The National Heritage Centre for Horseracing & Sporting Art in Newmarket has been awarded Coach Friendly Visitor Attraction status by the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT).
Opened in November 2016 by Her Majesty the Queen, the Heritage Centre comprises The National Horseracing Museum, a national gallery of British Sporting Art and the Rothschild Yard, where visitors can meet horses and observe the retraining of racehorses.
Coaches get free onsite secure parking when pre-booked and there’s step-free access to the attractions, with drivers receiving a free refreshment voucher.
Ami Cosgrave from The National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art says: “We are delighted to receive this award from CPT which highlights our attraction to groups and in particular coaches.
“Our purpose built coach park is a fantastic addition to our facilities and we look forward to welcoming more groups and coaches in the future.”
Simon Smith, CPT’s Coaching and Tourism Executive, says: “The centre clearly recognises the importance and value of coaches and passengers to their businesses and they have gone to great lengths to make sure that all visitors experience a warm and easy hassle-free welcome.”
Also recently awarded were Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway in Hampshire, which became the first attractions in CPT’s London & South East region to gain the status, and the ArcelorMittal Orbit in London. The Orbit has adjacent parking for up to 20 coaches and three set-down bays, and Exbury Gardens has a free coach park for up to 25 vehicles.
Mr Smith says: “At a time when road space and parking in the London and the south east is at an absolute premium, it is great to see major tourist attractions providing suitable parking and set-down/pick-up facilities for larger groups and coach parties.”
Andy Warrender, CPT’s Coaching and Tourism Manager, adds: “Since being launched early last year our Coach Friendly Visitor Attraction status has proved extremely popular with both attractions and coach operators, and 12 locations having already received the title.”
