Premier Inn Newmarket

Yes, Newmarket is well worth a visit – especially if you're looking for a getaway that combines history, and the countryside. You'll find pretty streets lined with independent shops and cafes, plenty of green space for walking, and some fascinating places to visit like the National Horseracing Museum. If you're visiting during the racing season, the town has a great atmosphere, with racegoers bringing extra energy to the area. 

Newmarket is world-famous for horse racing. In fact, it’s often called the home of horse racing because this is where the sport was formalised over 350 years ago. Some of the biggest races in the UK are still held here today. The town is packed with racing heritage: it’s where you’ll find two major racecourses, over 50 training yards, the National Stud and the Jockey Club, which plays a central role in the racing industry. On top of that, members of the royal family, including King Charles III, have long been involved with Newmarket’s racing scene. Aside from racing, Newmarket is known for its strong connections to royalty and its beautiful surrounding countryside. 

Newmarket is considered a medium-sized market town, big enough to have a good range of shops, places to eat, and things to do, but small enough that it doesn’t feel overwhelming. There’s a nice balance between having modern amenities and keeping that small-town feel. Whether you’re coming for a day trip or staying for a few nights, it’s the kind of place that feels welcoming. 

Newmarket is well-located, with lots of popular towns and cities just a short drive or train ride away. Here are a few nearby spots that are easy to visit: 

·       Cambridge – Only about 14 miles away, this famous university city is full of history, museums, beautiful colleges and punting on the River Cam. 

·       Bury St Edmunds – Around 17 miles east, it’s a lovely town with a stunning cathedral, Abbey Gardens, a brewery tour and a lively market square. 

·       Ely – Roughly 25 minutes by car, Ely is known for its cathedral and riverside walks. It's small but very pretty. 

·       Saffron Walden – About 30 minutes south, a market town with historic buildings and independent shops. 

·       Thetford and Mildenhall are also nearby if you're exploring the wider area. 

There’s no major river running directly through Newmarket, but the surrounding area does have several rivers that are easy to reach. Just outside the town, you'll find smaller streams and drainage channels typical of the Fens, and not far away is the River Cam in Cambridge and the River Lark near Mildenhall and Bury St Edmunds. These spots are ideal if you enjoy walking or just taking in peaceful waterside views. 

Yes, there’s plenty to do, whether you’re visiting for a day or a long weekend. Here are some top things to enjoy: 

·       Watch a race at one of the two racecourses – It’s a great experience, even if you’ve never been to a race before. 

·       Take a guided tour of a racing yard or the National Stud to see how thoroughbred horses are trained and cared for. 

·       Visit the National Horseracing Museum, which covers racing history, art and has retired racehorses you can meet. 

·       Stroll along the training gallops early in the morning to see horses exercising. 

·       Explore the town centre or visit nearby villages and nature trails. 

·       Check the events calendar, as Newmarket also hosts concerts and seasonal festivals, especially in summer. 

There are two racecourses in Newmarket: 

1.      The Rowley Mile – This is used mostly in the spring and autumn seasons. It's a classic, historic course with great views across the Suffolk countryside. 

2.      The July Course – Used mainly in summer, it’s known for its scenic setting and more relaxed atmosphere. It also hosts evening races and live music events. 

Both are close to town and very easy to get to. Together, they host some of the UK’s top flat racing events, including Guineas Weekend and Newmarket Nights. 

Yes, Newmarket has its own train station, located on the edge of the town centre. Trains run regularly between Cambridge and Ipswich, making it a handy stop if you’re coming from London (via a quick change in Cambridge) or from other parts of East Anglia. It’s around a 15-minute walk into the heart of town from there. 

Flex – Pay now or on arrival, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Our most flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 1pm on the day of arrival. You can also amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Semi-Flex – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to three full days before arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to three full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Advance – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 28 full days before arrival, free to amend thereafter until the day of arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 28 full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Standard – Pay now, non-refundable. Free to amend booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Slightly flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel and get a full refund, but you can amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Non-Flex – Pay now. No amends or refunds. Our least flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel or amend your stay after booking.

Our standard check-in time is 3pm. For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

Checkout is by 12 noon on your departure date. If luggage storage is available, our teams will be happy to store any bags for you if you’d like to check out before 12pm.

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

In 2020 we launched Premier Inn CleanProtect™, our rigorous, daily cleaning method that’s used throughout our UK & Ireland hotels. Developed in partnership with Diversey, a global leader in cleaning and hygiene products for the healthcare and hospitality industries, our promise seeks to give you extra peace of mind so you can always book and stay with confidence.

Check-in - minimising contact at reception and providing hand sanitiser in most public areas for peace of mind. 

Bed linen and towels - laundering all our linen and towels at over 60°C to thermally disinfect them, so you can enjoy a great night’s sleep. We’ve also placed spare pillows in a zip-up bag, for extra peace of mind.

Equipping our teams - providing our team members with all the equipment and sanitisers they need, as well as always operating in the safest way possible for our teams and guests.

A generous serving of safety - you can relax knowing that enhanced cleaning measures are in place throughout our restaurants. Tables are cleaned between visits and contactless payment is in place too, so you can dine safely and comfortably with us every time.

Clean on request - if you'd like your room cleaned during your stay with us, just let us know at reception and use the handy door hanger on the back of your door by 12pm each day.

Most Premier Inns have specially-adapted rooms allowing easier access for customers with disabilities. If there is no specially-adapted room available at the hotel of your choice, we will be happy to offer you alternative accommodation at a nearby Premier Inn. If you have difficulty walking, but do not need a specially-adapted room, please feel free to request a room near reception on the ground floor for easy access. 

If you'd like get in touch, you can reach out to our specialist team via email at pi.accessible@whitbread.com or call us on 0333 0919 817 between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday (calls charged at local rate).

Unfortunately, with the exception of trained assistance dogs, we don't allow pets to stay at our hotels.