King's Forest

Visitor information

Discover the great outdoors at King's Forest

Located near Bury St Edmunds, King's Forest was named to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of King George V and Queen Mary.

Along with being home to fallow deer, the chalky soil supports a prolific flower population including Wild Thyme, Bird's Foot Trefoil and numerous butterflies, such as Dingy Skipper and Brown Argus - a joy for any nature lover at any time of the year.

Bin free at King's Forest

King's Forest has now gone bin free. Please tidy up after yourself and take all litter away with you. To reduce waste and prevent forest fires, please do not bring any barbeques into the forest.

Recreational events

Throughout the year King's Forest hosts various recreational events. Please take note of any marshals or safety signage in place during your visit.

At a glance

  • Horse riding
  • Dogs welcome

Things to do

Horse riding at King's Forest

We have an open access policy for horse riders within Kings Forest.

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 Kings Forest has various recreational events - please take note of any marshals and safety signage in place during your visit.

For more information on horse riding in King's Forest, please email enquiries.eastfd@forestryengland.uk

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Picnics at King's Forest

Enjoy a tasty treat in the forest at King's Forest. Just bring along good food and company!

To prevent forest fires and reduce waste, please do not bring any barbecues into our forests.

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Walking at King's Forest

Walking in King's Forest is the perfect way to get some fresh air and explore some of the area's most beautiful landscapes.

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Nearby forests

Dog walking in autumn among leaves

West Stow Wood

Located on the northern edge of the Lark Valley, West Stow Wood is a diverse woodland with belts of old pine and oak as well as newly planted and mature conifers.

Dale pond supports a variety of wildlife in the area, made special by its incredible diversity of dragonflies. It's also a summer watering hole for many birds!

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Mildenhall Warren

Mildenhall Warren

Visit Mildenhall Warren and enjoy a peaceful walk where you'll find a wide range of wildlife. 

As a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), there is also evidence of human habitation dating back 500,000 years and 700 years of rabbit warrening.

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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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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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