Newmarket is an attractive market town only 20 minutes drive from Cambridge, Bury St. Edmunds and Ely and famous throughout the world as a centre for horseracing. There are two race courses: the NatWest Rowley Mile with its superb £21 million grandstand - open in the Spring and Autumn and features the world famous 1000 and 2000 Guineas meeting - and the July Course with new facilities following the £10m redevelopment in 2007.  It is open during the summer months, an oasis of sun dappled lawns, magnificent beach trees, thatched roofs and open air bars and includes the 'Newmarket Nights' where world famous bands play after a magnificent days racing.

Newmarket is regularly visited by world famous jockeys and members of The Royal Family. The surrounding area is home to some of the world's 50 most important stud farms, including Darley Stud, the world renowned Sheikh Mohammed's breeding industry and the National Stud, the only public stud in England - open from March to October, 7 days a week. For more details: 
www.nationalstud.co.uk   tel no: 01638 663464.

Newmarket has actually been associated with horses and royalty since Queen Boadicea's days but became synonymous with racing in the 17th century when King James I moved his court to the town and became the unofficial second capital of England for the rest of the Stuart period.

Kings Charles I and Charles II continued the tradition and in 1752 the arrival of The Jockey Club, racing's first administrative body, established Newmarket as the headquarters of racing. The town's shops reflect the importance of the sport and there are a number of art galleries with an equine theme.

The impact of the horseracing industry is immediately obvious with the fantastic open heathland running right into the centre of the town where you can watch the horses and jockeys training. The distinct building form of the stables and training yards also helps give Newmarket its unique character.

Other interesting buildings include the Jubilee Clock Tower and the Cooper Memorial, the three churches and the magnificent Palace House - which is part of the original palace constructed for King Charles II. Opposite Palace House are the Stables, reputed to be the oldest racing stables in the world, while up the road is Nell Gwynne's house where the mistress of King Charles II is said to have stayed when the Royal Court came to town. 


Newmarket is also famous for its sausages, the recipe dates back to the 1880's, and was recently awarded Best Regional Product in the Daily Telegraph/Sainsbury's 'Taste of Britain Awards'. By the early 20th century the sausage was being taken home as a souvenir by visitors to Newmarket, including the Royal Family.

For more information on Newmarket, visit the Newmarket Tourist Information website: http://www.visitforestheath.co.uk/forestheath/.  or email the Tourist Information Centre: tic.newmarket@forest-heath.gov.uk   Tel No: 01638 667200