In this elegant part of the UK, here are some of the top things to do and spas to visit on a spa break in Newmarket.
Newmarket in West Suffolk sits neatly just 14 miles west of Bury St Edmunds and 14 miles northeast of Cambridge. Famous as the global centre for thoroughbred horse racing, racehorse training and breeding, it's been the sporting playground for royalty for years, and hosts countless race days as well as a wealth of other sites dedicated to horsemanship.
Much of Newmarket's appeal hinges on its horse racing heritage, from a museum dedicated to horse racing to a day at the races themselves. Here's a few favourites.
On the former estate of Charles II's palace and stables and formally opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2016, the National Horse Racing Museum is a three-part destination in the heart of Newmarket. Set in five acres, it features the National Horseracing Museum in the Trainer’s House and King’s Yard Galleries, the Packard Galleries of British Sporting Art in Palace House, and a chance to meet former racehorses in the flagship home of Retraining of Racehorses. There's also a restaurant and a gift shop for a full day of entertainment.
Naturally, a trip to Newmarket Racecourses is a real highlight of a trip to Newmarket. There's nothing quite like a day at the races here, but it's not the only thing that happens at this illustrious site. There are live music events, as well as a roster of racing events. Book your tickets in advance - it's popular!
West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village and Country Park is award-winning and one of England's great archaeological sites. Spanning 125 acres it's a spectacular recreation of an Anglo-Saxon village. The site of a real early Anglo-Saxon settlement, occupied from AD 420-650, it was reestablished in 1976, offering an opportunity to explore and experience with activities ranging from a drum workshop to archery and sound baths.
Built as an offering to God, Ely Cathedral is a magnificent feat of mediaeval engineering, completed in 1342 and located in Ely in Cambridgeshire. It can trace its origin to the abbey founded in Ely in 672, and being just a short distance from Newmarket, it's a unique destination to visit on an overnight trip. Amongst its must-see features are the Octagon tower and lantern, which takes you on a climb up 170 steps to a spectacular view; the beautiful Norman Nave; and the Lady Chapel.
Covering 2,500 acres, the Newmarket Training Grounds are not only hallowed grounds for horse racing fans, they are also spectacularly beautiful. Including 50 miles of turf gallops and over 14 miles of artificial tracks, this is where thoroughbred racehorses have trained to win the most illustrious titles, owned and managed by Jockey Club Estates. For those who want to see where the magic is made, you can book a guided tour to find out more.
Whether you want to dress up for a day at the races or the thought of all that activity leaves you exhausted, a spa break in and around Newmarket has all the elegance and attraction that you might expect from this intriguing part of the world.
A stylish and luxurious retreat, Bedford Lodge Hotel is a four-star getaway that's been family-run since the 1940s. Next to some of the most famous paddocks and training stables in the world, it's romantic and tranquil. Here, The Spa is an adult-only destination, purpose built and brimming with experiences including spa lounge, a therapy room for visiting cosmetic doctors, an outdoor rooftop hot tub and 10 treatment rooms.
The Varsity Hotel & Spa is in the heart of Cambridge, boasting floor-to-ceiling glass windows that take in picturesque views of the city. Next door to the hotel is the spa - a chic world of white walls, exposed brickwork and wooden beams overlooking the river. It's a stylish destination perfect for days and breaks.
An ideal family sanctuary, The Ickworth is a fusion of classic and contemporary styles, offering rest and relaxation for all. Guests can choose to stay in the Butler’s Lodge or the Marquis's bed chamber amongst its other 27 bedrooms and 11 apartments, all of which look out onto 1800 acres of National Trust gardens. There's also a beautiful indoor pool and treatments.
Cambridge Country Club is a prestigious and luxurious day spa, purpose-built and ideal for luxury retreats. A world of fitness and wellbeing, the spa offers best-in-class facilities including a Himalayan salt spa, steam room and sauna. There's also five treatment rooms and dedicated manicure/ pedicure lounges.
The Cambridge Belfry brings lakeside views and laid back wellbeing, with its popular health club and a host of facilities. It has everything you could ask for to rest and unwind, including a gym, pool, spa pool, sauna, steam room, experience shower, whirlpool and relaxation room, as well as seven treatment rooms including a double treatment room.
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