Who would have guessed that our traditional August Bank Holiday would be particularly special this year – being the only bank holiday we’ve had out of lockdown!
So why not make it extra special and do something truly memorable and Enjoy Summer Safely. If you are planning a visit in or around Newmarket, then we have scoped out some great suggestions for you.
Kick start your weekend by stopping by the Tack Room for some after work drinks. An impressive wine list is on offer with accompanying nibbles which are just enough to set you up for your evening meal. There really isn’t anywhere better to sit on a summer’s evening than the King’s Yard off Palace Street. Then choose from the recently re-opened Squires Restaurant at Bedford Lodge Hotel and Spa or book into the Packhorse Inn, Moulton, or sister hotel the Three Blackbirds, Wooditton. Indeed, if you are quick off the block you may even be able to stay at the latter two venues as both offer contemporary styled accommodation with a splash of indulgence – go on you are worth it! These two venues are part of the Chestnut Group who have gone to extensive measures to introduce “Six Measures of Safety” across their portfolio to provide reassurance and comfort when you visit.
You couldn’t ask for a better start to a stay or visit to Newmarket than joining our Early Riser, Taster Tour. As the name suggests, you need to be up and about early to catch those breath-taking scenes as some of the 3,000 horses that train in Newmarket, go about their morning exercise and it is serious business. Find out all about the history of this fascinating world, meet some equine stars and then head for your hearty breakfast at the Heath Court Hotel. With the wide-open expanse of the Gallops, social distancing is not a problem!
For those who enjoy a more leisurely start to their Saturday mornings, our National Stud tours depart at 10.30 am and 1.30 pm. Alternatively, if these times do not suit, then for an additional £30 you can book a private tour – perfect to make the occasion extra special or if you still have some safety concerns with joining a public tour. A sense of tranquility covers the 500-acre site and the sheer beauty and magnitude of these impressive thoroughbreds can be seen. Your guided tour is full of history and provides an hour and a half of interesting information and entertainment. Then indulge in a cream tea to complete your experience at the on-site Wavertree Café.
Step up the pace on Sunday with a visit to neighbouring Wildtracks where you can experience the thrill of quad biking, karting, off road 4 x 4s as well as more sedate activities such as archery. It really is an amazing centre for those with a love of the outdoors and of a competitive disposition. Lots of measures are in place to ensure that your experience complies with the necessary guidelines, and you will need to book in advance.
Monday is the perfect day to visit the newly re-branded National Horse Racing Museum. Adorned with your face covering, allow plenty of time to visit the attraction as it is much bigger than you might think. The museum is expertly interpreted and goes into depth about the history, heritage, science, and nature of this great sport, in a series of interactive exhibitions and displays. Try out the simulator, browse the exquisite sporting art and meet some of the four-legged residents who are enjoying a well-earned break from the track. The excellent on-site eateries, gift shop and newly opened second hand book shop all add to the visit.
If you are still looking for inspiration, then browse our Things to Do section of our website. Whatever, you decide to do, make sure you check opening times and booking details in advance and look out for the We’re Good to Go logo so that you can be assured that the venue is following the necessary government guidance, meaning you can Enjoy Summer Safely.
14/01/2025
Winter Walking in Newmarket – The Three Churches Walk
January is here and Christmas seems but a distant memory, so now’s the time to banish those blues and get out and about in the fresh air to explore.
17/12/2024
Champion Sprinter elect Bradsell to retire to the National Stud
Three-time Group 1 winner Bradsell will retire to the National Stud following his tilt at the Breeder’s Cup Turf Sprint (Group 1) at Del Mar.
26/11/2024
6 Places to Eat this Festive Season
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24/10/2024
Lonely Planet features East Anglia as must visit place in the world 2025
Lonely Planet, the renowned travel guide book publisher, has chosen East Anglia as one of their top 30 must-visit places in the world to see in 2025 – and the only one in the UK!
17/10/2024
Dine out on sausages all week with our Sausage Safari!
In celebration of Newmarket’s annual Sausage Festival on Saturday 2nd November, some of our wonderful cafes and restaurants will be serving specially created sausage dishes on their menus during the preceding week (26th October to 3rd November).
14/10/2024
Our Annual Sausage Festival Returns this November!
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 its third year running on Saturday 2nd November.
19/09/2024
Newmarket gets ready for an action-packed Henry Cecil Open Weekend
Visit Newmarket on Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd September
The Henry Cecil Open Weekend will take place on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd September, giving visitors the rare chance to see behind the scenes at British horseracing’s HQ and visit some of the country’s best known training yards.
16/08/2024
Did you know it’s Afternoon Tea Week?
Afternoon Tea Week takes place from 12th – 18th August this year, and provides us with the perfect opportunity to celebrate the great British tradition of Afternoon Tea.