Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
headquarters of British horse racing. The town has been vital to the sport since the
reign of James I, the Stewart king who first declared the chalky downs outside town
perfect for horse racing. His great-grandson Charles II had a house built here so he
could attend races, and frequently brought the royal court to Newmarket for weeks
at a time. Part of the house survives, now known as
Palace House.
A house opposite
is said to have been used by Charles II's mistress Nell Gwynn.
The National Stud
is the showcase for British thoroughbred breeding (tours are available), while the
National Horseracing Museum
is in the High Street. But probably the most excit-
ing reason for visiting is to spend a day at the races. You'll find the Rowley Mile
racecourse and July Course on Newmarket Heath. Spring and fall flat races take
place at
Rowley Mile,
while summer flat races are at the gorgeous
July Course,
which also stages outdoor concerts and big-name events. The town itself is small with
a mix of chain stores and independent shops. Look for
Powters the Pork Shop,
Wellington Street (
&
01638/662418;
www.powters.co.uk), where you can buy
authentic Newmarket sausages. The originals, made by Musks Ltd., are available
online (www.musks.com).
Essentials
GETTING THERE
There are regular trains from London's Liverpool Street
(change at Cambridge), costing about £28 one-way. If you're driving from Cambridge,
head east on the A133.
VISITOR INFORMATION
The
Tourist Information Centre
(
&
01638/
719749;
www.visiteastofengland.com) is at the Guineas Shopping Centre. A self-
guided walking leaflet, Newmarket Horseshoe Trail, is available there.
Exploring the Area
National Horseracing Museum
MUSEUM Discover the history of 300 years of
horse racing in this unique museum housed in the old subscription rooms (early
19th-century betting room). See fine paintings of famous horses, statues, silverware,
and royal memorabilia including the preserved head of Persimmon, the best horse
bred by the royal family. There's also the skeleton of Hyperion who sired the winners
of 748 British races. You can book an Equine Tour (by phone) to take you behind the
scenes at stable yards and training grounds; there are various tours and prices start at
about £25, including museum entrance.
Palace House
was built for Charles II for
his visits to the races; this is all that survives of a much larger palace, but there are
still fascinating historical details to see. It now comes under the administration of the
National Horseracing Museum and tours are sometimes available. Call for details.
99 High St.
&
01638/667333.
www.nhrm.co.uk. Admission £6.50 adults, £5.50 seniors, £3.50 children
15 and under, £15 family ticket. Mar-Oct daily 11am-4:30pm (opens 10am on race days); off season
Mon-Sat 10am-4:30pm.
National Stud
ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX See behind the scenes at the
home to some of the world's finest horses and a renowned breeding stud operation. Dur-
ing the 75-minute tour you'll see mares, foals, and stallions. Booking is recommended.
Next to the July Course (see above) on the A1303.
&
01638/663464.
www.nationalstud.co.uk. Admis-
sion £7 adults, £5 seniors and children 5-15, £20 family ticket, free for children 4 and under. Feb-Sept
daily 11:15am and 2pm; Oct daily 11:15am. Closed Nov-Jan.
Newmarket Racecourses
RACECOURSE The
July Course
is known for its
beech trees and thatched-roof buildings; it is one of the loveliest racecourses in the
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