Everyone is eager to get out and about this February half-term and so we have rounded up some highlights for ideas for events and activities in and around Newmarket.
National Stud Guided Tours
Discover Newmarket’s tours season kicks off in earnest with the re-opening of their guided experiences at the National Stud commencing on 18th February. Home to many of the past century’s champions of the turf, this 90 minute, guided tour will captivate the whole family. Offering a fascinating snapshot of the thoroughbred breeding operation and enjoy the delightful sight of foals at play. Public tours run on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays or book a private tour on a date of your choice. Tickets are £15 per person, or £35 for a family of four. Click here for more information and to book your ticket.

Explore the Treasures of the National Horseracing Museum
There is always so much for families to do at the town’s museum which covers five acres. This half-term they are holding Twilight with the Museum: The Wow, The Weird and The Wonderful. Running on 18th February, between 4-6 pm, bring your torch and your eagle eyes as you search for the strangest objects in their collection! This event is part of the University of Cambridge Museums’ Twilight initiative.
Go Wild at Wildtracks!
If you are looking to get more active then locally based Wildtracks have a mid week offer: 30 minutes of Quad Biking and 30 minutes of Karting for £60 per person, available to book Wednesday to Friday.
Ring Quest Returns to West Stow
Returning for its 20th year, visit West Stow and once again explore Tolkien’s world in their Lord of the Rings themed family challenge. The Quest, with Tolkien themed clues to decipher and runes to decode will of course be central to the event as you explore the Anglo-Saxon Village and Country Park, and this year the grand prize will be a 2 night stay at the incredible Pod Hollow! Adults £6 or £16 for a Family.

Snowdrop Walks
Snowdrops signify the beginning of spring and here are two places where you can enjoy these beautiful bell-shaped flowers on mass. Chippenham Park Gardens are now open every day to enjoy. Visit these award winning gardens which are noted for their vast swathes of snowdrops and aconites in late winter followed by a superb spring show of daffodils, hellebores, spring bulbs and blossoms. Their fully licensed Potting Shed Tearooms will also be open serving delicious home-made hot food, teas, coffee and cakes. £7 per adult and £3 per child.
Or visit the Dojima Sake Brewery who are opening their grounds of Fordham Abbey on Sunday 13th February. Usually reserved for members only, this is the chance for everyone to enjoy the snowdrops, aconites and Japanese Gardens as well as an exhibition of Woodblock Prints which will be held in the Georgian House. The house and the grounds, including the cafe, will be open between 10 am and 3.30 pm. Advance booking – £10 per person / £12 on the day.
Keep up to date with further events on our What’s On page.
Whether you’re planning a lively office party, a cosy family gathering, or a glamorous night out, Newmarket’s iconic venues offer something truly magical.
Newmarket’s visitor economy continues to thrive according to the newly released 2024 Economic Impact of Tourism Report, commissioned by West Suffolk Council, which shows the total value of tourism is £84 million, up by 9% on the previous year and remains an important contributor towards the visitor economy.
The National Stud has confirmed 2026 fees for its five strong stallion roster headlined by new resident Diego Velazquez at £17,500.
The Sport of Kings and a Sporting King come together at BUDDS racing auction on November 12 & 13 in Newmarket’s racing museum in partnership with Weatherby’s.
Marc Chan’s multiple Group 1-winning star Kinross has retired from racing and will enjoy a well-earned retirement at The National Stud in Newmarket.
In celebration of National Sausage Week and Newmarket’s annual Sausage Festival on Saturday 1st November, some of our wonderful cafes and restaurants will be serving specially created sausage dishes on their menus during the preceding week (Monday 27th October to Sunday 2nd November).
The National Stud in conjunction with Sam Sangster Bloodstock are delighted to announce that the Prix Jacques le Marois [Gr.1] winner, Diego Velazquez, is retired and set to take up stud duties in 2026.
To celebrate Newmarket’s long association with the Newmarket sausage, the hometown of British horse racing will be staging its 4th annual Sausage Festival on Saturday 1st November from 10am to 2pm.