Frequently Asked Questions

Take a read of our frequently asked questions which provides more information about our guided tours. If you have a question that is not addressed here then please do not hesitate to contact us on 01638 501122.  Please  note, this line is only manned Monday to Fridays, 9 am until 5 pm.

We also advise you to refer to our  COVID-19 advice page prior to booking,  which can be viewed by clicking here .

Are your tours just for avid horse racing fans?

This is a common misconception! Our tours are suited for anyone who likes entertaining and engaging experiences and you certainly don’t need to know anything about horses to appreciate them. Newmarket has a rich history and heritage and its story is a fascinating one which our guides love to tell, each with their own take!

Do all your tours feature horses?

Well yes and no. We have a variety of guided walking tours which focus specifically on the history and heritage of the town such as a Food and Drink Trail and a Literary Tour. So, whilst you will not be taken specifically to see any horses, they will undoubtedly be mentioned ! We are immensely proud of our history but appreciate that not everyone shares our love of the thoroughbred. However, we are convinced that once you’ve been on one of our tours, you too will feel our passion for our town’s origins and appreciate why Newmarket is unique.

Do you offer private tours?

Yes we do and they are very popular. Most of our Public Tours can be booked as a Private Tour on a day of your choice (subject to availability), making them the perfect experience to celebrate a special occasion or just to treat yourself. Check our Tours Page which will clearly state which tours provide a private option.

I have concerns about safety and mixing with people that  I don’t know?

All our tours are run in accordance with the relevant industry guidelines which are displayed on our website. We have also been awarded Visit England’s   We’re Good to Go which confirms that we have complied with the necessary procedures. However, we understand that you may still have concerns and that is why we offer a Private Tour option whereby you can arrange a tour just for yourselves or a small group of family or friends on a day of your choice. See our Tours Page for further information.

Can I buy Gift Vouchers?

You can indeed! You can purchase gift vouchers for specific tours or for specified amounts that can be used against the majority of our tours. We provide digital vouchers that can be programmed to be sent on a given date or you can purchase physical vouchers whereby a presentation pack is sent through the post with your personalised message.

What time do I need to arrive for my tour?

We advise everyone to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start time to ensure that the tour starts promptly.

Where can I park my vehicle?

Most tours will have a designated arrival and departure point and you will be able to leave your vehicle there for the day. If not, we will advise you to park in one of the public car parks that have modest parking fees.

Where do I meet my tour guide?

Meeting points are specified on your ticket confirmation at point of sale.

What if for unforeseen circumstances I am running late on the morning of my tour?

A reminder email will be sent out approximately 7 days in advance of your tour date and will have your guide’s name and contact number. If you know you are running late or have any other unexpected issues, please call the guide. However, please  note, if it is a public tour, it is unlikely that the tour start can be delayed. .

Once I have booked my tour do I receive any further notification from you?

Unless advise otherwise, your tour  itinerary will be as stated on our tours booking page. A reminder email is sent out approximately 7 days before your tour  date and will include any last minute changes along with the name of your guide and their contact details should there be any issues on the morning of your tour.

Where do I collect my tickets?

Tickets are issued as part of the booking process and your Tour Guide will have all the relevant information with regards to your booking. All you need to do is meet your Tour Guide on the day. We do also recommend having access to your booking details, should there be any last minute problems.

Do itineraries ever change?

The itineraries published on our website do not usually change. However, please note that many of our tours comprise of visits to fully operational, working establishments with environments that are susceptible to change. For the safety of our visitors and to ensure a high standard of visitor experience, Discover Newmarket reserves the right to alter itineraries if it deems  necessary. Equally, Discover Newmarket cannot guaranty which horses will be available to view and at times there may be reduced numbers.

What should I wear?

Discover Newmarket tours take place in all weathers so be prepared! No special clothing or footwear is needed but  we suggest you dress for comfort and wear appropriate footwear. Most of our tours are conducted outdoors where you are likely to be walking on grass and unpaved areas. Please note, the use of umbrellas  is prohibited whilst in sight of the horses as they can be easily spooked.

Is there much walking involved?

On tours of The National Stud there is not a great deal of walking involved except when moving from the tour bus to various stops on the tour. You are required to stand at times, but there is seating available relatively close by. You might have a walk of about 100 yards at the Stallion Unit and even fewer when stopping at the Foaling Unit and the paddocks.

On some of our other tours there is a bit more walking involved and standing, some of it dependant on which yards we might be visiting on a particular day. When it comes to visiting the gallops, there is some walking involved but you do also have the option of remaining with the bus or to stand on the railing and watch the horses make their way up Warren Hill.

Are your tours suitable for wheelchair users?

All our vehicles have full wheelchair access. However, in order to provide the best possible service for those with specific accessibility needs, do contact us in advance to discuss.

Are dogs allowed?

Unfortunately, no animals are allowed on our tours except for assistance dogs.

Are your tours child-friendly?

Our National Stud Tour is perfect for children of any age and we even offer free places for children under the age of five as well as offering a Family Ticket. Children are also encouraged to take a quiz sheet and answer the questions as they go around the National Stud.

A visit to National Horse Racing Museum is fantastic for children of all ages and they can enjoy various interactive exhibits, a ride on the racehorse simulator as well as various themed events depending on the time of the year.

The rest of our  tours may not retain the interest for very young children, but if in doubt, do discuss with us in advance of booking. All children under 18, must be accompanied by an adult.

Are your tours suitable  for groups?

Most definitely! We cater for groups of all sizes and offer a bespoke service, thus tailoring your tour to your group’s  interests and budgets. Visit our Groups page for more information.

Can I take photos?

We actively encourage you to take photos especially if you tag us in and then we can share on our socials! There may be odd occasions during yard visits, where the trainer asks us not to take photos and in which case you will be advised on the day.

What if I need to cancel my tour?

Tickets are non-refundable although under exceptional circumstances we will endeavour to transfer your booking where possible. In the unlikely event that Discover Newmarket has to cancel, then a full refund will be issued. We reserve the right to cancel a tour if the require minimum number for each tour is not met.

Can I feed the horses?

Thoroughbreds have strict exercise and diet regimes and therefore we ask that  no food and drink be consumed on our tours, other than the refreshment  we provide.  Smoking is also strictly forbidden.