History
Newmarket has a rich history, having long been affiliated as a centre of British royalty. James I had strong ties to the town while Charles II had a palace built in his honour on the high street. The town is most famous however for its horse racing and breeding heritage. There has been racing in Newmarket as far back as 1174, making the town one of the earliest known racing venues. The National Horseracing Museum is the best place to learn about this aspect of Newmarket's history, featuring a number of informative exhibitions on the evolution of the sport as well as an interactive racehorse simulator and a number of statues and skeletons of famous horses.
Horse breeding
There are said to be around 3,000 racehorses in Newmarket and much of the industry here is centred on their breeding. The main showcase for British thoroughbred breeding is The National Stud with guided tours that give visitors an opportunity to see the stallions in their paddocks as well as the Foaling Unit and nursery paddocks. The Dalham Hall stud farm is another main breeding centre in Newhaven, owned by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. To see the horses on sale in auction head to Tattersalls – the oldest bloodstock auctioneers in the world with a history dating back to 1766.
Horse racing
The historical home of horse racing is still a vibrant place to watch horses pelt down the final furlong. In the spring and autumn The Rowley Mile is the epicentre of racing in Newhaven, including two of the most famous events – the QIPCO 1,000 Guineas and the QIPCO 2,000 Guineas in May. The July Course is the place to be in the summer, with events racing from Ladies Day to the Darley July Cup. The Gallops & Trainers Yard is the best place to watch the horses be trained, while The British Racing School is where you can see jockeys learn the craft of their trade. For a taste of luxury, The Jockey Club Rooms is an opulent member's club with guided tours through the club's collection of art and racing memorabilia.
Further afield
Within easy driving distance of Newhaven is the ancient city of Cambridge. Perfect for a day trip or a longer stay, Cambridge is packed full of historical points of interest including the colleges of the world-famous Cambridge University.
