Newmarket Heath

Downs, Moorland in Cambridgeshire West Suffolk

England

Newmarket Heath

Spectators back at the July Course, Newmarket Until a few weeks ago spectators were not allowed to attend race meetings due to government restrictions relating to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. — Spectators back at the July Course, Newmarket Credit: Richard Humphrey

Newmarket Heath is a vast expanse of open land located in Cambridgeshire, England. Covering an area of approximately 2,500 acres, it is a combination of downs and moorland, making it a unique and diverse landscape.

The heath is best known for its association with horse racing, as it is home to the renowned Newmarket Racecourse, one of the most prestigious racing venues in the world. The wide, flat terrain of the heath provides an ideal setting for horse training and racing, attracting equestrian enthusiasts from around the globe.

Aside from its equestrian significance, Newmarket Heath is also an important conservation area. It is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its diverse flora and fauna. The heath is characterized by its heather-covered moorland, interspersed with patches of grasslands and woodlands. This unique ecosystem supports a variety of wildlife, including rare species such as the silver-studded blue butterfly and the stone curlew.

Newmarket Heath has a rich history, dating back centuries. It was once used as a grazing ground for sheep and cattle, and evidence of prehistoric settlements has been discovered in the area. Over the years, the heath has undergone various developments to accommodate the growing racing industry, but efforts have been made to preserve its natural beauty and ecological value.

Today, Newmarket Heath continues to be a popular destination for horse racing enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking a tranquil escape amidst the stunning landscapes of Cambridgeshire.

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Newmarket Heath Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.240956/0.36611855 or Grid Reference TL6162. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Spectators back at the July Course, Newmarket

Until a few weeks ago spectators were not allowed to attend race meetings due to government restrictions relating to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Richard Humphrey

Leaving the parade ring at Newmarket's July Course

Richard Humphrey

Trying to pick a winner - The July Course, Newmarket

Richard Humphrey

A cloudburst at the July Course, Newmarket

Having been sunny for most of the afternoon the weather changed dramatically just before the last race at 5.30pm and the downpour continued for about an hour

Richard Humphrey

Grandstands at the Rowley Mile Racecourse near Newmarket

Richard Humphrey

Newmarket Services, A14, east

My take on the Geographer's pitstop on a cross country run from Ross-on-Wye to Suffolk. See also SP3086 : Corley Services, east/south.

Jonathan Billinger

Newmarket Services, A14 west

Geographer returning from Suffolk, see TL6163 : Newmarket Services, A14, east.

Jonathan Billinger

Newmarket A14 services

Helen Steed

BP petrol station on the A14

BP petrol station on the A14 near Newmarket.

Philip Halling

Services on the A14

A Starbucks and Greggs at services on the A14 near Newmarket.

Philip Halling

Petrol station on the A14 westbound, Newmarket

Taken from the corresponding petrol station on the eastbound carriageway.

Christopher Hilton

A1304 Barbara Stradbroke Avenue

Formerly the A11, leaving Newmarket towards Cambridge or London. The lights ahead are principally for crossing horses.

Robin Webster

A1304 Barbara Stradbroke Avenue

Formerly the A11, leaving Newmarket towards Cambridge or London.

Robin Webster

A1304 Barbara Stradbroke Avenue

Formerly the A11, leaving Newmarket towards Cambridge or London.

Robin Webster

A1304 nearing roundabout west of Newmarket

The roundabout has a statue of a prancing horse (and non-prancing handler). The roundabout is where the routes to Cambridge (A1303) and London (A1304) part company, it replaced a simple acute junction some way behind the camera.

Robin Webster

Chickens in Car Park, Service Area on A11, Norfolk

Christine Matthews

The Champagne Bar and Rose Terrace at the July Course, Newmarket

In use for the first time, this dining and drinking area has been built over the winter in an extension of the refurbished "head-on" grandstand which is no longer accessible by racegoers with paddock and grandstand tickets. Tickets for the Rose Terrace start at £170, yet another venture by the Jockey Club to make more profit from their catering enterprises and reduce the facilities for the "man-on-the-street"

Richard Humphrey