October: Change and a Bit of Ghoulish Charm
October - the month of Change and a Bit of Ghoulish Charm
October has something undeniably magical about it. The air turns crisp, sometimes a bit foggy and the scent of woodsmoke and spiced apples drifts through the countryside. Traditionally, October has always been a time of transition - from the bounty of harvest to the quiet of winter. But it’s also a strange month, calmer than September – colder than September and probably a dash more spooky than it used to be. Nestled between summer and Christmas, October is probably the most fun month. With Halloween perched at the end of October we find ourselves gearing up an event which, whilst very modern in how we celebrate it, has ancient roots, fascinating rituals and curious customs that have come from all over the world - including right here in Newmarket.

Halloween as we know it today traces its origins back over 2,000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced Sow-in) which marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter - the “darker half” of the year. The Celts believed that on the night of 31st October the veil between the living and the dead grew thin, allowing spirits to cross over into the world of the living.
To protect themselves, people would light bonfires, wear disguises to confuse wandering spirits and leave offerings of food. These customs eventually blended with Christian traditions, giving rise to All Saints’ Day (or All Hallows') on 1st November — making the night before “All Hallows’ Eve”... or what we now call Halloween.
Hauntings Close to Home: Newmarket’s Eerie Echoes
While Newmarket is best known for its rich racing heritage, it holds a few spectral secrets of its own — whispered down stable yards, echoed across misty gallops and flickering behind old windows after dark.
The Ghost of Fred Archer
Perhaps the most famous of these is that of Fred Archer, one of the greatest jockeys of the 19th century and a Newmarket legend. Brilliant on the track but haunted by personal tragedy, Archer died tragically young and ever since, tales of his ghostly figure riding across Warren Hill or pacing the stables at night have persisted.
Visitors and locals alike report eerie sightings of a shadowy jockey atop a grey horse, vanishing into the early morning mist.
Some say Archer never truly left the turf he loved.

Phantom Hoofbeats in the Night
More than one stable hand over the years has reported the sound of ghostly hooves echoing across the yards and lanes, the unmistakable clink of horseshoes on cobbles, even when no horses are near. One chilling tale from the mists of 1990s tells of someone searching a barn late at night, only to hear hooves circling outside. When they stepped out, the yard was completely empty.
Some say these echoes belong to the many racehorses who’ve lived (and perhaps died) on the gallops. Others wonder if it's the restless spirit of a jockey or groom still checking on their horses long after the sun has set.
The Lady Upstairs: Georgette
Then there's the story of Georgette, the spirit said to inhabit one of Newmarket’s historic buildings. Staff and guests have reported a strange presence in the upper rooms, accompanied by the sound of footsteps, rustling fabrics and an eerie whisper when no one else is around.
While no one knows who Georgette truly was, her presence is said to be gentle, more curious than frightening. A quiet reminder that Newmarket’s walls have witnessed centuries of stories...
Nightmare at the Museum — and Treats at The Tack Room
If you're feeling brave, why not explore these ghostly goings-on in person?
This Halloween season, the National Horseracing Museum is once again hosting “Nightmare at the Museum” on Thursday 30th October, a thrilling evening of spooky storytelling, eerie encounters, and family-friendly frights.
Don’t forget to come hungry — because The Tack Room will be serving up a few devilishly delicious treats in the courtyard.
Autumn Dining with a Dash of the Unexpected
Whether you’re braving the dark corners of town or just embracing the fun, October at The Tack Room offers the perfect way to warm up and wind down.
Whether you’re joining us after a visit to Palace House, exploring the museum’s atmospheric rooms or just soaking in Newmarket’s heritage, come inside — we promise all our ghosts are friendly.
Book now for October and Halloween – and see what’s lurking behind the flavour…









