Behind-the-scenes experiences resume at the home of thoroughbred breeding.

Tours of The National Stud return from 17 May as lockdown restrictions ease. Home to many champions of the turf during the past century, The National Stud offers a unique insight into a thoroughbred breeding operation as well as the heartwarming sight of foals at play.

The National Stud – set in 500 acres at the edge of Newmarket, the home of horseracing – is the UK’s only commercial thoroughbred stud open to the public. Founded by William Hall Walker in 1915 in response to a shortage of thoroughbred stallions for the cavalry and racing, The National Stud has bred multiple champions of the world’s top horseracing events.

On the 90-minute behind-the-scenes tour, by coach and on foot, visitors will see the mares with their newborn foals in the paddocks, as well as yearlings and stallions, and hear about the history of the stud and the work that goes into producing future champions.

Tours of the National Stud cost £15 per person or £35 for a family ticket (two adults, two children). The public tours depart at 10.30am and 1.30pm on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays until 31 October 2021. Private tours are available at other times for a supplementary £35 fee on top of standard ticket prices. Book through Discover Newmarket on 01638 5011122 or  by clicking here.

The tour can be easily combined with a visit to the nearby National Horse Racing Museum (from £8-£15) for a rewarding full day’s equine experience. The National Stud can also be visited on half-day tour The Newmarket Experience (from £65 per person) and full-day tour The Ultimate Newmarket Experience (from £95 per person). All available to book through Discover Newmarket.