NEWmarket

Newmarket is a lively bustling market town, with its main focus revolving around the world of horseracing. Many of the countries top trainers have stable yards and use the gallops which are located amongst rolling and attractive chalk heath land within the beautiful Suffolk countryside. For its size, no other market town has seen so much history, intrigue and scandal. It continues to amaze, after all, where else do you know that gives horses the automatic right of way and their own traffic lights? 

Swynford Paddocks Hotel, part of Thoroughbred Hotels is located in the uniquely named village of Six Mile Bottom and is perfectly placed for attending the horse racing at Newmarket or exploring the traditional surrounding towns and villages.  
 
Horseracing at Newmarket

 

Newmarket has been the Headquarters of British Horseracing for over 300 years. Set in 64 acres of stud farm with the paddocks directly adjacent to the hotel, enjoy a drink and look out upon the future racing crop of champions before going racing and picking your own winners….!? The hotels accommodation is all individually named and decorated after famous equine stars which once raced at Newmarket’s famous courses and what better way could there be to get you in that racing mood?

Brigadier Gerard, ridden by Joe Mercer, and trained by Dick Hern, the horse won a series of Group One races, the colt was defeated just once in an 18-race career, and beat Mill Reef to win the 2,000 Guineas in 1971. The Brigadier is actually buried in the hotel grounds and even to this day his ‘lad’ puts fresh flowers on his grave at the anniversary of his passing.

Annual members of Newmarket racecourse can receive a 15% discount on food and beverage at Swynford Paddocks Hotel. (subject to terms and conditions)

The Famous Newmarket Sausage

The famous Newmarket Sausage is made by Grant Powter and sold at his butchers shop, Powters in Newmarket on the Cambridgeshire/Suffolk borders. Our hotel uses these unique sausages for our full English breakfast and in the ‘Silks’ Restaurant menu for the most traditional dish of all sausages, mashed potato and onion gravy!!

Grant Powters' great grandfather came to Newmarket in 1881 as an apprentice butcher. He started to make sausages, and soon built up an enviable reputation for his Newmarket Sausage. Race goers often came to his shop to buy his excellent sausages to take home and enjoy, and so the news of their quality spread. The Newmarket Sausage has become a delicious souvenir of a day spent at Newmarket and synonymous with the horse racing.

When asked what the secret ingredient is Grant is happy to reveal that it is 'The taste'. The sausage has a firm eating texture, and slightly spicy taste that reminds connoisseurs of the sausages of yesteryear.

The National Stud

 

Literally a five minute drive from the hotel, the National Stud is a must see when visiting Newmarket and is the showcase for British Thoroughbred breeding.

Set in 500 acres at the heart of the beautiful Suffolk countryside just outside the town centre, the National Stud is one of the most prestigious stud farms in the country. Knowledgeable guides conduct tours of the National Stud through the year which take approximately seventy-five minutes. What you will see will depend on the season in which you visit but each tour takes in the superb Stallion Unit with an opportunity to view the stallions in residence, plus the Foaling Unit and Nursery Yards. You will see mares and foals in their paddocks and younger visitors will be delighted by the resident miniature Shetland ponies.

Whether or not you know anything about horses, a visit to The National Stud is a great day out for all the family, individuals or groups.

The National Horseracing Museum

Situated next to the Jockey Club building on Newmarket High Street, this fairly small and compact museum is dedicated to giving a fascinating insight into the horse racing industry. Discover the highs and lows, stories and scandals of British horse racing. The story of the people and horses involved in racing from its Royal origins to Lester Piggott, Frankie Dettori and other modern day heroes is all there in detail.

One unusual attraction at the museum is the Practical Gallery. You can "tack up a model horse" or "dress up in silks before weighing out and riding the racehorse simulator and find out if you are fit enough to be a winning jockey, then pose in front of the winner’s blanket!" Have you got what it takes?

Guided tours of Newmarket's horseracing facilities are available and can be booked at the museum for an additional cost. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes privileged tour of morning exercise on the gallops, the equine swimming pool and a top trainer’s yard.

Tattersalls

Tattersalls is the oldest blood-stock auctioneers in the world and the largest in Europe.

The nine sales that it holds each year at Newmarketinclude market leaders in every category. The Tattersalls sales season culminates with the two week long December Sale of breeding stock, foals and yearlings, which is widely regarded as the world’s most international thoroughbred sale. Remember to book your hotel accommodation early to avoid disappointment when attending the horse sales. 

WildTracks

 

Twenty minute drive from the hotel through Newmarket town centre and is one of a kind. It is the only purpose-built off-road activity park in the UK dedicated to a range of colourful, fast-moving and varying fun outdoor events to enjoy. These include go karting, quad bikes, off road driving and clay pigeon shooting to name but a few.