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.
12/02/2025
Clothed in Glory: Ely Cathedral’s Unmissable Exhibition
A colourful exhibition of exquisite embroidery from the archives of the Community of the Sisters of the Church is on public display for the very first time in Ely Cathedral’s Lady Chapel.
07/02/2025
Love is in the air in Newmarket
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and if you have yet to make those romantic plans, whether it be with a loved one, or simply time with friends, then fear not, as we’ve pulled together a list of Valentine’s offerings we think are well worth checking out.
20/01/2025
See the Snowdrops in Full Bloom at Chippenham Park
Small, but perfectly formed, snowdrops are a joy to behold on a winter walk through the Cambridgeshire countryside.
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
From snug pubs to fancy restaurants, Newmarket boasts an eclectic range of eateries that are a must try this festive season.
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).