Palace House in Newmarket is now the home of the Fred Packard Galleries and houses a collection of some of the greatest sporting art in the world. However, the building itself was not always an art gallery, as its name might suggest.
The origins of the building date back to 1666, when King Charles II returned to Newmarket for the first time since he was a boy.
He brought with him a keen love of horse racing and set up the new Round Course, which is still used today as the Adnams July Course. In 1668, two years after his return, King Charles bought land to the east of the initial Palace to consolidate the Crown land.
It was here that the second Palace of Newmarket was built, part of which still stands to this day as Palace House.
To find out more about this amazing building and visit for yourself, click here.
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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