FRAMLINGHAM CASTLE...
...magnificent and imposing
ALDEBURGH BEACH...
...the famous shell
SUFFOLK COAST...
...one hour away
THETFORD FOREST...
...for all the family
CAMBRIDGE...
...punting down The Cam

local activities and attractions

The following local activities and attractions in Newmarket are an absolute must if you are staying with us over the coming year. Bedford Lodge Hotel is nestled in an idyllic location in the heart of East Anglia and offers you the perfect base for exploring Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire. Your enjoyment at this Suffolk Hotel is paramount and we want you to make the most of your stay with us... come rain or shine!
 

We team up with Newmarket Nights on an annual basis and offer an accommodation package to tie in with the Act/Concert of your choice. For THE hottest Friday night out in East Anglia then Newmarket Nights won't fail to disappoint. Acts and accommodation packages will be announced in early 2013.  Visit Newmarket Racecourses for the latest information.
 

We also team up with Newmarket Racecourse Saturday Racing and we also offer accommodation options to tie in with 'Summer Saturdays', making it easier for you if you are looking for quality hotels in Newmarket. Summer Saturdays is the perfect family day out – a day fuelled with excitement and adrenalin with free entertainment for the children.  

Newmarket Nights

Newmarket Nights are the hottest ticket for a summer Friday night out in the East of England!

Please note that Newmarket Nights ARE NOT an activity option under our 'Discover Suffolk' package.  We do however offer an alternative accommodation package that ties in concert nights at Newmarket Racecourse, click here>

The racing gets under way early evening and concludes as nights falls, immediately followed by a spectacular open air concert in Suffolk by a top band or artiste. The atmosphere sizzles and the bars remain open until the conclusion of the concert.

Newmarket Nights celebrated their 25th Anniversary in 2011 which proved to be a sell out on most concert dates.  They offer an irresistible cocktail of adrenalin-fuelled racing action on the track, a flutter on the horses, a refreshing glass of iced cold beer, champagne or Pimms and a pulsating open air concert to follow. If you’ve never been before, then you’re in for a real treat as they promise to deliver another amazing line-up for 2013!  Confirmed acts include Kaiser Chiefs on Friday 2nd August and Madness on Friday 19th July.

Booking in advance is strongly advised as almost every year at least some of the Nights sell out in advance. There are a limited number of reduced price child tickets available to buy for each Newmarket Night – these tend to sell out even more quickly.

Take a peak at the 2012 band pictures here!

2013 Concert Dates

  • Friday 21st June - Act to be confirmed
  • Friday 28th June - Act to be confirmed
  • Friday 19th July - Madness
  • Friday 26th July - Act to be confirmed
  • Friday 2nd August - Kaiser Chiefs
  • Friday 9th August - Act to be confirmed
  • Friday 16th August - Act to be confirmed
  • Summer Saturday Live (afternoon), Saturday 24th August - Act to be confirmed

Ticket prices are costed per act and will vary accordingly.  Please click on the above links for further information or visit their website.

 

 

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www.newmarketracecourses.co.uk

Links Golf Club

Come and have a round of golf at one of Newmarket's most renowned courses...

Links Golf Club in Newmarket is one of the most renowned golf courses in the area and the venue of choice for many County and Regional events. The Links, now in its second century, is an established 18-hole parkland course, situated adjacent to the famous Newmarket Race course. The course is known for its high standard of design and maintenance making it playable throughout the year. Offering a good test of golf for the experienced player; it is also an enjoyable experience for those developing their game.

The Links is proud to have a long tradition of offering a warm welcome to visitors and members who are encouraged to enjoy the facilities including practice areas, a well equipped Pro shop and a licensed bar and restaurant.

The staff and members look forward to welcoming you to our Golf Club.

Single from £32.00, Monday to Friday and £42.00 over the weekend.  For further information download their corporate leaflet or visit their website.

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www.linksgolfclub.co.uk

Fly Fishing at Earith Lakes Fisheries

Earith Lakes Fisheries is located in the heart of the Cambridgeshire countryside surrounded by the villages of Sommersham, Bluntisham, Colne and Earith.

You can’t beat the tranquillity of fly fishing… one man and his rod in beautiful surroundings.  Just the pleasure of being there and all the better for getting a catch!

The 12 acre trout lake is fully stocked and contain both Rainbow and Brown Trout ranging from 2lb to double figures, pike fishing is also available during the winter months (November to February)

The onsite shop will come to the rescue should you forget anything or need extra fly’s, fishing tackle or refreshments.

There is a variety of fly-fishing experiences available and fishing tickets start at £15 for a 4 hour ticket, however they do offer a concession Monday to Friday for over 65's at £12 for a 4 hour ticket.

They are open 7 days a week, dawn to dusk (pre booking required for early visits).

For further information please visit their website.

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www.earithlakes.com

Horse Riding at Coach House Riding Stables

Affiliated to the Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS), the Coach House Riding Stables is a small quality Riding School in Cambridgeshire with approximately 18 horses and ponies of varying types and sizes from the very small to the very large!

Affiliated to the Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS), the Coach House Riding Stables is a small quality Riding School in Cambridgeshire with approximately 18 horses and ponies of varying types and sizes from the very small to the very large!

Their main concern is the safety and enjoyment of clients and that of their horses who are all well-mannered, people friendly and well trained.

The proprietor, Linda Porter-Cohen has run the Coach House Stables for 20 years, building up the business from scratch.

All of their experienced instructors are qualified and have the highest regard for our clients' safety.

Lessons, Assessments & Hacks
There are two all-weather outdoor schools and they offer a variety of lessons, including class and private. Class lessons usually have a maximum of 6 clients per group.

They also offer special introductory half hour lessons which are especially popular with adults, who might be restarting riding after a break.

Hacking will be on offer but an assessment would need to be carried out prior to riding to ensure clients' safety. An assessment would last approximately 15/20 minutes in the arena. Skills in walking, trotting and canter and also road safety awareness would be assessed. Should the client prove to be unsafe, then they would be offered a lesson in the arena.

Lessons start at £17 for a child's half hour lesson.  For further information please visit their website.

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www.coachhouseriding.co.uk

Falconry at The Owl Barn

For what they promise to be a 'day out you’ll never forget', The Owl Barn at Stonham Aspel offers hands-on activities and experience days designed at the East Anglian Academy of Falconry.

For what they promise to be a 'day out you’ll never forget', The Owl Barn at Stonham Aspel offers hands-on activities and experience days designed at the East Anglian Academy of Falconry.

If you’ve ever wanted to find out more about Birds of Prey well now’s your chance to get up close and personal with these magnificent predators! Witness the natural instincts of these raptors as they soar, quarter, stoop, pounce and mantle over their hunted prey for the rewards they receive on course days.

Although these beautiful birds are kept in captivity, to a certain degree, they can never be truly tamed and will always retain their wild natural instinct to kill for food. An explanation of some basic falconry terms and a run-down on some practical "do's & don'ts" in the interests of your own safety and the well-being of the birds will be provided before any activity or experience day commences.

Various days and courses available.  Prices start from £25 for children and £85 per adult.  For further information on  including 'What to Bring and What to Expect', please visit their website.

 

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www.owl-help.org.uk/falconry.html

Bike Tours with Cambridge Bike Tours

Fun, fresh air and hidden gems! Famous for cycling in Cambridge, these tours are truly the best way to explore this beautiful county. Whether you are a tourist, new to the City or simply want to know more, you can guarantee their 6th generation Cambridge born and bred eccentric guide will show you the city’s secrets!

The only tour of Cambridge that takes you along the river to see the college boathouses, the University Real Tennis Club and the best spot in town to photograph Kings College Chapel.

There’s an emphasis on having fun whilst seeing as much of the city as possible. They have a choice of tours that include the City, Grantchester and River Pubs and they also have a package combining a bike tour, lunch and punting  that is very popular.

Catering for all ages and abilities, single travellers, families, romantic couples or even a hen party - you are going  to have a great time!

There is a choice of bikes provided for the tour including immaculately refurbished antique British bikes with baskets, mountain bikes and even electric bikes.

There’s no need to be particularly fit as we take a leisurely ambling  pace to really soak up the atmosphere, however If you feel like you could do  with a boost, I can certainly recommend one of our electric bikes.

Tours start from £20 and are available from the 9th March until 4th November 2013.  Please visit their website for further details.

 

 

 

 

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www.cambridgebiketours.co.uk

Wine Tasting & Tours at Chilford Hall Vineyard

Müller-Thurgau, Ortega, Schönburger, Reichensteiner, Siegerrebe, Rondo, Regent, Dornfelder and Pinot Noir. Come and let your nose decide…

Müller-Thurgau, Ortega, Schönburger, Reichensteiner, Siegerrebe, Rondo, Regent, Dornfelder and Pinot Noir. Come and let your nose decide…

Tours and Tasting

The tour begins in the Winery in Cambridgeshire and the entire wine making process is explained from the management of the vine, the pruning and picking of the grapes, through to the processing, fermentation, blending and bottling. You may also follow one of the Vineyard Trails to see how the vines are grown.

At the end of the tour you will be invited to the Chilford Wines & Bistro onsite shop, where their expert guide will explain the subtle difference between wines and the features to look for when making your choices. Thereafter, you will be invited to sample a variety of Chilford Hall's award winning wines.

Tour details

Tours are available each Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays between 9th March and 31st October 2013 and are subject to availability.  Prices start from £12.50 per person.

Please book well in advance to avoid disappointment.  For further information please visit their website.

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www.chilfordhall.co.uk

Off Road Activities & Country Pursuits at Wild Tracks Activity Parks

Wild Tracks Activity Park in Newmarket boasts a multitude of activities, they truly have something for everyone! Get ready for pure adrenalin junkie heaven...

Wild Tracks Activity Park in Newmarket boasts a multitude of activities, they truly have something for everyone! Get ready for pure adrenalin junkie heaven…

For children from age 7+, there are junior quads and rally karts – enjoy a fast and intensive driving experience whilst tearing around their dedicated Newmarket off road track! Suitable for all, 4x4 off road rides offer the chance to negotiate a massive variety of off road terrain across the 60 acre site.  Visit Wild Track's 4x4 pages  for full details on both half and full day sessions (for up to 3 people) and also lessons.

From age 8+ to adult, Battlefield LIVE is as close to real life combat as you are going to get... prepare to get dropped into the middle of a war zone!

For older children and younger teenagers the karts are an absolute must where groups can stage their own mini Grand Prix races. Quad Safaris are also great fun... embark on a wild expedition through sand hills, dirt tracks, humps and bumps and if you are looking for something the whole family can enjoy then Archery is worthwhile with individual tuition from age 7+. For a more peaceful activity and a chance to take in the beautiful Suffolk countryside then learning the gentle art of Fly Fishing is for you. If your aim is good and quick off the mark then Clay Pigeon Shooting will offer you the chance to learn a new skill under CPSA qualified instruction.

In addition to the above, older teens to adults can opt for one to one 4x4 off road lessons and hovercraft driving – it's not everyday you get to park a hovercraft!

Book a room at the Bedford Lodge Hotel in Newmarket so that you can be close to the action.

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www.wildtracksltd.co.uk/