This month, the National Stud in Newmarket is re-opening its doors for guided tours of the 500-acre site. Witness first-hand the world of thoroughbred breeding on a tour exclusively available through Discover Newmarket, the only organisation to offer these behind-the-scenes tours. Spring is the ideal time to visit the Stud as this season’s foals are arriving, with the opportunity of seeing them take their first tentative steps towards a future racing career.

The National Stud is the only thoroughbred stud farm in the UK to open for public tours, and is a centre of excellence for horse-breeding. On a guided tour visitors will learn the history of the Stud, and get to see first-hand the work that goes into producing the future champions of the turf.  Meet the mares, foals and the four resident stallions, including Stradivarius, winner of 18 group races and one of the most popular horses in recent times, having raced for seven seasons. And Bradsell, European Champion Sprinter of 2024, who recorded back-to-back wins at Royal Ascot before going on to have a stellar career winning four group one races. He is a new addition to the stallion rota this season and has already had his first mares scanned in foal.

The 90-minute National Stud Tours bookable through Discover Newmarket begin at the new visitor centre. From here guests are then taken to explore the Stud farm on a minibus and on foot led by Discover Newmarket guides, all with a background in the racing and breeding industry and are  happy to share their wealth of knowledge. Tour the stallion unit learning about the day-to-day routines of a working stud whilst viewing the lush paddocks and yards where the equine residents are kept. Meet some living legends such as Lord Windermere and The Tin Man who are spending a happy retirement on the Stud, having been former champions of the flat and over fences.

Tours run from March to October every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday.  In addition, private and group tours can be arranged on a date and time to suit for just a one-off additional fee of £50 and the usual price per person. As the set dates for public tours can get booked up well in advance, visitors are urged to make their reservations through Discover Newmarket early (Adults £16.50, Child £5).

The National Stud is included within several other exclusive, behind-the-scenes, equine tours from Discover Newmarket that teach visitors about the heritage of this internationally renowned horseracing town that is home to 74 trainers, over 3,000 racehorses and boasts 2,500 acres of training grounds, and two racecourses.  Keen racegoers, horse lovers and pony-mad children alike will all relish the opportunity to explore these iconic racing venues.

• The Newmarket Experience is a half-day tour, ideal for those who want to find out more about what it takes to train racehorses.  Spend a morning watching some of Newmarket’s 3,000 equine residents go about their morning exercise on the famed gallops and then go behind the scenes at a racing yard.  Discover a little of Newmarket’s history and see the stallions, mares and foals at the National Stud, as well as retired National Hunt legend, Lord Windermere. Morning coffee and biscuits are included, and tours are available on selected Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year for £70 per person. Add £50 and make it private.

• The Ultimate Newmarket Experience – This full day allows visitors to really get behind the scenes at the home of horseracing. Spend time on the famous Newmarket training grounds watching horses out on the gallops. Learn about the history of Warren Hill and the links to the Royal family. Visit a racing yard, hearing about the daily routines and meeting some of the people who make it all happen. Visit the National Stud farm and the impressive National Horseracing Museum where lunch is taken, and spend the afternoon exploring this 5-acre site, meeting retired racehorses, saddling up on the simulator, and marvelling at the rare collection of British Sporting Art. Tours run on selected Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year, and cost £99pp.  Add £50 and make it private.

For more information and tickets for the above Tours visit Discover Newmarket at www.discovernewmarket.co.uk or call 01638 501122.