Situated in the centre of Newmarket, Palace House was built by Charles II in the seventeenth century. A keen racegoer, he frequently visited Newmarket and actually took part in informal races on the common.

Just across the road from Palace House, was the house of Nell Gwynne, one of his most well known mistresses. When Palace House was restored a few years ago, an original window within the King’s apartments was discovered facing directly onto her house.

Nowadays, Palace House forms part of the National Horseracing Museum and houses a collection of sporting art, particulary relating to racing.

There is a permanent collection owned by the British Sporting Art Trust which is always on display, as well as a changing programme of exhibitions.

Works of art include paintings by George Stubbs, Sir Alfred Munnings, John Singer Sargent, John Wooten, Peter Blake and Mark Wallinger.

The collection includes paintings, sculpture, print-making and the applied arts. Temporary exhibitions often include special loans from the Tate, Victoria & Albert Museum and other public and private collections.

There is a restaurant, bakery and shop on site.

Practical Info

The Museum is a short walk from the railway station which has regular trains to Cambridge. Parking is available in the nearby public car parks.

Palace House is open daily Tuesday - Sunday.

There is a charge for entry, which includes access to the entire National Horseracing museum site located across the road in the Kings Yard telling the story of the development of racing in Newmarket.

nhrm.co.uk