Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa

Situated right in the heart of the town's internationally renowned thoroughbred industry, sandwiched between two of its most illustrious stables, the Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa is very much the place to stay in Newmarket – a large hotel that's just a short walk from the famous Gallops, where you can see horses training every morning from first light.

The privately owned hotel has grown piecemeal over the years from its original Georgian core, and most of its rooms are now in a more recent rear extension. There's a generosity to even the standard bedrooms, with all boasting king-size beds, air-con, password-free wifi, Sky TV, and tea- and coffee-making facilities with fresh milk, water and biscuits. The bathrooms have all been recently refurbished and are well-appointed. Superior rooms have a separate bath and shower, as well as Bose Bluetooth speakers and super-king-size beds. There are also six light and spacious suites in the original Georgian building, furnished with fruit bowls and welcome treats, juices and chocolates and featuring his-and-her sinks.

There’s a nice bar that’s open all day and into the early hours, and a smallish restaurant – Squire’s – that does a good job of balancing high-end dishes with favourites like fish-and-chips and a good range of steaks. There's a good-value fixed-price menu; going a la carte is pricier but offers a more fine dining experience. Or 24-hour room service gives you another option.

The clincher though is the fabulous range of amenities, including a 15-metre pool, plus sauna, steam room and a good-sized gym. A spa in a separate building features light-drenched hydrotherapy pool, rooftop hot tub and various treatment rooms (pool and fitness club are included in your stay – the spa is an additional cost). Basically, whether you're here for the horse-racing or just want to see a bit of Suffolk, the Bedford Lodge is by far the best fanciest choice – and it would make a great venue for a wedding.