National Horse Racing Museum
National Horse Racing Museum
National Horse Racing Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
NHRM & Palace House Estate is a 5-acre site in the heart of Newmarket. 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 fabulous restaurant and gift shop onsite and visits can take from 3 hours to a full day, and sometimes even more…!
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
Features animals
Learn more about animal welfare in tourismSuggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Full view
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
77 within 3 miles
Attractions
18 within 6 miles
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
456 reviews
Excellent
312
Very good
110
Average
19
Poor
11
Terrible
4
Trevor Steadman
Chelmsford, UK209 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Took some friends along who were visiting the area. Spent 4 hours, but could have spent longer. Lovely museum galleries which are easy to follow. We picnicking but could easily have eaten in. Would recommend the tour of the rehabilitation unit, but keep an eye on time. The car park we used only allowed 4 hrs. Def worth visiting. learnt a lot despite not being especially horsey.
Written 24 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Countryg
2 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
Great place for all the family . Lovely museum and gift shop . With a lovely cafe on site . Really enjoyed our visit.
Written 23 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jacqui S
Bourne, UK560 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Despite being not too interested in the horse racing world and being allergic to horses even, this was a fulfilling and delightfully informative set up. We had one of the tours by volunteer Sue who deserves much praise for her explanations, her care and attention and her sense of knowing her audience. Lots to see and do, everything was kept in wonderful condition and plenty of people to ask about anything we were unsure of. A lovely visit thank you.
Written 14 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jazmin R
Woodchurch, UK28 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
Really good museum super helpful staff who obviously love their job. Really interesting and factual information available. Will visit again!
Written 3 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elina Michaelidou
London, UK584 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
The National Horse Racing Museum was the highlight of our visit to Newmarket. It has a great collection of exhibits about horses and horse racing. The museum is quite big and has a few areas to explore. We started with the main exhibition, and then we went to the smaller rooms around the main courtyard, before continuing to the Palace House. We really enjoyed the horse racing simulator and spotting some horses. Unfortunately, we didn't have time to do the tour but it looked promising.
The one thing I would improve is information about the last entry to each exhibition area. When we asked at the ticket desk what time the entry the reply was that we don't like people coming late as there is a lot to see. However, since our ticket was valid for the whole day, I don't understand what was the issue of knowing what would be the latest time to come back if we decided to leave the museum during the day. Other than that, the rest of the staff were very friendly, especially the person at the Palace House who was very eager to share some information about the history of the building with us.
The street art exhibition that was on during our visit was also very interesting. I would recommend planning at least three hours there and checking the times of the tour in advance to plan accordingly.
The one thing I would improve is information about the last entry to each exhibition area. When we asked at the ticket desk what time the entry the reply was that we don't like people coming late as there is a lot to see. However, since our ticket was valid for the whole day, I don't understand what was the issue of knowing what would be the latest time to come back if we decided to leave the museum during the day. Other than that, the rest of the staff were very friendly, especially the person at the Palace House who was very eager to share some information about the history of the building with us.
The street art exhibition that was on during our visit was also very interesting. I would recommend planning at least three hours there and checking the times of the tour in advance to plan accordingly.
Written 1 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
taratupps2
Norwich, UK210 contributions
Aug 2023
A superb museum run by enthusiastic staff, who are both friendly and knowledgeable in all aspects of the sport. The galleries and memorabilia give an historic story of horse racing we had no idea about. The building and adjacent yard is stunning, the behind the scenes tour was both educational and interesting (a special mention to Sue our guide) who explained in great detail the rehabilitation of ex-race horses.
Written 24 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jem K
4 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
Absolutely fascinating history and stunning art, all wrapped up within a brilliant yard that still is utilised as a working stable with the ROR charity.
I am a visitor who doesn't know much about horse racing and I found the museum and gallery fascinating. The staff were incredible! So, so helpful and made the visit extremely comfortable for me as a first time, solo visitor.
The current exhibition Mutiny in Colour is a must see if you are a fan of Banksy/street art as they have curated a stunning display with many different and exciting artists.
I attended the tour as well and met some stunning horses as well as incredibly passionate staff and volunteers, brimming with information.
If you love horses, love art, or just want to try a new museum I highly recommend the Horse Racing Museum.
I am a visitor who doesn't know much about horse racing and I found the museum and gallery fascinating. The staff were incredible! So, so helpful and made the visit extremely comfortable for me as a first time, solo visitor.
The current exhibition Mutiny in Colour is a must see if you are a fan of Banksy/street art as they have curated a stunning display with many different and exciting artists.
I attended the tour as well and met some stunning horses as well as incredibly passionate staff and volunteers, brimming with information.
If you love horses, love art, or just want to try a new museum I highly recommend the Horse Racing Museum.
Written 20 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jayne S
Snodland136 contributions
Jul 2023
Really enjoyed my visit here. I upgraded my ticket so that I could return as I had time this week. The ex racehorse tour was very interesting and takes place at 11am /2.30pm for an hour.
The exhibits on show are ideal for everyone even if you're not into horse racing.
It is well worth going over the road to the Palace to see the lovely paintings and for me the very old window which was discovered during renovations.
I must also add a HUGE thank you to the staff in the cafe'...I left without paying'...I had walked half way along the corridor when I realised and at the same time one of the waitress called me. The huge thank you was due to the staff being so very understanding and not making an issue of the situation in public which would have made me feel dreadful as if it wasn't bad enough as it was .
If you're in the area the museum is a worthwhile visit. Parking approx 300yards away £2.50 for 4 hours which is very reasonable.
The exhibits on show are ideal for everyone even if you're not into horse racing.
It is well worth going over the road to the Palace to see the lovely paintings and for me the very old window which was discovered during renovations.
I must also add a HUGE thank you to the staff in the cafe'...I left without paying'...I had walked half way along the corridor when I realised and at the same time one of the waitress called me. The huge thank you was due to the staff being so very understanding and not making an issue of the situation in public which would have made me feel dreadful as if it wasn't bad enough as it was .
If you're in the area the museum is a worthwhile visit. Parking approx 300yards away £2.50 for 4 hours which is very reasonable.
Written 26 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John B
Cambridgeshire, UK823 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
The current art exhibition held in the museum ''Mutiny in Colour' was impressive. Featuring works by Banksy and other street artists, it was original and stimulating.
The high ceilinged wall outside the exhibition featured large life-sized reproductions of some of of Banksy's iconic images - and we particularly liked this part of the exhibition. The exhibition hall was not crowded, though we had expected it to be, and we had booked tickets on-line. The gift shop had various items relating to Banksy's work as well as a bookshop featuring horses and the racing industry.
The cafe was full and many tables had been reserved but we had a coffee across the courtyard at the 'Bakery' where we were able to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine.
The high ceilinged wall outside the exhibition featured large life-sized reproductions of some of of Banksy's iconic images - and we particularly liked this part of the exhibition. The exhibition hall was not crowded, though we had expected it to be, and we had booked tickets on-line. The gift shop had various items relating to Banksy's work as well as a bookshop featuring horses and the racing industry.
The cafe was full and many tables had been reserved but we had a coffee across the courtyard at the 'Bakery' where we were able to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine.
Written 23 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David D
113 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Spent an afternoon here ,very informative and a wonderful tour of the facilities ,the two sues were excellent hosts ,cafe is a bit fancy and pricey but there’s a very good cafe straight across the road
Written 2 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sunnyclimes2016
Essex, UK67 contributions
We are staying at the jockey club in Newmarket for a couple of days.
We are not sure whether to book the horse racing museum or the national stud or visit both.
Could you do both in one day or would you need 2 days.
Thank you
ptrcball
Lincoln, UK19 contributions
Are you open between Christmas and New year? Thank you
Pat Ball
Hi, we are open every day except Christmas eve, Christmas day, boxing day and New Years day :)
Helen S
Wickford, UK22 contributions
What day is the quietest please?
hollysmum_8
West Molesey, UK185 contributions
We were there on a Thursday, in term time. It was not crowded and I don't imagine it is ever unpleasantly so. There is plenty of room, both inside and out. The restaurant however is very popular with local people as well and many tables were full when we were there, so we actually chose to eat at one of the outside tables.
Queenie L
Hong Kong Island, China21 contributions
How long do you think you would spend on looking around with a relaxed mode?
NHRM_12
Newmarket, UK
Hi there, there is a lot to see and do, so we would recommend around 3-4 hours, the demonstrations are at 11am and 2,30pm so it might be worth planning your visit around those.
We hope you enjoy your visst
Our Family would love to visit @ the beginning of June, this will be the highlight of our Granddaughters trip, she lives in Colorado USA.
Question 1/ Can we park our Motor Home - under 5 mtrs Length.
2/ Our two dogs will be with us, is there any part of this outing we can walk them to.?
Regards Jo
susan j
London, UK368 contributions
Hi Jo. I think there could be parking for you in the Coach Park but I'd look on their Website and email the request in advance. There is also a big outdoor car park very near the Heritage Centre.
After 1.00 pm all the racing gallop areas are open to dog walkers. 2 minutes from the Heritage Centre site. Plenty of open space. The actual site isn't appropriate for dogs.
Allocate plenty of time for your visit, there's a lot to see and do.
Safe journey. Sue
greavsey2015
Hertfordshire, UK37 contributions
do you supply beach/sun bed towels?
Andrew
St. Albans, UK6,558 contributions
No. This is a museum.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingNATIONAL HORSE RACING MUSEUM: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about National Horse Racing Museum
- National Horse Racing Museum is open:
- Tue - Sun 10:00 - 17:00
- Hotels near National Horse Racing Museum:
- (0.10 mi) The Jockey Club Rooms
- (0.06 mi) Kings Newmarket Hotel
- (0.08 mi) Rutland Arms Hotel
- (0.19 mi) Premier Inn Newmarket hotel
- (0.14 mi) Crown Rooms Newmarket
- Restaurants near National Horse Racing Museum:
- (0.01 mi) The Tack Room
- (0.02 mi) Gee Gee's Wine Bar
- (0.02 mi) Victor Victoria Coffee
- (0.07 mi) The Bull ,Newmarket
- (0.08 mi) Kings Newmarket Restaurant