Newmarket in Suffolk is the historic home of flat racing, with two distinct tracks: the Rowley Mile for the spring and autumn championship meetings, and the July Course for summer racing and its famous music nights. The town is steeped in racing, home to the Jockey Club and the National Stud.

This guide covers the courses, the big meetings, the experience and how to get there.

A short history of the course

Racing in Newmarket dates to the 17th century and royal patronage under Charles II. It became the sport’s headquarters, and the two Classics first run here — the 2000 and 1000 Guineas — still open the Classic season each spring.

The big meeting: the Guineas Festival

The Guineas Festival on the Rowley Mile each spring stages the season’s first two Classics, the 2000 and 1000 Guineas. In summer the July Festival on the July Course is one of the most relaxed and stylish meetings of the year, and the Newmarket Nights pair racing with live concerts.

The course & the experience

The wide, galloping Rowley Mile is a stiff test of a top miler, while the July Course has a garden-party feel under the trees. Both sit just outside the town.

The wider racing calendar

Classics in spring, the July Festival and music nights in summer, and championship racing in autumn.

Getting to Newmarket Racecourses

Newmarket Racecourses sits about 65 miles from central London, postcode CB8 0TF, reached via the M11 and A14.

By road

From London it is the M11 and A14; the courses sit just off the edge of town. Official car parks should be pre-booked for the big meetings and fill early, and the queue to leave after the last race is the worst part of the day.

By train

Newmarket station is about a mile and a half from the courses, with Cambridge close by, and trains from London King’s Cross or Liverpool Street — then a taxi or shuttle for the last leg.

By air, and the private-hire alternative

For visitors arriving by air, Newmarket Racecourses is reachable from Stansted and Heathrow among others. Rather than gamble on a shuttle queue or rideshare surge when the crowd leaves at once, a fixed-fare transfer to Newmarket Racecourses collects you at the door, drops as close to the gate as permitted and has a driver arranged for the exit.

The calm way to do race day

Fixed-price, pre-booked transfers to Newmarket Racecourses (CB8 0TF) — executive cars for couples, MPVs and minibuses for groups, no surge and no late-night premium. Your driver is allocated when you book and set down as close to the gate as the traffic plan allows, with the pickup arranged in advance for the exit.

Get a fixed Newmarket fare

Practical race-day tips

  • Know your course. The Guineas is on the Rowley Mile, the July Festival on the July Course — they are different sites.
  • Sort the exit. A pre-arranged pickup beats the rank after racing.
  • Music nights book up. Reserve the summer Friday concerts early.
  • Go as a group. One minibus is cheaper per head and keeps everyone together.

Frequently asked questions

Where are Newmarket Racecourses and the postcode?
Just outside Newmarket, Suffolk, about 65 miles north of London. The Rowley Mile sat-nav is around CB8 0TF; the July Course is a separate site nearby.
When is the Guineas Festival?
The Guineas Festival runs each spring on the Rowley Mile, with the July Festival in summer on the July Course. Check the racecourse for dates.
Is there a station at Newmarket?
Newmarket station is about 1.5 miles from the courses, with Cambridge nearby; trains from London then a taxi or shuttle. A pre-booked car drops at the gate.
How far is it from London?
About 65 miles and roughly 1 hour 30 minutes by car via the M11 and A14.
Can the driver wait for the exit?
Yes — a same-day return keeps your driver on hand for the journey home.