The Sun was out and so were Mum’s legs, for the Newmarket Summer Saturday Family Race Day. Chef Cookie had organised a wonderful picnic especially for the occasion, complete with bubble wands for the kids and bubbly for the adults.
Family friendly?
I need no convincing for a day out to the races, I’m a massive horse lover and thoroughly enjoyed our tour of the National Stud earlier in the year. Ive never really thought about bringing the kids (hence the bubble wands). They really enjoyed Palace House and the Museum at Discover Newmarket but would they sit through an afternoon of racing?
The Garden Encloure
They definitely didn’t spend much time sitting and we didn’t get the bubble wands out as the Garden enclosure is completely geared to families. Its not too far from the car so carrying our bits and bobs wasn’t too difficult. You could see who the regulars were, they came equipped with gazebos, tables and chairs. Although some made use of the picnic tables in the enclosure (you need to get there early to secure one of those bad boys). There’s ample space though so don’t worry, some older lads even had a game of footy going at the far end.
Whats On ?
We went on the Country Fair Raceday which was great for us country bumpkins! We loved watching the sheep shearing and gun dog displays. Took great pleasure in trying out our different techniques on the welly wanging, while the kids enjoyed the bouncy castle, arts and crafts and the really impressive play structure. There was Face painting too, although the queue was very large and my two would rather spend their time getting sandy on the park.
Value for Money
The best bit for me about Newmarket Summer Saturday Race Days is everything is FREE! It’s included in your ticket price, which start at £13 and as kids go free this is a very economical day out for the whole family. Mum enjoyed putting on her £1 bets and nibbling on the picnic. The dads enjoyed a drink or two and more ‘competitive’ betting – you can bring alcohol in with your picnic, just be sure to check out the guidelines. You cant see the finish line but that didn’t matter to us, we loved cheering as they went past and there is a big screen if you do want to. Me and Lucy loved it all, well, we did have quite a few goes on the welly wangling…. tee hee.
Thoroughbred Facilities
If you don’t want to bring your own picnic there are food vendors a sweet hut and of course a licensed bar. The toilets are clean and there’s plenty to go around and the site is well kept, I felt very safe. I think its really difficult to find an event or attraction for the whole family to enjoy irrespective of age, Newmarket has it all.
Final Thoughts
I can highly recommend a trip to Newmarket Summer Saturday racedays, we will definitely be back. Maybe even this weekend for their last of this years summer season. On Saturday the 24th of August “The Greatest Show” with Massaoke will be there and you know I cant resist a singalong!
Information
Visit the website for more information about this and other upcoming events. Tickets can be purchased from The Jockey Club and don’t forget to check out Discover Newmarket too for the fantastic Palace house and National stud tours.
*We were gifted tickets but as always my words are my own.