There are so many reasons to visit Newmarket. It is a fascinating place, steeped in history and is unique in the world.
This week is English Tourism Week, we wanted to shout about how unique Newmarket is, so here are 10 facts you might not know about our amazing town:
1. It is the only location in the world to offer two separate turf racecourses, each with their own facilities: The July Course and The Rowley Mile.
2. It is home to the oldest bloodstock auctioneers in the world and the largest in Europe: Tattersalls.
3. The Town Plate in Newmarket is one of the oldest organised races in existence, dating from 1666, and still uses the same course to this day.
4. 75% of prize money won by horses bred in the UK is claimed by the offspring of Newmarket-based stallions.
5. Newmarket Racecourses holds 39 annual fixtures including nine of the 32 British Group 1 races.
6. It was the first racecourse in Britain to introduce starting stalls in 1965.
7. The Rowley Mile racecourse was once used as an RAF station.
8. It has been home to three royal palaces.
9. It is home to the world’s best thoroughbred racehorse, Frankel, who stands at stud at Juddmonte Farms’ Banstead Manor Stud.
and finally…
10. Over a tonne of smoked salmon was consumed at the 2015 July Festival!
If you’d like to visit Newmarket, the best way to do it is on one of our expert guided tours. Give us a call to find out more on 0344 748 9200 or click here to browse our website.
Newmarket may not have been shortlisted for the next stage of the UK’s inaugural Town of Culture competition, but local partners say the ambitious work undertaken to develop the town’s bid has created a strong foundation for future cultural projects.
Get ready for a sizzling day of family fun as the much-loved Newmarket Sausage Festival returns to Market Square on Saturday 26th September 2026, from 10am to 3pm.
The Debenhams July Festival Returns to Newmarket This July
One of the highlights of the British flat racing calendar is almost here as the July Festival returns to Newmarket’s beautiful July Course from Thursday 9th to Saturday 11th July.
The National Stud has opened its newly refurbished onsite café, now named The Lodge, marking a further step in strengthening its visitor offer.
Discover Suffolk’s New Wine Trail
Wine lovers looking for a new day out or weekend experience can now explore Suffolk’s growing wine scene through the newly launched Suffolk Wine Trail.
The historic town of Bury St Edmunds will be the venue for this year’s Suffolk Day on Sunday 21 June, also the UK’s longest day and Father’s Day.
A spectacular summer day of polo, family entertainment and fundraising in support of East Anglian Air Ambulance.
Looking for family-friendly activities during half-term? Then take a look at the events on offer in and around Newmarket – there is something for everyone!
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