The word heritage is defined as ‘features belonging to the culture of a particular society, such as traditions, languages or buildings, which come from the past and are still important’.
With that said the town of Newmarket has a heritage worth celebrating and there are a few places to go and explore the unique history of the area.
The first of those is at the National Heritage Centre for Horseracing & Sporting Art where you can dive head first into the history of the sport of horseracing and the connection to royalty. It’s easy to spend several hours here and sometimes one visit just isn’t enough.
There’s so much to immerse yourself into from the history of Newmarket and how Palace House in its current form came to be while also learning more about horseracing thanks to a host of interactive displays on show here.
Spread out over five acres the historic site also allows for visitors to interact with the horses in the Retraining of Racehorses programme in this, their flagship yard tucked away in the Rothschild Yard section of the site.
Every day the public has an opportunity to get up close to the equines housed here and learn more about the thoroughbred breed and the work that these horses are able to adapt to after their racing careers. There have been some big names housed here including Group One winners Kingsgate Native and jumps hero Sire De Grugy.
Purple Moon, who once ran second in the Melbourne Cup, and Our Vic have also been spotted strutting their stuff in the Sir Peter O’ Sullevan Arena.
If you love art, then a visit to the Jockey Club Rooms is also something to add on the list for a day out. We can arrange bespoke experiences that includes a private tour or you could come on our final Champagne Afternoon Tea and Tour here on 30th September.
See some of the finest of Sir Alfred Munnings’ work alongside some of racing’s great artefacts that have made the Jockey Club Rooms a truly magnificent place to spend some time in. One gets a sense of the history of the building as soon as you step into its hallowed hallways.
Another fun way to learn a bit more about Newmarket is to take a stroll down the High Street to note the names inscribed in a series of paving slabs first launched in 2016. Dubbed the Legends of the Turf, the series is like that of the Hollywood Walk of Fame and recognises the outstanding achievements of horses, jockeys and other racing personalities who have done the town proud.
21/11/2023
Six ways to get in the Christmas spirit
It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas, especially in Newmarket where we’ve been busy planning festive fun for everyone.
14/11/2023
Five of the tastiest afternoon teas
On a brisk autumn day, there are few better ways to get cosy than with a piping hot cup of tea.
07/11/2023
We are hiring!
THIS POSITION HAS NOW CLOSED.
Job Opportunity: Marketing Executive
Discover Newmarket is the official tourism body for Newmarket and the surrounding area.
06/11/2023
Everyone’s welcome in Newmarket
We’re working hard to make Newmarket a more inclusive and accessible place – we want everyone to have a fantastic time in the home of horseracing.
02/11/2023
Newmarket Christmas Lights Switch On!
Join us for this year’s ‘Christmas Lights Switch On’ on Friday 17th November, with the fun starting at 4.30pm!
20/10/2023
Dine out on sausages all week with our Sausage Safari!
In celebration of Newmarket’s annual Sausage Festival on Saturday 4th November, some of our wonderful cafes and restaurants will be serving specially created sausage dishes on their menus during the preceding week (28th October to 4th November).
16/10/2023
Discover Newmarket is recruiting!
PLEASE NOTE THIS POSITION HAS NOW CLOSED
Sales and Tours Co-ordinator
Discover Newmarket is the official tourism body for Newmarket and the surrounding area.
11/10/2023
The Annual Newmarket Sausage Festival is Back!
From royalty to the hard-working groom, sizzling Newmarket Sausages are every race-goer’s favourite, and to mark the long-tradition of this award-winning street food, the annual Newmarket Sausage Festival returns for the second year on Saturday 4 November.