Planning Your Visit
Visit the National Horseracing Museum, a five acre site in the heart of Newmarket, Suffolk. It comprises three complementary attractions; National Horseracing Museum in the Trainer’s House and King’s Yard Galleries, Packard Galleries of British Sporting Art in Palace House, and a chance to meet former racehorses in the flagship home of Retraining of Racehorses.
We have a restaurant, bakery and shop onsite. Visits can take from 3 hours to a full day, and sometimes even more…
However, don’t worry if you can’t fit it all in over one day – you can upgrade your ticket to an annual pass for FREE to return as many times as you like for 12 months after purchase. Just ask at the shop for more information.
Please note: The museum is not open on Mondays.
To help with your visit, we’ve asked some of the people who know our site best for their lowdown on what not to miss. We know there’s lots to do at NHRM and it can be tricky fitting it all in, so if you’ve only got limited time on site we want to make sure you use it wisely!
For security reasons, please do not bring large bags or suitcases to the museum. Items larger than 40 x 40 x 50 cm are not allowed to be taken into the Galleries.
Useful Information
Planning Your Visit
Opening Times & Prices
Opening Times:
Winter (1st November to 31st March), Tuesday – Sunday, 10am to 4pm
Summer (1st April to 31st October), Tuesday – Sunday, 10am to 5pm
Ticket Prices:
Adult (16 years and over): £15
Children (under 16): FREE
Local Residents (CB8, IP28 or IP29 postcode): £10
NUS Students (with valid student ID): £8
Armed Forces Covenant (includes US Armed Forces): £7.50
Art Fund Member (with proof of National Art Pass): £7.50
Please note: relevant proof is required for concession rates.
Getting Here
Travel, Parking & Directions
For people travelling by car there are a number of car parks in Newmarket, the two closest to the museum are Rous Road, CB8 8LX (short stay) and All Saints, CB8 8ET (long stay) car parks. The museum is just a short walk from Newmarket train station and Newmarket bus station.
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Insider's Insight
Not sure where to start with planning your visit to the National Horseracing Museum? Check out our must-see attractions, from those in the know...
Marketing
My children love coming to the site, in particular meeting the retired racehorses and the racing simulator! We're one of the few places in Newmarket where you can meet actual horses and practice being a jockey. The kids love the shop too - lots of pocket money purchases!
Front of House
I just love the art in Palace House. A key part of this heritage site, Palace House is everything you'd expect from an historic building. It's steeped in history, looks stunning and it houses unique sporting art by some of the finest painters of their time, including George Stubbs, Edwin Landseer, Alfred Munnings and Lucy Kemp-Welch. Fantastic gardens too.
Events
Or on-site restaurant, The Tack Room, is definitely worth checking out. With local produce, good coffee and lots of outside seating, this is one of my favourite parts of the site, especially in Summer. It's great for meetings as well.
Curatorial
One of my favourite paintings is in Trainers House. 'Mrs Thornton in the Dress She Rode in at York’ by Thomas Rowlandson is about Alicia Thornton, the first female jockey to compete against men at recognised race meetings. She raced - side-saddle in a long sweeping skirt - on Vinagarella at York in August 1804. Huge crowds came and the British Army assisted in keeping the course clear. Mrs Thornton lost that race when Vinagarella pulled up lame, but a year later, also at York, she rode Louisa and won by half a neck. Little is known about Mrs Thornton and after the second race she disappeared from public view. A true pioneer.
Visitor Services
Alongside our main shop we've got a second-hand bookshop here. It's one of the last ones in Newmarket town centre and of course we've got lots of racing literature but also a whole range of other general titles to choose from. Run by our volunteers, it's fantastic value for money, well stocked and well worth a browse. We also stock a range of new books too.
Explore & Enjoy the Site
Familiarise yourself with our site map before you visit the National Horseracing Museum – there’s so much to do here that we’d hate for you to miss anything! If you don’t get to see everything, don’t forget you can upgrade to an Annual Pass for FREE when you buy a general admission ticket.
Just ask at the shop for more information and pick up a copy of your map too.
Site Map
Visiting with your family
A great way for the whole family to enjoy an educational day out. A range of events and family workshops are held at NHRM throughout the year. These give families a fun opportunity to explore the collections, learn about the royal connection of the site, interact with the horses and much more.
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Visiting with your school
NHRM offers a unique and educational venue for school visits. With a diverse range of links to the National Curriculum, groups can have fun and learn through our curriculum-linked workshops and activities. We also welcome self-led visits and are happy to assist with highlighting relevant themes within the galleries.
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Visiting with a large group
With so much to see and do at our huge indoor and outdoor site, the National Horseracing Museum offers a great day out for group visits. Find out what is on offer for groups of 15+ who would like to visit the museum at a discounted price. There is a coach park on-site, however space is limited so please book in advance.
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Whilst You're Here
Discover Newmarket, the Home of Horseracing
Discover Newmarket is the official tourism service for Newmarket and the surrounding area, providing information, along with ideas and inspiration, on how to make the most of your visit to the home of horseracing.
In addition, Discover Newmarket also run a series of guided tours and walks which offers visitors a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes at racing’s headquarters to see the equine stars at work and learn about the fascinating history, heritage and culture of this internationally recognised town.
We recommend the Ultimate Newmarket Experience tour where you can enjoy lunch in the Tack Room restaurant before you visit the National Horseracing Museum at your own leisure.
Escape the everyday in the east of England, with a leisure break in Newmarket. Discover fabulous hotels, delightful self catering cottages and traditional B&Bs, not to mention East Anglia’s beautiful countryside and countless country paths, historic rural pubs and an amazing selection of exciting tours and unique experiences. Create lasting memories at the Home of Horseracing.
The world-famous City of Cambridge is just 14 miles west of Newmarket. Head east to the historic town of Bury St Edmunds to explore the ancient Abbey and cathedral.
Discover Newmarket
