From watching strings of racehorses sweep across the historic Gallops to stepping inside a working training yard, Newmarket offers racing enthusiasts a glimpse behind the scenes of a world that is usually hidden from public view.
Now, planning that experience should be easier, with Discover Newmarket launching a new website designed to bring the town’s racing heritage, visitor attractions and wider tourism offering together in one place.
The redesigned Discover Newmarket website allows visitors to explore public, private and group tours, browse upcoming events and find places to stay, eat and visit. Practical information for those planning a day trip, weekend break or longer stay has also been made easier to find.
While its famous racing landmarks remain at the heart of the platform, the website aims to show that there is more to discover beyond the racecourse. Local food and drink, culture, accommodation, events and family-friendly attractions all feature, helping visitors build a trip around their own interests.
An AI-powered assistant takes that idea a step further by suggesting relevant experiences based on each visitor’s preferences. Someone looking for a behind-the-scenes racing day may be directed towards the Gallops, a trainer’s yard or The National Stud, while those planning a family break or cultural visit can explore a different side of the Suffolk town.
The addition of multiple languages should also make Newmarket’s story more accessible to racing fans travelling from overseas. As an internationally recognised centre for Thoroughbred racing and breeding, the town attracts visitors from around the world, many keen to see where some of the sport’s greatest horses are trained, sold and produced.
Newmarket’s association with horseracing stretches back more than 350 years and remains woven into the rhythm of everyday life. More than 3,000 racehorses are based in and around the town, which is also home to the Rowley Mile and July Course, Tattersalls, The National Stud, the Jockey Club Rooms and the National Horseracing Museum.
Discover Newmarket is the town’s official tourism organisation and offers expert-led public tours with access to areas of the racing world that visitors may otherwise never see. Its programme includes 15 different tour experiences, ranging from introductions to Newmarket’s racing heritage to visits to trainers’ yards, the morning Gallops and The National Stud.
Tracey Harding, Chief Executive of Discover Newmarket, said: “The new website marks an important step in our ongoing work to raise the profile of Newmarket as a leading visitor destination in the East of England. While our racing heritage remains central to the town’s identity, the new website also helps us highlight the wider experiences, businesses and attractions that make Newmarket a place to visit, explore and return to”.
The platform was developed with Cambridge-based digital marketing and AI consultancy Advantage AGI. Alongside its new appearance and improved navigation, it gives Discover Newmarket greater flexibility to promote the town, support local businesses and respond to the different ways visitors now research and plan their trips.
For those who have watched Newmarket’s horses on the racecourse but wondered what happens before raceday, the new website offers a starting point for discovering the people, places and traditions behind British racing’s most famous town.
Tours are available from £16.50 per person. Visit Discover Newmarket or telephone 01638 501122 for further information.
