Living in Newmarket

The community feel in Newmarket is shaped by its equestrian culture and strong civic pride. Residents describe the town as friendly and close-knit, with local businesses serving both the everyday needs of families and the unique requirements of the racing industry. Community centres, churches, and charities help to support newcomers and long-time locals alike.

Regular local events, such as Newmarket Market (held twice weekly), the Newmarket Carnival, and Christmas lights switch-on, are well attended. The town also hosts a vibrant arts calendar, including open studios, craft fairs, and music festivals. Green spaces like the Rowley Mile and the Links provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, while Newmarket Heath is a popular location for walks and connecting with nature.

Proximity to the open Suffolk countryside and SSSI-protected sites such as Devil’s Dyke mean that nature and wildlife are never far from daily life. This supports an active, outdoor-oriented lifestyle for residents of all ages.

Crime rates in Newmarket are broadly in line with other market towns in the Suffolk and Cambridgeshire region. The town centre experiences higher footfall during racing events and major weekends, but day-to-day life is considered safe, and the community reports a high level of neighbourliness.

Safer neighbourhood teams operated by Suffolk Constabulary are active throughout Newmarket, offering high visibility policing and community outreach programmes. There is ongoing collaboration with local youth groups and the racing industry to reduce antisocial behaviour and crime in key locations around the racecourses and high street areas.

Recent regeneration projects have introduced improved street lighting and public space design, particularly around the station area and High Street, helping to foster an even safer impression for residents and visitors alike.

Parking in Newmarket is generally convenient, particularly outside of major race days. The town provides several public car parks in and around the high street, as well as on-street parking in quieter residential streets. Resident parking permits are available in certain central locations and near the racecourses to manage higher demand during events.

Congestion can peak during large-scale racing meetings, but is otherwise moderate, and daily journeys are rarely affected by severe delays. The A14 provides rapid road access in all directions, with the A11 linking north and south to Norwich and London routes. This network ensures easy travel for commuters and visitors alike.

Nearby towns and cities from Newmarket:
Cambridge – approx. 20 minutes via A14 (13 miles)
Bury St Edmunds – approx. 20 minutes via A14 (14 miles)
Ely – approx. 25 minutes via A142 (14 miles)
Norwich – approx. 1 hour via A11 (58 miles)
London – approx. 1.5 hours via M11 (60 miles)

Newmarket is known for its selection of restaurants, gastropubs, cafés, and traditional pubs, many of which reflect racing heritage and Suffolk culinary traditions. The high street and nearby streets feature gourmet dining as well as family-friendly venues and classic English pubs. Popular choices range from The Tack Room (located within the National Horseracing Museum), to The King’s Head and The Bull for Sunday roasts and real ales.

Casual cafés, coffee shops and local bakeries provide daytime meeting spots, including those with pavement seating for people-watching. Takeaway options cater to most tastes with Italian, Indian, Chinese, and classic fish and chips all present.

Nightlife in Newmarket is relaxed but lively on race days and weekends, when local bars and clubs see increased activity. Though not a late-night capital, there are select venues for live music and socialising including the Yard and The White Hart. The town also supports a cinema, small theatre performances, and seasonal pop-up events, particularly during racing festivals and summer months.

School quality: Newmarket is home to several well-rated primary schools and a secondary academy, with easy access to sixth forms and colleges in nearby towns.

Parks and green space: Families enjoy access to Newmarket Heath, local recreation grounds, and several well-kept play parks distributed across the town.

Childcare: A variety of nurseries and preschools operate in Newmarket, with wraparound care available at several primary schools, suiting working parents.

Safety: Crime rates are steady and the neighbourhood benefits from targeted policing and community involvement, enhancing peace of mind for parents.

Family activities: In addition to horse racing events, Newmarket provides swimming, youth football, drama clubs, and themed children’s events year-round. Proximity to Cambridge and Bury St Edmunds adds further choice for family days out.

Newmarket is a pet-friendly destination, with the expansive Newmarket Heath and nearby countryside offering excellent spaces for walking dogs and exploring with animals. Dedicated bridleways, footpaths, and nature reserves are easily accessible, providing variety for daily exercise. The town’s equestrian focus ensures a welcoming attitude toward pets and animals across many public spaces.

Local vets, such as Eagle Veterinary Group and Equine Veterinary Hospital, offer comprehensive care, while independent pet shops and dog groomers provide essential services. Many local pubs and cafés allow well-behaved dogs, and community events frequently include pet-friendly attractions. Renting with pets is generally feasible, though agreements are required in many managed properties.

Newmarket’s location, just off the A14 and with direct rail connections, makes it a highly accessible market town for commuters and families. The town’s railway station lies on the Ipswich to Cambridge line, offering easy train travel to major regional centres. Frequent local and regional bus services add further convenience, linking Newmarket with Cambridge, Ely, Bury St Edmunds, and surrounding villages.

For drivers, Newmarket sits within easy reach of trunk roads: the A14 runs just to the north, connecting the town directly to Cambridge and Bury St Edmunds, while the A11 provides quick access to Norwich and London routes. London Stansted Airport is roughly a 35-minute drive away, a significant asset for international business or leisure travel.

Key commuter journey times from Newmarket:

• Cambridge – approx. 20 minutes by train or car (13 miles)
• Bury St Edmunds – about 20 minutes by car via A14 (14 miles)
• Ely – about 20-25 minutes by car or train (14 miles)
• London (Kings Cross) – around 70 minutes by train (with a change at Cambridge)
• Stansted Airport – about 35 minutes by car (32 miles)

The question of “schools in Newmarket” is an important one for families. The town offers a strong mix of educational facilities for children of all ages.

Primary Schools
• Houldsworth Valley Primary Academy – A well-regarded school at strong Ofsted standards (last rated Good, 2017).
• Paddocks Primary School – An established choice with a strong local reputation (Ofsted Good, 2017).
• All Saints CEVA Primary School – A Church of England school praised for its inclusive ethos (Ofsted Good, 2022).
• Laureate Community Primary School and Nursery – Offers early years and primary provisions (Ofsted Good, 2017).

Secondary Schools
• Newmarket Academy – This is the town’s main secondary, with modern facilities and a focus on STEM (Ofsted Good, 2023).
• Soham Village College – Nearby, serving some Newmarket students (Ofsted Good, 2019).
• St Benedict’s Catholic School (Bury St Edmunds) – Accessible for older students (Ofsted Good, 2022).

Colleges and Sixth Form
• Abbeygate Sixth Form College (Bury St Edmunds) – Popular for A-level study.
• Cambridge Regional College (Cambridge Campus) – Offers a wide range of vocational and academic courses.

Universities
Whilst Newmarket itself does not have a university, excellent access to world-class institutions is a major draw:
• University of Cambridge – 13 miles west, renowned globally for academic excellence.
• Anglia Ruskin University (Cambridge campus) – Offers diverse courses.