The Packhorse Inn

The Packhorse Inn

Overview

The Packhorse Inn stands at the heart of Moulton, near Newmarket in Suffolk, offering a refined yet relaxed setting for a gourmet escape. This beautifully updated village inn, only four miles from horseracing mecca Newmarket and less than 20 minutes from Cambridge, blends contemporary design with heritage charm. The Packhorse Inn appeals to couples, food lovers and friends seeking exceptional dining with upscale comfort for a one- or two-night break in the East Anglian countryside.

Eat

Dining at The Packhorse Inn centres on seasonal British menus shaped by local Suffolk produce and a commitment to creative, ingredient-led cookery. The restaurant is a culinary destination, frequently recommended by the Good Food Guide and Michelin, and has held accolades in regional pub awards. The kitchen offers thoughtful modern British cooking, from Sunday roasts with perfectly risen Yorkshire puddings to more intricate à la carte plates featuring estate game, local lamb and garden vegetables. Presentation is as considered as the flavours, with a focus on uncluttered, satisfying plates. Carefully chosen wines and attentive yet unobtrusive service add to the experience whether you dine in the stylish barn, intimate snug or the dog-friendly bar area.

Sleep

Upstairs and in an adjacent barn conversion, The Packhorse Inn has a collection of individually styled rooms and suites. Decor blends calming neutral tones, wool throws, sumptuous beds and freestanding bathtubs in several en-suites. There’s a gentle Suffolk elegance — rooms are designed for comfort as much as their crisp good looks, and most have lovely rural views. Thoughtful touches, from Nespresso machines to plush armchairs, make it ideal for a romantic weekend or those enjoying a countryside retreat with all the trimmings.

Retreat

This is a welcoming base year-round, whether for a crackling-fire winter escape or a summer stroll along Moulton’s leafy lanes to its medieval Packhorse Bridge. Guests can explore the thoroughbred buzz of Newmarket, sample local food producers, or head to Cambridge for world-class museums and punting. Walking trails lead out from the village, passing through woods and farmland. Trains from London reach Newmarket in under 90 minutes, and drivers can be at the inn in under two hours from north London. Back at The Packhorse, rattan seats in the courtyard gardens and a thoughtful drinks list encourage lingering with friends or a good book before dinner.