WHERE TO STAY AND EAT
Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa
A favourite with jockey and author Dick Francis, Bedford Lodge is set in three acres of gardens just a short walk from the Warren Hill Gallops. A Georgian hunting lodge built for the sixth Duke of Bedford, it was converted into a hotel in the 1940s and today combines tradition with every modern comfort in 80 boutique rooms and suites and a spa. Squires Restaurant has 2AA Rosettes and is open daily.
Bury Rd, Newmarket CB8 7BX, 01638 663175; bedfordlodgehotel.co.uk
The Jockey Club Rooms
Enjoy a B&B stay in the historic heart of English racing in one of 18 country house-style bedrooms at The Jockey Club Rooms; this private members club opens its doors to non-members outside of race days. Most rooms overlook the manicured lawn and are blissfully quiet. A self-contained threebedroom townhouse is also available for use.
101 High St, Newmarket
CB8 8JL, 01638 663101; jockeyclubrooms.co.uk
The Pantry
Enjoy breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner at this all-day dining venue in the heart of Newmarket. The independent family-run eatery serves locally sourced British cuisine with a modern twist. Don’t forget to pick up some local artisan goods from The Pantry’s fine food shop while you’re there.
Unit 17 & 18 The Guineas, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 8EQ, 01638 661181; thepantryfinefoods.com
Kings Newmarket
Newmarket’s Kings Hotel dates back to the 17th century, previously serving as a coach house, a courthouse, and a logistics headquarters for the military. The Grade II listed building incorporates the remains of King James I and King Charles I’s historic racing palace. Today, Kings houses a contemporary restaurant and bar, and a selection of comfortable rooms.
Kingston Passage, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 8UG, 01638 660668; kingsnewmarket.co.uk
The Three Blackbirds
Enjoy the atmosphere of a 17thcentury village pub at The Three Blackbirds in Woodditton. The nine bedrooms in The Barn include family and dog-friendly rooms, plus a fully accessible bedroom with a parking space, and all combine period charm with modern twists and bursts of colour. The menu includes pub classics and seasonal dishes based on local produce.
36 Ditton Grn, Woodditton, Newmarket CB8 9SQ, 01638 731100; threeblackbirds.co.uk
The Tack Room
Situated within King’s Yard at the National Horse Racing Museum, The Tack Room restaurant serves seasonal and local produce wherever possible and is accessible to non-ticket holders. There is seating inside for up to 60 people, but on warm spring days, you might prefer an outside terrace table overlooking the statue of Frankel. Palace St, Newmarket CB8 8EP, 01638 666390; nhrm.co.uk/ the-tack-room