We’ve put together a list of 20 things to during a visit to Newmarket in 2020. Why not plan a visit and tick a few of them off as you explore the Home of Horseracing ? There’s loads to see and do and you might even surprise yourself by uncovering a hidden gem.

1. 1. Go off-roading – on a Quad Bike

Experience a different kind of horsepower with a visit to WildTracks Activity Park. Just a short drive from Newmarket is the chance to rev your engines and feel the need for speed on the go-karting track or hit the off-road trails on a quad bike.  Quads at WildTracks are available in adult and child sizes so that nobody misses out on the action. Other activities on offer at WildTracks include: Archery, Battlefield Live, Clay Shooting,  MotoCross and more! Find out more about WildTracks by clicking here. 

1. 2. Take a traditional afternoon tea

One of the great British traditions is Afternoon Tea. There are a number of brilliant options when it comes to finding the perfect place to take your tea during a visit to Newmarket. There’s the quirky Nancy’s Vintage Teashop, the luxurious Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa and the exclusivity of being able to enjoy the tradition in the Jockey Club Rooms as part of a popular Champagne Afternoon Tea and Tour. A visit to Poet’s House  for their afternoon tea is the chance to take in the charm of neighbouring Ely.

1. 3. Buy some equine art

There are loads of places to find a piece of equine art to take home with you to remind you of a wonderful time in Newmarket. Browse the selection inside the gift shop at Palace House or head down to The National Stud and find a piece of art that grabs your attention in the Wavertree’s Coffee Shop. You can also buy pieces from the artist in residence at The National Stud, Chris Winch as well as during race days at either of Newmarket’s two racecourses, the Rowley Mile and the July Course.

1. 4. Enjoy the tastes of world cuisine

You truly are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding somewhere to enjoy a meal in and around Newmarket. Enjoy a fine-dining experience at the award-winning Squires at the Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa, the charm of The Packhorse Inn or the Pan Indian flavours offered by Montaz. Make the most of a Sunday roast at the Heath Court Hotel or watch the world go by during lunch at The Tack Room at Palace House. You can also venture out to The Red Lion in Soham or Poet’s House in nearby Ely and be assured of a good time.

1. 5. Visit the West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village

Take a trip back in time head to West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village. This unique, reconsutructed village and museum is surrounded by 125 acres of unspoilt countryside is a must-see for history enthusiasts. It depicts life in early Anglo-Saxon times (circa 420 to 650AD) and is a fascinating journey through time for children and adults alike as the past is brought to life. Click here to find out more.

1. 6. Relish a Newmarket sausage or three

The revered Newmarket Sausage, a staple of the Full English Breakfast or classic bangers and mash. The history of the Newmarket sausage dates back to the late 1800s and there are three main varieties including the one offered by Powters. All three varieties have won several awards and one of them even holds a Royal Warrant! The Newmarket Sausage earned  Protected Geographical Status (PGI) much the same as foods like Parma Ham or Stilton Cheese. Read more about the history of Powters here by clicking here.

1. 7. Experience the countryside and quaint villages

Newmarket should be top of the list for anyone who enjoys a leisurely afternoon stroll or venturing to find picture perfect villages. For the walkers, the afternoon is an opportunity to make your way onto the gallops and explore. The view from the top of Warren Hill is worth taking in. Or explore one of the footpaths in villages like Moulton,  Stetchworth, Cheveley, Dullingham and Kentford and find a local pub to enjoy a drink in.

1. 8. Indulge yourself in the world of fine wine

Pop into Corney & Barrow on the High Street and browse a selection of fantastic wines and spirits. Let the experts guide you with the best wines to pair with food ahead of a party or take part in their popular Wine School evenings and learn all about the intricacies and trends of wines from around the world.

1. 9. Crack the code at the Bill Tutte Memorial

A key player in the code-breaking activities at Bletchley Park during World War II, Bill Tuttle was born in Newmarket and educated in nearby Cambridge. This memorial stands outside The Rutland Arms Hotel and is worth checking out to find out a bit more about his role in the end of WWII.

1. 10. Take a stroll along the Devil’s Dyke

This is another very popular spot for walkers with the Devil’s Dyke stretching  roughly seven miles from Woodditton through to Reach, which lies north-west of Newmarket. This Anglo-Saxon fortification was deisgned to control movement along the ancient Roman roads, including the Icknield Way. The Devil’s Dyke seperates the Rowley Mile and July Racecourses.

1. 11. Savour some freshly-brewed Japanese Sake

The Dojima Sake brewery is situated in nearby Fordham and offers the chance to experience the “ikigai” or driving force behind a sake brewery that has roots in Settsu Tonda in Kansai, Japan and 500 years of sake brewing history. Set in the beauty of Fordham Abbey, with its rolling meadows and walled gardens this is  well worth a visit during your time in Newmarket. Find out more about taking a tour of Dojima Sake by clicking here. 

1. 12. Discover Oliver Cromwell’s House in Ely

The perfect excuse for a day trip to Ely. Visit the family home of Oliver Cromwell and find out more about the man known as the Lord Protector and his part in the history of England. The house boasts a completely re-vamped Civil War exhibition with interactive displays and there’s also the chance to test your problem solving skills in the Escape Room. You can find information on admission prices and book for the Escape Room here. 

1. 13. Get up early and visit the famed Gallops

“The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man.” The words of Winston Churchill certainly ring true when experiencing a morning on Newmarket’s famed training grounds. Book yourself onto one of Discover Newmarket’s guided tours to get access to the gallops and get close to the horses and the magic of a morning on Warren Hill. Find out more about the tours here.

1. 14. Attend an auction at Tattersalls

Every year, the sales ring at Tattersalls comes to life and the sound of the auctioneer’s voice often carries across the sales complex and can be heard from the High Street and in town. The who is who of the horseracing world come out to try and find the next generation of champions and enhance their status. The chance to experience the atmosphere is one to savour. You can read more about taking a guided tour of Tattersalls, and available dates, by clicking here. 

1. 15. Follow the Newmarket Food and Drink Trail

An exciting new experience comes to Newmarket in 2020. The Newmarket Food & Drink Trail will explore the heritage of food and drink in the area and include stops at some of our favourite foodie places in town. This is your chance to explore the heritage of Newmarket and learn how the town caught the attention of the Royal family and its early beginnings.

1. 16. Make friends with a foal at The National Stud

One of the must-do activities when visiting. A tour of The National Stud is a wonderful way to see behind the scenes on a working thoroughbred stud farm. Every year, visitors to The National Stud are able to meet foals and the new arrivals, born between late January and early spring, are always extremely popular. You will also meet retired National Hunt legends Lord Windermere, who won the Cheltenham Gold Cup, and Jack The Giant and see the impressive stallions. Book a National Stud Tour by clicking here.

1. 17. Experience the thrill of a day at the races

This is your chance to flirt with Lady Luck and experience the excitement of a day at the races. Dress up and take in the fashion at events like the QIPCO Guineas Festival or the Moet & Chandon July Festival. Every summer, the Newmarket Nights bring some of the best music acts to town for a series of concerts after racing. There are also loads of family friendly race days throughout the year and Under-18s race free! For  a  full list of fixtures at Newmarket this year, click here. 

1. 18. Take a ride on the racehorse simulator at Palace House

Have you ever wanted to find out what it’s like to ride in a race as a jockey? Then head on down to Palace House and jump on the racehorse simulator. A visit to Palace House is the chance to be wowed by some fantastic  British Sporting Art inside the remains of King Charles II’s sporting palace, to see the work done by the Retraining of Racehorses charity in their flagship yard and explore the history of the Sport of Kings in the interactive exhibits as part of the National Horseracing Museum. There’s always something to see at Palace House, find out more by clicking here.

1. 19. Enjoy a day trip to Bury St Edmunds or take in show at The Apex

The town of Bury St Edmunds is another interesting day trip idea. Enjoy time in the Abbey Gardens, enjoy a walking tour, a drink in The Nutshell, the smallest pub in the UK or dive into the history of St Edmund. In 2020, Bury St Edmunds will be celebrating  1000 years of the founding of the Abbey of St Edmund by King Canute.  The town is also home to The Apex, an award-winning venue hosting a wider variety of performances and events throughout the year. Find out more here. 

1. 20. Relax and revive during a spa day

A spa day has to be one of the best ways to unwind and relax and there are few better places to enjoy this luxury than at one of Suffolk’s best venues at the Spa at Bedford Lodge. With a variety of treatments on offer this is your chance to recharge the batteries. Enjoy the use of the facilities of the ‘Four Bubble’ rated spa including the rooftop hot tub, hydrotherapy pool, experiental showers and more.  Find your ultimate spa day experience by clicking here. 

Another idea for relaxing is to enjoy an aromatherapy treatment at Elemi & Rose Welbeing, on the grounds of Rosalie Farm, an idyllic country retreat on the outskirts of Newmarket.

Conclusion

So there you have it, 20 great ideas for things to do in 2020 when visiting Newmarket, the Home of Horseracing, this year.  Are you thinking about visiting Newmarket? Be sure to take a look at our STAY page for a list of brilliant accommodation options as well as our EAT page to find a host of excellent restaurants for you to try during your time here.