Giddy-up and prepare to uncover all the joys Newmarket has to offer this summer
1. Off to the races
Newmarket is synonymous with its racecourse, boasting a horsey heritage that dates back hundreds of years. Coming up this month, this illustrious venue is hosting its first ever Cambridgeshire County Day to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee on 23 June, showcasing the very best of Cambridgeshire’s businesses, charities, community and public sector organisations. It’s also with great excitement that Newmarket welcomes the return of the Moët & Chandon July Festival – the first since 2019. Starting with Ladies Day on 7 July and building towards the Group One Darley July Cup on 9 July, the festival is renowned for its riveting racing and unrivalled fashion, food and entertainment. Plus, with the return of the Style Awards for 2022, go all-out with your outfit – think fabulous florals and fantastic fascinators!
2. Newmarket Nights
It’s not just racing that Newmarket has to offer – it’s also home to the legendary Newmarket Nights, attracting an incredible line-up of headliners each year. Held at the picturesque July Course shortly after sunset, these epic concerts are the perfect way to end a thrilling day at the races. Launching the series on 17 June is the magnificent Paloma Faith, who promises to dazzle with her brilliant vocals and spectacular outfits, followed by genre-defying band Rudimental for a night of dancing on 24 June. July sees performances by The Script, Queen Symphonic and Anne-Marie (pictured), while indie icons The Wombats make their Newmarket Nights debut in August, followed by Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics, for some summer nostalgia.
3. Places to Eat
A favourite with locals, The Pantry is a family-run independent cafe, restaurant and deli in the heart of Newmarket. It offers revitalising coffees, delicious home-made cakes and scones, as well as brunch, lunch and dinner – all with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. For Indian dishes with a contemporary twist, head to Montaz on Old Station Road, where plates are packed with vibrant colours, delicate spicing and robust flavours. Another local hit is The Waffle Hut, which opened its doors earlier this year – expect wonderful creations and tasty tipples galore. The Tack Room at The National Horse Racing Museum is a beautiful location for lunch or alfresco dining, with a fantastic selection of wines and cocktails.
4. Local Heritage
Delve into Newmarket’s rich equine heritage at the National Horse Racing Museum, where you can trace the lineage of the sport in Newmarket, from the first recorded match race in 1622, through to the global phenomenon it is today. Built on the site of King Charles II’s sporting palace and stables, it is steeped in history and full of the stories of its former residents. The last remaining part of the royal palace, Palace House, is now home to the Fred Packard Museum and Galleries of British Sporting Art, showcasing the popularity of rural sports such as hunting, hawking, shooting and horse racing in the 17th and 18th centuries.
