in Kentford. The park has a selection of purpose-built trails where riders can build their confidence, develop their skills and experience the excitement of off-road cycling.
Phoenix will hold its Family Fun Day on Saturday 15 August. It is a great opportunity for families to visit the park together and enjoy a more active alternative to the usual summer attractions. The park welcomes riders with different levels of experience, although families should check the riding requirements and book in advance before visiting.
Find out more about the event here.
Bottisham Classic Car, Bike and Military Vehicle Show
Bottisham Airfield Museum’s popular Classic Car, Bike and Military Vehicle Show returns on Sunday 23 August.
Taking place from 10.30am to 4pm, the event will bring an impressive collection of classic cars, motorcycles, military vehicles and motoring club displays to the former wartime airfield. There will also be live music from Back in Time throughout the day.
Visitors can combine the vehicle show with an exploration of the museum, which tells the story of RAF Bottisham and the American servicemen stationed there during the Second World War. Its exhibitions, artefacts, photographs and restored buildings make it an interesting day out for young motoring and history enthusiasts alike.
Find out more about the event here.
Kids and Canvas at The Apex
Young artists can create their own colourful masterpiece during the Kids and Canvas workshops at The Apex in Bury St Edmunds.
Suitable for children aged five and over, each workshop guides participants through the process of painting a picture on a 12-by-16-inch canvas. The summer sessions feature a different animal theme each day, with a donkey on 25 August, a tiger on 26 August and a bumblebee on 27 August.
All painting materials and aprons are provided, and children can take their completed canvas home afterwards. A parent or carer must remain with their child throughout the workshop.
