Great Hockham

Visitor information

Located to the east of Great Hockham village, discover this pleasant picnic site within Thetford Forest

Great Hockham is the perfect place for an exciting outdoor adventure in a beautiful woodland setting.

A visit to Great Hockham will treat you with views of the unique landscape. See if you can spot the distinctive features, known as pingos, that were formed during the last Ice Age! 

Come and enjoy a picnic in the forest, walk amongst the trees on a choice of two waymarked trails or treat your four-legged friend to a forest visit. 

 

At a glance 

  • 2 walking trails 
  • Horse riding
  • Picnic area
  • Dogs welcome 

Things to do

Great Hockham walking trail

The Great Hockham walking trail provides a pleasant amble through mature pine plantations and mature stands of oak.

The Peddars Way, an old Roman road connecting the North Norfolk coast with the heart of East Anglia, offers scope if you are a more adventurous walker.

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Horse riding at Great Hockham

We have an Open Access policy for horse riders at Great Hockham.

There are no designated riding trails but see OS explorer map 229 to orientate yourself.

The forest is also open to walkers and cyclists so please be aware of other users. 

Throughout the year Hockham Woods has various recreational events so please take note of any marshals and safety signage.

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Nearby forests

Sunrise in a conifer forest

Thetford Forest

A patchwork of pines, heathland and broadleaves provide the ideal setting for a great day out, and a welcome refuge for a rich variety of animal and plant life.

18,730 hectares to explore

The forest covers a huge area with many different places to visit, offering a range attractions from the exciting outdoor play facilities at High Lodge to the history and heritage of Mildenhall Warren and Lynford Arboretum and the peace and tranquility of the walks around Santon Downham.

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Thetford Forest at sunset

Harling Woods

Located within the Thetford Forest district, Harling Woods - also known as Thorpe Forest - offers great opportunities to get outdoors and escape to nature.

With open access to a range of paths and trails, a Forest Holiday site and endless woodland to explore, Harling Wood is a great place for a day out.

Visit safely

Throughout the year, various recreational events are held in the woodland. Please take note of any marshals and safety signage in place when you visit.

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Sun bathing

Two Mile Bottom

The magnificent beeches lining the A134 at this site provide the setting for one of the most attractive picnic spots within the forest.

The splendour of the beech canopy affords an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

An open area next to the car park gives opportunities for those wishing to picnic or play during their stay. Here, heather and grasses add a splash of colour and interest for insects such as butterflies and bees, reminiscent of the former Breckland heaths.

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Snowdrops in the forest

St Helen's Picnic Site

The Little Ouse Valley between Brandon and Thetford has been designated a Forest Nature Reserve by Forestry England in recognition of its importance to wildlife.

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