Did you know that the Brecks and Thetford Forest has one of the most distinctive landscapes in the UK and also boasts its best overall climate with low rainfall and hot summers?
For summer holidays in Norfolk, The Brecks and Thetford Forest are undoubtedly one of East Anglia’s best kept secrets. Ideal walking, horse riding and birdwatching territory, there is an abundance of hidden treasures for the whole family to enjoy.
Here are 12 great reasons to love a summer break in this beautiful part of Norfolk.
Go Ape at High Lodge by Pete Fordham
1. An outdoor playground – Thetford Forest is a unique landscape of dense Scots pines, where nature thrives. The forest provides countless activities for the family, with way marked cycle and walking trails, and great picnicking opportunities. Discover the great variety of activities at High Lodge – from swinging high in the treetops at Go Ape!, to fabulous outdoor playgrounds, cycle hire, and a choice of forest walks and bike rides.
2. A walker’s paradise – Apart from wonderful Thetford Forest, discover the superb Peddar’s Way, the extensive parkland of Brandon Country Park and Lynford Arboretum & Lakes.
3. Go underground – The fascinating Grime’s Graves is the only prehistoric flint mine open to visitors in Britain. Of extraordinary size and scope, it is amazing to consider that Neolithic miners were able to sink shafts 30 feet below the surface using only antlers and animal shoulder blades for shovels!
4. On-track action – For more thrills, visit Snetterton Circuit, the UK’s newest motor racing course. Originally an RAF field, its amazing twists and turns now host the British Superbikes, British Formula Three Championship & British Touring Car Championship. Or try one of their weekday driving experiences. You know you want to!
5. Zombie action! – For a thrilling paintball experience in the forest, look no further than Combat Paintball. The exciting venue offers themed game zones such as helicopters, tanks, dinosaurs, trenches, zombies and more! Activities cater for ages 6+ to 12+.
6. Go wild – For a change of pace, try a whole day at the award winning Banham Zoo. This veritable Noah’s Ark continually supports conservation projects in the wild and is home to 2000 animals from all over the world.
Bressingham Gardens by Airwolfhound
7. Great gardens – Bressingham Gardens and Steam Museum is a unique combination arising out of the passions of founder Alan Bloom. His profession of nurseryman and gardener and hobby of a steam powered collection of trains and traction engines led to this wonderful leisure destination. Here families with children can enjoy train rides into the Waveney woodland and valley and around Alan Bloom’s Dell Garden, ride on the Victorian Roundabout, the Gallopers, or visit the Dad’s Army reconstruction of Warmington on Sea as shown in the ever popular TV series Dad’s Army.
Holme Hale Hall, an Arne Maynard designed garden featured in Country Life, is open from May 15 – June 26 under the NGS banner.
8. Join the Workhouse – Gressenhall Farm & Workhouse is a truly unique museum near Dereham. Gressenhall’s 50 acres brings together a museum, traditional rare breeds farm, historic workhouse and beautiful grounds with an exciting adventure playground.
9. Fabulous eateries – Too many to mention, but the Dog & Partridge, Retham, The Chequers Inn, Thompson, The Mulberry Tree, Attleborough, The White Hart Hotel, Hingham, The Elveden Inn, Elveden, Elveden Restaurant and Cafe, Elveden and The Leaping Hare at Wyken Vineyards all come highly recommended!
10. Drink & be merry – Visit Wyken Vineyards in Elveden and wander through most beautiful ancient woodland. Or take a distillery tour at The English Whisky Company in Roudham – batch made and bottled by hand, you can taste the difference!
11. Summer festivals – Between June 18th and 21st, Forest Live open air concerts at High Lodge in Thetford Forest in summer 2020 will include, amongst others, Will Young & Madness. From August to September, the area also celebrates Thetford’s Great Festival.
12. Market mania – Enjoy the weekly, bustling markets in the historic towns of Watton, Thetford, Swaffham and Dereham, all of which are also home to a wide range of shops, bars and restaurants.
With so many things to do in The Brecks and Thetford Forest, booking a stay at Vicarage House, or both Vicarage House & Pool House is a must to guarantee a wonderful summer holiday for 2017.
Published on Sunday 17th May 2020 by Linnie Clements
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