In the centre of Newmarket – the Suffolk town known as the birthplace and global centre of horseracing – you’ll find the stately Palace House, home to The National Horseracing Museum. The museum moved to its regal setting, King Charles II’s former racing palace back in 2016, although it has been an important part of the market town, telling the story of British Horseracing, since 1983. And, of course no.1 racing fan Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II opened the museum on both occasions.

You don’t have to be into horseracing to have an amazing day out here, although by the end of the visit you’ll definitely be a fan of the sport! The smart Palace House site has a sprawling 5 acres of grounds that includes everything from galleries filled to the brim with artefacts, memorabilia, and sporting art by household names like George Stubbs and Sir Alfred Munnings to a fun racing simulator (a must try if you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to ride the Rowley Mile). There’s also a beautiful book and gift shop and the must-visit Tack Room Restaurant as well as an on-site bakery.

There’s so much to do you could easily spend a whole morning, or even a day, at the museum and with visiting exhibitions (this summer’s being the incredible The Urban Frame: Mutiny in Colour featuring works by Banksy, Tracy Emin and Damien Hirst), you can come back time and time again. In the main permanent exhibition audio visual displays are used to help tell the story of racing from its earliest origins to the much-loved sport it is today too, so all ages can get involved and understand the incredible journey.

The museum also has an impressively active schedule, with lots of workshops and activities aimed at kids over the holidays and adult events throughout the year. Think art and craft workshops based on the latest exhibitions, al fresco music performances in the King’s Yard, horse-based competitions like Shetland pony racing and the RoR Racing to Horseball Cup, and many more.

It wouldn’t be Newmarket without getting up close and personal with a majestic racehorse though. In Rothschild Yard you can meet former racehorses and find out how they are retrained to become riding horses, as well as watching them be ridden in the Peter O’Sullevan Arena. Whether you’ve worked up an appetite on the simulator or are just in the area and fancy a delicious meal, The Tack Room is a dining destination in the town that serves meals using the region’s finest seasonal produce. Or for something a little more relaxed The Bakery has pre-order picnic boxes as well as pastries, cakes and bakes.